Lorana Bobbit endoresed brand
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Awesome topic. There are many which work well, even some with plastic parts to the construction but I avoid plastics and other synthetics at every opportunity I’m able.
For pruning shears I would recommend to seek out a Japanese brand that feels good to you. Not just in your hand but the style of it all. Something uniquely hand forged and all metal. DIY custom softer grips if you like to customize the feel in those ways.
Onoyoshi, in their own words, have been doing gardening shears since 1964. Not necessarily cheap but about the same price as two or three versions of lesser quality shears that will eventually break or otherwise fail in some way. Something hand forged full metal like that can last lifetimes and be passed down generations like cast iron pots in kitchens can be.
For trimming some thread cutting style shears have already been suggested in the thread. I like to recommend the Shozaburo brand for those.
Brands like the aforementioned Onoyoshi will be able to make very high quality trimming shears as well. Many blessings and much love
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Guess they don’t make these anymore (couldn’t find them available to canada on amazon.com at least).
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Guess they don’t make these anymore (couldn’t find them available to canada on amazon.com at least).
I was just on the Florian website, they seem to be active, but I did not see if they ship to Canada or not, but you ask them if they do.
They look like excellent quality hand shears to me!!
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Been looking at a lot of different options. I have “features” I want, on my checklist. Not looking for “trimming” snips/scissors. Looking for tools for pruning (maintenance, shaping, lollipopping, harvesting). (And maybe also, something for bigger stuff at the end of harvest or breaking down a plant - main stalk and all. So either loppers, which are/can be too big and bulky, or some shears/pruners/“secatuers” that can handle up to an 1"/25mm limbs. But I don’t really need this right now).
But, I did just see this picture in an article. These pruners/shears look interesting. Does anyone know what brand/model they are. The writing appears Japanese or something?
They’re nice and narrow (height wise).
I ordered two different tools so far. One of which I kind of suspect to be the wrong/old model, or even ‘fake’. I’ll see when it gets here.
I’d prefer made in Japan / Germany / Switzerland / USA type of quality.
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Felco are the best. Pruning shears – FELCO Switzerland
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So I’ve heard. I don’t think anyone could finish typing “garden pruning shears” before the suggested results said “Felco”. Very popular.
They don’t have one or more features that I want, or their feature leaves something to be desired (for me). Though I’ve never personally used them. Just going off what I’ve seen and heard.
I should’ve posted what my feature “wants” are. I’ll edit and add that info here.
EDIT:
So, for trying to find the tool for the spot between trimming/cloning sized scissors, and larger more capable shears/pruners (for stuff up to and/or over 1"). Eg: for this size category might be Chickamasa T-550S. Narrower blade style than a typical “pruning shear”.
-Stainless steel blades (and hardware also if possible. pivot, spring, etc.). [Carbon steel less preferred, and I’d want a “coating” (chrome or other plating, or teflon/ptfe coating). Even if stainless blade, a “coating” might be desired.]
-Return spring of some sort
-1"/25mm cutting capacity
-A lock (for closing the pruners) that is easily operated, and by one hand, somehow (eg: by thumb). A strap that holds the very bottom of the handles closed is not preferred.
(Quality brands I think I’ve come across; Felco, ARS, Saboten, Chikamasa, Okatsune, LOWE, Florian, and Tonma JP (Look ok. But I duno if they’re legit Japanese made, etc.)
Trying to find the tool for the spot between trimming/cloning sized scissors, and larger more capable shears/pruners (for stuff up to and/or over 1"). Eg: for this size category might be Chickamasa T-550S. Narrower blade style than a typical “pruning shear”.
@HorseBadorites Those are the exact ones I settled on, and ordered. But it should be the newer model that comes. ARS VS-8XZ.
PS: I think that “half the price” thing gets lost somewhere in import, from what I’ve seen (canada). They might be 20% less?
Also, there aer counterfeit and fakes to look out for, particularly with the most popular brands - like Felco.
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If you want real garden pruning shears, Felcos are nice, but for 1/2 the price, these are even nicer 
They are particularly nice if you are a lefty.
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One other thing to think about with pruning shears is if you want by-pass or anvil types. By-pass are gentler on softer stems, anvil more for woody stuff. Learn how to clean, oil, and sharpen and they can last, and be less work to use.
I’m part of a sharpening team with our county AG gardeners group. Every year we hold a plant sale, and have a booth to show folks how to sharpen their stuff… you could comb your hair, and not cut it, with a lot of the tools they bring 
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I actually don’t mind the cheapies:
I try to keep at least one new pair unused unopened. I rotate them out at least once every couple harvests. *Advice: DON’T get the ones with the colored blades, just get the bare metal type
I just feel like that color is scraping off into my scissor hash 
lol!
I personally dislike the curved ones but this is what I was given so I’m using them
BTW Don’t forget to clean the handles and everything, not just wipe the blades with alcohol and/or bleach. Clean the ENTIRE units
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I’m with ya bro. Cuz it is!
Stainless steel all the way. 
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For really big stuff I use a saw.
For medium big stuff I use a serrated bread knife.
For medium small stuff I use regular scissors.
For trimming I have 3 different types of snippers/scissors that I can switch up from time to time so my hands don’t cramp up from the same repetitive motion.
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