The Best Hand Pruners on the Market! Best 2023 Reviews!

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Cutting plants has been a common practice on both European and Asian continents for ages now.

Allowing the plants to grow new branches and leaves and cutting the old ones has proven efficient in maintaining healthy growth and overall life span. That’s why the best gardeners use pruning shears or best hand pruner models.

By investing in a new pair of hand pruners, you’ll not only be helping your plants but also yourself.

Doing gardening with pruning shears makes your job tremendously easy, and you’ll see yourself finishing the job much faster than usual. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best pruning shears on the market, especially for you!

Stay tuned and check the buyer’s guide to find out what it is that makes the hand pruners unique and how to choose the right one for you!

Take away key points:

  • Best pruners are crucial for a variety of tasks
  • They come in different styles and you can choose different benefits
  • Always check their quality first and price later

Best pruning shears 2023: Top 12 reviews

These are the best hand-pruning shears for your needs:

$Kenossion Pruning Shears

Best pair of pruners for a comfortable grip for both right and left-handed pruners. The mechanism with ergonomic grip is ideal for more working hours and the power pruners are ideal for delicate flower stems, its cutting blade, and hardened steel.

$$FELCO F-2 068780 Classic Manual Hand Pruner

Best anvil pruning shears for anvil pruner blades and carbon steel blades for most applications. The anvil pruning shears cut branches with the more inch-in-diameter system, and the hardened steel blade material is also great for hedge shears, micro tip pruning, and thicker branches without fatigue.

$Okatsune 104 8.25-inch Bypass Pruners

Best pruning shears for the more inch-in-diameter system for thicker and more complex branches and similar curing needs. The bypass pruners are ideal for their design and advanced technology, so the classic cut bypass pruners are ideal for green stems and you can use the manual pruners more robustly.

$Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears

Best Fiskars bypass pruner model cutting an inch thick branches and even thicker units. The Fiskars softgrip bypass pruner model is better than other garden shears as the unit has carbon steel blades to finish all tasks easily. The Fiskars softgrip bypass pruner reduces hand fatigue for longer working hours.

$Kynup Pruning Shears for Gardening

Best for reduced hand fatigue, locking mechanism, and advanced design that keeps you optimal and pruners in place. The hardened steel offers cutting one inch in diameter and even more for green stems.

$Corona BP 3180D Forged Classic Bypass Pruner

Corona pruners are ideal for cutting strength of one-inch thick units similar to most pruning shears. But the best pruning shears are more advanced due to better and more reliable designs.

$GEROSSI Premium Bypass Pruning Shears

Best gardener’s friend due to premium-quality design and advanced technology from Japan. Only a few pruners can compare to the same quality and cutting standards. Long-lasting and supreme for multiple operations.

$Truly Garden Hand Pruners with Leather Sheath

Best professional and commercial use for different applications and robust use. The pruning shears are ideal for your needs and their durable design makes them reliable for further use.

$gonicc 8″ Professional Sharp Bypass Pruning Shears

Best pruning shears for various tasks in professional and residential uses. The best pruning shears are also reliable and durable for different uses and demands. So you can use them for longer working hours and more reliable demands.

$Nevlers 8″ Bypass Pruning Shears

Best hand protection with a more advanced and reliable design for different uses. The shears reduce fatigue and you can use them comfortably for more working hours. The durable system is also ideal for more working hours.

$MEPEREZ Garden clippers

Best pruning shears, better than other pruning shears due to high-quality material and more prolonged use. The durable and solid construction makes the best pruning shears ideal for different customers and users. You can easily adjust these pruning shears to your needs.

$Ratchet Pruning Shears

Best ratcheting hand pruners for weaker hands and more comfort benefits for more prolonged use and longer working hours. The ratcheting mechanism is thick enough to cut different branches and plant systems, making it ideal for more users. The ratchet pruners are comfortable and reliable for more customers. The ratchet pruners are also ideal for durable and solid construction. You will find the ratcheting pruners reliable.

