Garden Studios

Just as important because the blades, though, is the texture of the secateurs: they have to be comfortable to carry, non-slip and straightforward to apply.

Over the past growing season i’ve tried several different makes of pruning secateurs (rather than anvil or ratchet secateurs) and, although it really is on no account an exhaustive list of the easiest available to buy, these are my thoughts at the ones i’ve used.
 
Wilkinson Sword Razorcut Comfort Bypass Pruner (£19.99)

My favourite this year, largely since you just should squeeze the handle to take the lock off the blades. This indicates you are able to open it one-handed – perhaps if you are knocking down a wayward rambling rose shoot – and snip away immediately.

The blades are sharp and precise, made from prime quality SK5 Japanese steel, and feature a smooth action that just makes you need to prune everything in sight.

The cast aluminium handles are weighty without being heavy, and both have rubber strips to enhance your grip on them.

There is additionally quite a high curve at the top handle to avoid your fingers from sliding right down to the blades.

The only fiddly bit, ironically, is the metal catch to fasten the blades: it’s on top of the blades, that’s fine, but it’s worthwhile to push it very firmly.

Great gardening tool and compatible to girls or men with small hands.

See www.wilkinsonsword-tools.co.uk
 
Wilkinson Sword Deluxe Bypass Pruner 20mm (£21.99)

This is an improved pair of secateurs than the Razorcut Comfort Pruner, with slightly chunkier handles. They’ve rubber strips for better grip but not akin to high curve to prevent your fingers sliding towards the blade.

It has a plastic catch at the end of the handles it’s worthwhile to release before you should use it, and although this isn’t as convenient because the Razorcut quick release it can be less liable to wear as it isn’t near the blades.

The blades themselves are slightly bigger than the Razorcut and in addition produced from SK5 Japanese steel so that they are equally as sharp.

Burgon & Ball Sophie Conran Secateurs (£19.95)

These are probably the most deliciously stylish secateurs i’ve ever used. They’re slim, smooth and exquisite to examine, slip into pockets easily and are specifically designed for girls.

Unfortunately, though, they aren’t the foremost practical. Made out of a unique stainless-steel that it’s claimed won’t ever rust, they’re so smooth that they’re quite slippy, although this may not matter quite a bit if you’re wearing non-slip gloves.

They also are quite cold, again something which may be mitigated by gloves, and the brass catch is stylish but stiff.

Still, they’re lovely; and the blades cut beautifully and make a truly satisfying slicing noise. Definitely one for the women.

See www.burgonandball.com
 
Fiskars P68 SmartFit Bypass Secateurs (£22)

I am really impressed with Fiskars tools generally. They appear to be well designed and thought out, in addition to most economical, and these secateurs aren’t any different.

Although not as pleasing because the Wilkinson Sword Razorcut, you are able to open them one-handed by sliding the lock open along with your thumb – and shut them safely the identical way.

There can also be a dial-like catch that extends the blade’s cutting capacity from 12mm to 24mm. The smaller setting suggests that you don’t ought to exert any pressure at the handles for the secateurs to slot in your hand without it being at full stretch.

There is additionally a rubber strip at the top handle, for non-slip purposes, and the handles are coated carbon steel so that they are warm and non-slip everywhere and never too heavy.

The blades cut nicely, although time will tell in the event that they are as long-lasting because the Wilkinson Sword blades. But these are probably the correct ergonomically-designed secateurs that i’ve got used this year.

See www.fiskars.co.uk