Best Secateurs

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.

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Secateurs are an essential tool for any gardener. Their structure and crossing blades are specially designed to make slicing through thick stems and small branches effortless. Perfect for deadheading and pruning, a good pair make maintaining your garden easy.

How We Compared Secateurs

To find the right secateurs, we considered multiple features, including:

• Blades
• Gears or Ratchet
• Adjustability
• Comfort
• Ease of Use

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Secateur Reviews

Gonicc 8” (Editor’s Choice)

With its high-quality materials and ergonomic design, this set of secateurs is an excellent choice for any keen gardener. The blade is made from premium titanium steel for strength and polished using ultra-fine polishing technology for a great cut. 

The Gonicc secateurs feature drop forged handles and body, which ensures the product is ultra-strong and reliable. The handles are also crafted ergonomically, so they feel easy to grip and lightweight. This makes them a good option if you tend to spend long hours working in the garden. 

Depending on the tree species, this model can cut branches up to ¾” in diameter. The blades also have an integrated sap groove, which encourages the sap to drain off and prevents the tool from becoming sticky. They come complete with a touch of anti-rust oil applied at the blade, too. 

Felco Model (Luxury Choice)

Our luxury pick has been in production since 1945 and is considered amongst the world’s finest horticultural tools. This model is designed with precision in mind – each unit must go through over 100 quality control assessments before it can be sold. 

This product by Felco is incredibly strong and perfect for pruning tough, thick stalks. It can cut through branches up to 1-inch across, making short work of troublesome twigs. The handles are made from forged metal alloy for reliable strength, and the sharp anvil blade features a sap groove to help keep the tool moving smoothly. 

If you need to tweak the cut, you can easily achieve this via the micrometric adjustment. Each handle is coated with a cushioned shock absorber to protect your hands from fatigue. They are also light and comfortable to use, thanks to the non-slip over and soft close function. 

GRÜNTEK Secateur (Best Value)

If you’re after a set of secateurs that will be reliable and easy to use, why not investigate our best value pick? This model has all the features you need and is an excellent choice for beginners. 

The GRÜNTEK Secateurs weigh just 256 grams, so they are light and comfortable to hold for long periods. This makes them perfect if you have a large area of your garden to attend to. The ergonomic handles are gentle in the hands to reduce fatigue, while the PVC coating ensures you can get a good grip. The accurate centring bolts keep the secateurs aligned for precision cuts, and the non-stick coating allows the blades to move freely.  

Ideal for deadheading and pruning, this product has super sharp blades made from Japanese SK5 tool steel. The top blade is Teflon-coated for extra strength and durability, and the lower one is crafted from carbon steel and chrome-plated. This model can slice through branches as thick as 20mm in diameter, making it an excellent all-rounder. 

Spear & Jackson (Best for Ergonomics)

If you need a pair of secateurs that will be comfortable to use during long gardening days, check out our best ergonomic selection. This model boasts various features specifically designed to reduce strain on your hands as you work. 

The Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Secateurs have a special gear function which makes effective cutting smoother and with less effort required. The sharp SK5 steel cutting blade easily slices through woody material, while the PTFE coating protects against rust. Thanks to its cast aluminium design, it only weighs 0.53lbs. This means it feels effortless to work with and reduces the risk of hand fatigue with heavy use. 

The geared design claims to offer a 20% higher cutting power when compared to pivot joint models. Other great features include an ambidextrous locking mechanism and a soft cushioned grip for enhanced comfort. The integrated finger guard helps to prevent any injuries caused by slips while pruning. 

Colibri Pruner (Best Lightweight)

This model is our top pick if you’re looking for a lightweight set of secateurs. Weighing just 172.93 grams, it is perfect for those who have weak wrists or often suffer from hand strain when pruning. 

The Colibri 170mm Pruning Shears feature sharp blades crafted from stainless steel with zinc alloy for efficient cutting. The rust-proof material ensures they will last a long time, plus you can easily sharpen them to keep them working their best. They also have a non-stick coating to prevent jamming caused by sap buildup, so you can keep working without interruption. 