#1. Kenossion Pruning Shears – Best for stainless steel blades

  • Brand: Kenossion
  • Style: Classic
  • Material: steel
  • Best for: performance

These Kenossion shears are incredibly well made and have a great design that makes them easy to use. The blades are sharp and make it easy to cut through even the toughest branches. They also have a comfortable grip that makes them easy to hold while pruning.

Unlike other pruners, they will not cause pressure to you when working with pruner blades.

The Kenossion shears are also very durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear without becoming dull or damaged. They are also lightweight, which makes them perfect for carrying around in your garden bag or toolbox.

The sharp blades are made of stainless steel, so the gardening shears show maximum resistance to all external factors and you can use them for cutting thick branches. The blade pressure only makes the stainless steel blades ideal for professional landscapers.

The pair of Kenossion pruners comes with a lifetime warranty, so if anything ever happens to them, you can get them replaced for free. The ergonomically designed replacement blades are ideal for sturdy pruners and woody stems, and the sharpened blade is also great for flower stems.

The Kenossion Gardening Tools Pruning Shears are great for anyone who needs a reliable pair of shears for their garden. They are well made, comfortable to use, and will last you a long time.

Plus, they come with a lifetime warranty so you know you’re getting your money’s worth!

Pros
  • hardened steel blades
  • cut branches
  • sharp blade material
  • for rose bushes
  • ergonomically designed
  • blade cover
Cons
  • /

#2. Felco F-2 068780 Manual Hand Pruner – Anvil pruners

  • Brand: Felco
  • Style: anvil pruners
  • Material: steel
  • Best for: blade material and thick branches

Moving on, we give you another terrific pair of classic manual pruning shears, the Felco Hand Pruners.

A common issue with pruning and getting a clean cut is the sap getting out of plants and onto the shears. They tend to get all sticky and make your job much harder. That’s why the designers behind this set of anvil pruners made sure to include a sap groove to ensure none of that sticky goo gets on your pruners.

Also, to ensure the stability and the overall adjustment of both cutting and anvil blades, the manufacturers put in a hardened bolt and nut to keep it steady.

Furthermore, the ergonomic design is also a fantastic part of this product.

If you have small hands, you know the trouble that arises when you cut a plant and you feel the vibration coursing through your entire hand. This pair of pruning shears takes care of that by introducing a shock absorber and a rubber cushion that makes your job ten times easier.

The incredibly sharp blades with a wire-cutting notch ensure that you cut through each branch and plant in your garden with ease.

Aside from being a bit pricey, you won’t go wrong with choosing this pair of pruning shears!

Pros
  • A sap groove
  • Ergonomic design
  • Shock absorber
  • Steel blades
Cons
  • Price

#3. Okatsune 104 8.25-inch Bypass Pruners – Best coated blades

  • Brand: Okatsune
  • Style: bypass pruner
  • Material: steel
  • Best for: hardened steel for the pruning shear mechanism

If you’re looking for a reliable pair of pruners, look no further than the Okatsune 104 8.25-inch in diameter Bypass Pruners.

The bypass pruner is made from high-grade knife steel and is designed to last a lifetime with proper care. The bypass pruner has an extra large size that fits the average-sized hand, making them perfect for most pruning jobs.

The unique Cut & Hold feature allows you to make precise cuts while also holding onto the cut material until you release it.

The Okatsune 104 8.25-inch in diameter Bypass Pruner has been praised by professional gardeners in Japan for its sharpness and durability. The bypass pruner comes in a classic red-and-white color scheme that looks great in any garden setting. Plus, they’re incredibly affordable!

They make clean cuts every time and hold onto the cut material securely without any slipping or sliding around.

You will also notice that the bypass pruning shears stay incredibly sharp even after multiple uses, which is great because you don’t have to sharpen them as often as other pruners you might have used in the past.

Choose the bypass pruner if you’re looking for a reliable pair of pruners that will last you a long time with proper care and maintenance.

The bypass pruning shears offer excellent performance at an affordable price point, making them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike!

