Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs

Product Information

The shears are constructed from a few components, so that there is hardly any maintenance required. It is recommended to clean the blades after use. After cleaning it is recommended to oil the shears, and store moisture free with the cutting blades closed. If you notice that the shears are cutting less well, you can grind them using the Okatsune whetstone. This Fiskars PowerGear X Bypass Garden Shears with Roll Handle is a truly advanced tool that looks superior to what many people are used to. There’s little doubt that the technology behind its workmanship is a brilliant attempt to make something better but it also carries some shortcomings. Previous customers reported that the rotating handle needs time to get used to. The shears are also only suitable for right-handed people (though that’s the larger population anyways) and you’ll need to look elsewhere if you have big hands. If you’re left-handed you probably already know that not all secateurs are suitable for left-handed people, some can be more difficult with the catches in less than ideal places, however, some models are specially designed for left-handed people such as the Felco Model 10 and maybe a better choice. Do you need rotating handles? Despite its low price, and as like the models above this secateur is made with the user in mind and from quality components.

The P961 is perfect for those who struggle with the aches and pains that pruning can cause with regular secateurs.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 What will strike you with these secateurs is the quality of the blade. Made from the same steel used for Samurai swords the 103 effortlessly cuts through anything up to 25mm in diameter in its stride. 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 The ratchet systemincreases your hand’s power by up to five times so that the pruners do the cutting, not you. All this equals effortless cutting. Being hardened steel they keep a sharp edge for longer between sharpening’s. Handy if your not that diligent at keeping your tools sharp.

This is something to consider especially if looking at cheap secateurs. In my experience, one lost spring or a malfunctioning safety catch and the secateurs is for the bin.The Okatsune 103 are the most popular secateurs in the range. With its length of 200 mm this model is 20 mm larger than model 101, and 10 mm smaller than model 104. The blades of these razor-sharp secateurs are forged from the finest Japanese steel (the same steel from which the Katana sword of the Samurai are made), and enable you to effortlessly cut through branches up to 25 mm, of such as shrubs, roses, fruit trees, and creepers. How smoothly the contraption can be manoeuvred one-handed will impact the efficiency of your green-fingered endeavours. Just make sure you invest in a quality product – which means good, sharp steel. The sharper the blade, the stronger the cut and the less force is required, which makes it the gentler on the wrists, says topiary expert Darren Lerigo who runs the Modern Mint online tool and gardening shop. If the blades can be sharpened, all the better.

Are ideally suited to pruning small trees and shrubs. They are an essential tool for a gardener and are the perfect tool for making precise sharp cuts.

Felco secateurs are probably the best secateurs money can buy, and the Felco Model 2 is, without doubt, the most popular secateurs used by professional gardeners and the trade. The cuts are really clean with no tearing or crushing of plant material, which is good news for your hands in avoiding repetitive strain issues . My advise is to buy branded secateurs from a reputable, well known manufacturer in its field. I have mentioned the leading brands above. Another feature that we think is quite impressive is the rotating handle which revolves on its own axis, your fingers will be able to move naturally, thus minimising blisters and hand fatigue that may be a problem after extended pruning periods, and anyone who works pruning plants a lot will understand what we mean. Felco says their innovative swivel action requires 30% less effort than conventional secateurs and we tend to agree, overall it provides great comfort on continuous pruning work. The A/M is designed for the medium to large handed gardener and my first impressions this would suit medium to heavy use.

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. If you struggle to cut with regular secateurs, look for a ratchet bypass secateurs or anvil secateurs. This will allow you to break down each cut into multiple steps, creating an easier motion. It’s a good choice for tougher tasks that can wear on hands over time, or if you have arthritis.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.