Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs

Product Information

Felco secateurs are regarded as the ‘finest in the world’. They really are the cream of the crop when it comes to secateurs. They may look like cheaper pruners, but that is because many cheap brands have copied the design but none have come close to the quality. Okatsune secateurs were once described as ‘Life-Changing’ by Bunny Guinness at The Telegraph and we couldn’t agree more. They are available in different versions and are the only secateurs we think truly compare to Felco’s quality and cutting performance. Okatsune models include model 101, model 104, model 108 and model 109, but it is the Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs that really caught our attention. If you have smaller hands then some secateurs may be difficult or uncomfortable to use because the handles open too wide for you to get your hands around, or simply are too large. Some models are have been designed with smaller hands in mind such as theFelco Model 6 Secateurs. Usually, if they have a larger cutting diameter than most, they are usually, better suitable for larger hands. Are you left-handed? The top mounted safety catch is great for when working up ladders etc as it can be operated with the cutting hand. The cutting performance is excellent and it always gives a nice clean, straight cut. The blades are made to last and can handle being sharpened dozens of times. Spare parts that are worn outare widely available and theparts are veryeasy to change and replace if needed. This is one of the main advantages they have over other models because many do not have changeable parts.

Okatsune Secateurs No 103 | Christmas Tree Pruning Tools Okatsune Secateurs No 103 | Christmas Tree Pruning Tools

The thing you need to pay close attention to is what the blade is made blade. Some blades are made from quality hardened stainless steel and will last a lifetime, staying razor sharp even after lots of pruning. They can also be sharpened using a tungsten carbide blade or ceramic stone when needed and this should be done as soon as they start to feel less effective and take a little more effort to use. Look for hardened steel, most cheap secateurs often break at the blade. How your hand size effects which model to consider My advise is to buy branded secateurs from a reputable, well known manufacturer in its field. I have mentioned the leading brands above. As the blades on bypass secateurs have a scissor design, they're generally best if you're right-handed. Left-handed pruners do exist, though, and most premium brands offer models for lefties. Blade cutting diameter The most important part of any bypass secateurs is the blade. Precise cutting, sharp blades will cut cleanly through stems and branches which reduces the chance of disease and infection spreading into the the pruned cut. Less effort will also be needed as a super sharp blade should the like cutting through cucumber on a chopping board.

According to Telegraph gardening expert Helen Yemm, secateurs usually jam because of a build-up of dried sap and general garden grot on the blades. A good clean, followed by a wipe with an oily rag, sorts the problem out. Presumably you have tried that. Bypass secateurs are for cutting living, green growth, for example live stems, branches and plant material . Anvil secateurs are used for cutting tough, old, dead wood. At first glance, you would probably say that they all look the same and do the same thing. Whilst they all do prune, some do have nice little features to make your life a little easier. Types of secateurs – Bypass design vs Anvil Bypass secateurs

Best Secateurs For Garden Pruning - Professional Picks Best Secateurs For Garden Pruning - Professional Picks

Known to Hobson affectionately as his “double yellows”, the bright yellow Niwaki GR Pro secateurs are made with KA70 carbon steel, they’re a 23cm long pair of whoppers, weighing 239g. Measuring 202mm, this model is suitable for smaller hands, making them perhaps a good choice for many ladies. The blades of these secateurs have been forged from the finest grade of Japanese steel, in other words, the same steel used to craft the Katana sword of the Samurai. The outcome is a razor-sharp secateurs that easily cuts through branches of roses, shrubs and other plants, up to 25mm in diameter which is the same as most Felco models. These are perfect for beginners and avid gardeners but probably not the best choice for professionals or anyone who does lots of pruning regularly. If you tend to experience fatigue and aching hands from continuous pruning but don’t prune on a weekly basis, these secateurs are life-saving and probably the most affordable pair. Sharpen with a whetstone. Leave the whetstone in water for about five minutes until soaked through, then gently rub a blade against it to sharpen. What do I do if the blades of my secateurs jam and the stems get caught between them? And what’s more, being of such high quality steel you will be impressed at just how long you can go before the need to sharpen.

Consider the catches that hold the handles together when not in use, it may not seem like an essential feature but some get in the way when pruning and slip open which can be frustrating. This problem is usually associated with cheaper models that have not been well thought out or use inferior parts where the screws become loose. Buy spare springs and consider models with concealed springs When it comes to purchasing new secateurs, it’s crucial to seek out models that come with a warranty lasting at least one year, rather than settling for the standard “30-day” warranty typically provided with inexpensive secateurs. Opting for anything less than a year could potentially lead to trouble. According to topiary expert Darren Lerigo, most gardeners will find bypass secateurs to be the better bet, because they make for a cleaner cut. How do I care for the blades of my secateurs? The Model 2 secateurs are solid pruning shears. The razor sharp, strengthened carbon steel blades give a crisp, effortless, clean cut through stems, roses, shrubbery and light branches.