Pros
  • pruner blades
  • for thicker branches
  • cutting blade
  • sharp blade
  • powder-coated blades
  • carbon steel pruning shear
Cons
  • material issues

#4. Fiskars Sharp Blade Hand Pruners – Lifetime warranty

  • Brand: Fiskars
  • Style: bypass pruners
  • Material: steel
  • Best for: eliminating hand fatigue and micro tip pruning

We’re going to start the list with the very best pruning shears on the market, the Fiskars Hand Pruners.

First off, even though many gardening products tend to cost a lot, that doesn’t mean that they will last forever. However, this one is a combination of low price, quality, and an included lifetime warranty.

Exposure to rough environments can often cause pruning shears to wear off in time, which is why Fiskars‘ company policy protects you for a lifetime.

The steel blades this pruner has enables it to cut through small branches that are 5/8 inch thick, and they do so with maximum precision. The low-friction coating offers a gliding sensation during the cutting action, which makes your job feel like child’s play.

Also, it features a locking mechanism that protects both you and the device during transport and storage, which is something that each dangerous product should have.

And lastly, it’s good to know that grips are ergonomic and made specifically to avoid accidental slipping during use. If you have smaller hands, this will undoubtedly be helpful.

Pros
  • Efficient
  • Ergonomic
  • Affordable
  • Locking mechanism
Cons
  • /

#5. Kynup Pruning Shears for Gardening – Best design with a locking mechanism

  • Brand: Kynup
  • Style: garden
  • Material: steel
  • Best for: less hand fatigue

The Kynup Pruning Shears for Gardening is the perfect tool for any gardener. They are made with professional SK-5 steel, making them ultra-strong and sharp, as well as rust and corrosion-resistant.

The blades also feature an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to use while providing a secure grip. Additionally, the shears have an easy-to-lock and unlock button that ensures safety when in use.

The 8.6″ Professional Pruner Shears make cutting easier and more comfortable than ever before. With one button, you can easily lock or unlock the shears without having to worry about them slipping out of your hands during use.

The hedge shears also come with a lifetime warranty so you can be sure they will last for years to come.

The Kynup Pruning Shears for Gardening is ideal for trimming shrubbery, harvesting crops, pruning trees and bushes, and much more.

They are lightweight yet durable enough to handle tough jobs without sacrificing quality or performance. Plus, they come in a variety of colors so you can find the perfect pair to match your garden aesthetic.

The Kynup Pruning Shears for Gardening is an excellent choice for any gardener looking for a reliable pair of shears that will last through many seasons of gardening.

They provide superior performance with their sharp blades and ergonomic design while still being lightweight enough to maneuver easily around plants and shrubs.

Pros
  • reducing hand fatigue
  • more than an inch thick
  • carbon steel
  • for green stems
  • durable and reliable
Cons
  • tricky to use

#6. Corona BP 3180D Classic Bypass Pruners – 1″ cut diameter

  • Brand: Corona
  • Style: bypass pruner
  • Material: steel
  • Best for: durability

If you like the third product on our list, you’ll undoubtedly go for this pair of Corona Hand Pruners right here!

Just by the look of it, you can already tell that this model’s design is a work of art. The steel alloy construction gives off the appearance of a professional tool for an expert gardener.

Furthermore, the blades and the strength they provide have proven to be quite efficient in cutting plants that are 1″ thick in diameter.

Durability is an excellent feature of this product.

Being able to cut efficiently season after season says a lot about this pair of hand pruners. It has a locking feature that stops it from clipping accidentally during transport or such, and also a wire-cutting notch.

This amazing product is a bypass-style pruner that can cut through thick and thin with ease thanks to its scissor-like design that cuts efficiently.

However, what may trouble you is the design itself when it comes to ergonomics. They might feel weird and rough to hold at the beginning, but once you get used to them, it’ll be like you never had any problems to begin with.

