I have used a
wide variety of pruning shears or secateurs over the last
3 decades and there are some that stand out above the rest. For
durability and accuracy I recommend products made by Felco. I’ll give
some more information below, remember that all of these are by-pass
design secateurs – I prefer never to use the anvil design. Anvil
cutters can crush delicate plant tissues.
I did some research and discovered that: Felco SA is located in
the heart of the Swiss Jura, between Neuchâtel and La
Chaux-de-Fonds, FELCO SA is in a region that is famous for its
prestigious watch manufacturers.
Felco was founded in 1945 when Félix Flisch designed his first
forged aluminium pruning shear and manufactured a high-quality and
exceptionally durable tool adapted to its user. Felco seems to have
retained this desire to produce a quality product into the 21st Century.
At the dawn of the new millennium, FELCO, as a standard reference for
professional cutting and pruning, has confirmed its position as a world
leader in the pruning shears market.
I also learned that Felco: employs over 130 people in its modern
factory; Has subsidiaries, in France, Belgium and Australia; and not
surprisingly exports over 90% of its products to over 100 countries.
I’ll go over some of the products that I have used and found to be
highly acceptable for the demanding horticulturist.
For me this is the original Felco
pruner. I have used these for years
and understand why it may be one of the most recommended bypass
secateurs in the world! Built with solid-forged metal alloy handles,
Swiss precision-made hardened, replaceable cutting blade, an anvil
blade with a sap groove. (Note: The Anvil blade is what the lower,
narrow blade is called, this is a bypass secateurs). Mine sees use
almost every day of the week.
I have had these walk away from the grove but never managed to break a
pair. It might be best to order a holster to go along with these to
help keep them in your grip.
This sells for about $50 and is a great investment.
Remember to order a holster along with your secateur, it will keep them
off the bench out of the dirt and near at hand when you need them.
Felco Model 8 (F-8)
This secateur has had the handle redesigned for a more ergonomic grip
that reduces fatigue.
Felco Model 9 (F-9)
Like the Model 8 above this secateur has had the handle redesigned for
a more ergonomic grip
that reduces fatigue.
There are some other
alternatives that might better fit your needs.
These next two are especially well suited to those who spend long hours
developing fine plants.
Felco Model 7 (F-7)
Felco Model 10 (F-10)
If you are running a high
production operation you might find a need for
a pneumatic pruner such as the:
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