A few years ago, I came to terms with the fact that my well used hand shears were near the end of their life (as mentioned, well used). I was about to buy a new pair, when a friend got me to try out her Japanese pruning shears. They were made with hand forged, high carbon steel and cut everything like it was butter.
The price was a little steeper than I was up for but I really liked the Japanese design. The spring they use is different to other bypass pruners I’ve tried, but, in my opinion, far superior in design. Plus, it has a closing latch at the bottom of the handle, which is so much easier to open and close while pruning (you can just slide it open using your thigh).
Why Okatsune Pruning Shears Got My Attention
Searching around Amazon, I found a pair of Japanese style hand pruners were around the same price as my old Felcos (around $40). And the customer reviews were phenomenal!
Shears close at the bottom
These secateurs were offered in 3 sizes – I decided to try the large. If you have a fairly average sized hand, the large (104 or 8.25 inch) will fit you perfectly (about the size of the Felco 2).
First off, these shears are lightweight. If you have a lot of pruning to do, you’ll appreciate how NOT clunky they are.
The Okatsune blade is sharp! And they’ve stayed sharp – I’ve been cutting with these pruners nonstop for the last 10 months and have only sharpened them once.
I find the style of spring on these pruners to be very ergonomic. It doesn’t tire out my hand. The opening and closing motion is very fluid! And I prefer the closing latch at the bottom of the handles
Also, and this may not be your issue, but I love that these pruning shears have red and white markings on the handles. Drop these by accident in the garden, and you’ll spot them immediately. They practically scream, ‘pick me up.’
And, as mentioned, priced at under $40!!!
To Review: 6 Reason Why I Really Love These Pruners:
- Light Weight
- Stay Sharp – even after a year of continual use
- Ergonomics are fantastic
- The Bottom Clip – Love!!!
- Red and White handles – you won’t lose them
- Price is so Reasonable
On a final note, to drive home the quality and pride that goes into the making of this tool, you can read more about Okatsune and the master blacksmith that created the company.
Happy Gardening,
Judy
Okatsune Pruning Shears
ps: You can find Okatsune Pruning Shears
The 8.25″ or 104 size are great for most pruning jobs and fit the average sized hand. These shears have stayed incredibly sharp, and believe me, I’ve given them quite the workout.
***Warning***Do not purchase these shears from VG Store on Amazon – they sent me knockoffs (Heng Yang Hardware). In the ‘Other Sellers on Amazon’ column choose either bamboo Japan, J-P-N Pro Inc or Cool Japan
Re: Tool Maintenance: we recommend Camellia Oil
An applicator is great, too. You twist it open, fill it with oil, and then run it along the blade of your shears – or any other garden tools in need of attention. I only have to fill it up once every few months and it saves me from always have to look for a cloth to apply the oil. Also recommended is a rust eraser.