Pros
  • Excellent garden bypass pruners
  • Thick cutting diameter
  • Blades
Cons
  • Ergonomic design

#7. GEROSSI Premium Bypass Pruning Shears – Best advanced system

  • Brand: Gerossi
  • Style: bypass pruners
  • Material: steel
  • Best for: the safety locking mechanism

Gerossi Premium Bypass Pruning Shears are a great choice for gardeners looking for a reliable and durable tool to help them with their pruning needs. These shears are made from high-quality materials, including Japanese grade high carbon steel and titanium steel, making them incredibly strong and sharp.

The ergonomically designed non-slip handle ensures that you have a comfortable grip while using the shears, and the auto-open safety lock allows you to unlock the blades with one hand.

Additionally, the heat-treated carbon steel blades stay sharp cut after cut, so you can be sure that your pruning will be precise and efficient. So you can use them for an extended period.

The Gerossi Premium Bypass Pruning Shears come in various sizes, ranging from 8 inches to 9 inches, so you can choose the size that best fits your needs. They also come with an adjustable cutting size function so you can customize your pruning experience even further.

Whether you’re trimming new or live growth, these shears will make sure that your job is done quickly and efficiently.

Overall, Gerossi Premium Bypass Pruning Shears are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable tool for their gardening needs. They are made of high-quality materials that ensure durability and precision cutting every time.

With its adjustable cutting size function, ergonomic design, and auto-open safety lock feature, these shears provide an easy and safe way to get your pruning done right.

Pros
  • durable pruning shears
  • locking mechanism
  • carbon steel blades
  • power pruners
  • versatile and sturdy
Cons
  • cushy handles

#8. Truly Garden Hand Pruners with Leather Sheath – Best professional use

  • Brand: Truly Garden
  • Style: Classic
  • Material: steel, aluminum
  • Best for: a durable design

Hand pruners are essential tools for gardeners and landscapers. They make it easy to trim branches and stems, making them ideal for both outdoor gardening and indoor flower arranging.

The Hand Pruners with Leather Sheath from Truly Garden is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable pair of pruners.

The Truly Garden pruning shears have a heavy-duty construction that is designed to last. The blades are made of high-quality stainless steel that will stay sharp even after repeated use.

The handles are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand, and the thumb lock makes it easy to open and close the blades without having to use too much force.

The leather sheath helps protect the blades when not in use, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally cutting yourself or damaging other items in your toolbox.

You can also adjust the pruning shears to your needs, and the shears will be versatile for multiple uses and more demanding tasks.

In addition to being durable, these Truly Garden pruners are also very effective at cutting through thick branches and stems.

You can easily cut through some tough branches with minimal effort, which is something advanced, and not all pruning shears have this feature. So the pruning shears will be more than beneficial for your needs.

They are well-built, comfortable to use, and effective at cutting through thick branches and stems. These pruning shears are worth considering.

Pros
  • ergonomics
  • durable
  • versatile
  • easy to use
  • comfortable
  • reliable
  • sturdy
Cons
  • not visible

#9. Gonicc 8″ Professional Sharp Bypass Pruners – Trimmer

  • Brand: gonicc
  • Style: bypass pruners
  • Material: steel
  • Best for: lopping shears design

As for our ninth product, we present to you one of the best garden hand pruners on the market, the gonicc 8″ Professional Sharp Bypass Pruners.

Unlike anvil pruning shears, bypass enables you to draw a straight or a curved blade next to another blade, a similar scissors fashion. It’s excellent for cutting plants that are alive because it bypasses the outer wall of the stem, thus the name.

The blades are made out of carbon steel with a high-end polishing technology that proves to be efficient for every gardener. The ergonomic design with the drop-forged handles and body gives you a cutting sensation that you’ll enjoy every second out there in the garden.

This gonicc bypass pruner is ideal for trimming the edges of plants, designing your bonsai tree, deadheading, and so much more. Similar to the last product, this one also has a sap groove that collects the icky liquids from the plants and protects the blades.

Just bear in mind that the spring can get damaged if you try to cut some thicker plants that this pruner is not able to go through with ease. Other than that, it’s a safe bet!