The long 50mm blades allow you to reach into dense growth to target the stems you wish to remove. Capable of cutting through thicknesses of up to 7mm, this product is best used for thin branches and deadheading flowers to keep your garden looking fresh. The non-slip handles are shaped for comfort, so they sit securely in the palm for ease of use. 

Flora Guard (Best for Sturdiness)

For serious pruning, this model wins our award for strength and sturdiness. Able to shear through branches as thick as 18mm, these secateurs are the best choice if you have some heavy cutting to do. 

Featuring SK-5, high carbon, finely ground steel blades, the Flora Guard secateurs are incredibly durable. They can tackle tough cuts without bending or tearing the stem, resulting in clean results for healthier regrowth. The razor-sharp blades are coated with anti-corrosive Ilaflon for durability, which reduces rusting and enhances longevity. 

This model has a hidden spring within the unit for ease of use. As you operate the blades, the spring helps create a smooth and powerful cutting action, so you can slice through stems with little effort. The handles boast an ergonomic anti-slip design for comfort, while the integrated safety lock protects against injury. 

Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens (Best for Versatility)

If you need to tackle a range of tasks in your garden, then our best versatile pick could be just what you’re looking for. This set of two secateurs has been designed in collaboration with the horticulturalists at Kew Gardens – who certainly know a thing or two about pruning. 

The Spear & Jackson Kew Gardens set comes with a bypass and an anvil secateurs, so you can choose which is best suited to your needs. They both boast razor-sharp steel blades with high carbon content, making them perfect for easily slicing through tough stems. The bypass secateurs are ideal for living plants, while the accompanying anvil secateurs are suitable for chopping off thicker branches or dead material. 

Both items have a PTFE coating for rust resistance and a smooth action without any sticking. You can also choose between two cutting widths as required, which makes this set a good option if you have smaller hands. The handles also have a soft feel coating and an ergonomic design that feels comfortable to hold. 

How to Choose Secateurs

With so many models to choose from, selecting the best secateurs for you can be challenging. Read our buyer’s guide below to find out what to look for before purchasing. 

Blades

The quality of the blades is one of the most important features to examine. If they are poor, then performance will be limited. The best models will have strong, durable materials that are sharp enough to cut through thicker stems without resistance. Leading options have high-carbon steel blades that are also polished for improved sharpness. Opt for models with an anti-rust coating, such as PTFE, for increased durability. 

Gears or Ratchet

Geared models have a mechanism in the tool’s joint that helps you operate them smoothly. This makes cutting easier on the hands and wrists, reducing resistance and fatigue. They are great for those who have arthritis or weakness in their hands or those who do long hours of gardening work. However, whilst this type of secateurs is light and comfortable, they are not as strong as ratchet models. 

Ratchet secateurs are more powerful and better suited to heavier loads or thicker cuts. They have a ratchet in the centre, which enables you to cut through material in stages. This means that they “stick” and won’t open when you release the handles – so you don’t have to chop a thick stem in one squeeze. This type is often heavier than geared models, but they are a good choice for removing tough, dead wooded material. 

Adjustability

Some secateurs feature adjustable cutting, which can be useful if you tackle various plant materials in one session. They have a mechanism that can adjust the opening width, allowing you to tailor the jaw of the tool to wrap around thicker stems. This type of secateurs is a good choice if you want a single, versatile model that can be used on many species. 

Comfort

High-quality models often feature cushioned handles to improve comfort during use. If you are planning to use your secateurs for long periods, it’s best to opt for lightweight ones with an ergonomically-designed shape and geared function. This reduces the potential for strain and fatigue on your hands as you work. 

Ease of Use

Aside from gears and adjustability, it’s worth considering additional features that will make your secateurs easier to use. For example, some models include sap grooves to prevent sticking, ambidextrous locking, and textured coatings that improve grip. All of these features can make the tool more pleasant to handle. 

Summary

Our overall favourite editor’s choice is the Gonicc 8” secateurs. This model boasts premium titanium steel blades polished to an ultra-fine standard for sharpness. The ergonomic design and lightweight feel make them comfortable to hold and reduces strain on your hands. The integrated sap groove channels any liquid away so the blades won’t stick together. This model can also cut through thicker branches, making it an excellent choice for all gardeners.