Pros
  • Carbon steel blades
  • Drop-forged handles
  • A sap groove
  • Designer pruners
Cons
  • Cutting diameter

#10. Mockins Professional Heavy Duty Garden Bypass Pruning Shears – Professional use

  • Brand: Nevlers
  • Style: Protective
  • Material: steel
  • Best for: hand protection

And for the tenth item on our review list, we give you a product that you can use both for your hobbies and professional endeavors, the Mockins Professional Heavy Duty Garden Bypass Pruning Shears.

Do you often feel like you’re in pain while you’re pruning? It’s a common problem due to lousy craftsmanship in the design. This model, however, has an ergonomic design that fits your hands perfectly, whether you have large hands or not.

Furthermore, the handles are rubber-made, and they will make your job feel like children’s play. When it comes to efficiency, it features a stainless steel set of blades that are both durable and able to cut through thick plants and branches.

The best pruners are the ones that will last you for a lifetime. In case these pruners malfunction or wear off in time, you’ll be secure knowing that you have a lifetime warranty with Mockins that ensures replacement and repair at any time of night and day.

Apart from a slightly loose spring that tends to pop up if you try to cut through very thick plants, this one will serve you well!

Pros
  • Rubber-made handles
  • Ergonomic design
  • Stainless steel set of blades
Cons
  • A loose spring

#11. MEPEREZ Garden clippers – Best quality

  • Brand: Meperez
  • Style: Modern
  • Material: steel
  • Best for: a longer lifespan

Are you looking for a reliable and efficient pair of garden clippers? Look no further than the MEPEREZ Garden Clippers!

These clippers are designed with a sharp, elastic blade that easily cuts through branches like butter. They are perfect for light branches of trees, rose bushes, shrubs, and hedges.

The blade is made from high-carbon steel and has a nonstick protective coating to ensure it stays sharp and rust-free.

The ergonomic design of the handle makes it comfortable to use and provides excellent grip while pruning. It also has a ratchet mechanism that allows you to cut three times faster than regular clippers. This means that you can get your gardening tasks done in no time!

Plus, the handle is designed to reduce fatigue so you can work longer without feeling tired or sore.

The MEPEREZ Garden Clippers are also incredibly durable and will last for years with proper care and maintenance. The blades are made from premium German steel which is known for its strength and durability.

Additionally, they come with a lifetime warranty so you can be sure that your investment is protected.

These are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable pair of garden clippers. They are easy to use, comfortable to hold, and extremely durable. Plus, they come with a lifetime warranty so you know your investment is protected!

So if you’re looking for an efficient way to trim your plants quickly and easily, then these clippers are worth considering!

Pros
  • comfort
  • design
  • ease of use
  • robust applications
Cons
  • grip issues

#12. The Gardener’s Friend Ratchet-Style Pruners – Weak-hands design

  • Brand: Gardener’s Friend
  • Style: traditional
  • Material: style
  • Best for: comfort

If you have arthritis or you have smaller hands in general, these pruners will be ideal for you. We give you the Gardener’s Friend Ratchet-Style Pruners.

Pruning around the garden can be quite stressful and can make your day awful if you don’t have the right equipment. That’s why Gardener’s Friend made sure to produce a set of pruners that will make cutting plants effortless.

The mechanism that uses leverage as a primary tool for max pressure offers instant results when you use this product for plants.

The ergonomic design is also a valuable feature that this pair of hand pruners offer. The best require comfort as well, which is what this product offers.

It’s ideal for cutting flowers, and smaller branches, designing pot plants, and pruning plants in the stem in general.

However, if you plan on doing some professional work, you probably won’t be satisfied with this pair since they don’t have enough strength to cut through larger branches or thicker plants.

However, if you’re a senior that loves spending his afternoons in the garden, you’ve found the product suited for your needs!

Pros
  • Ergonomic design
  • Leverage mechanism
  • Garden design
Cons
  • Not suitable for professional work

What makes the best pruners unique, and how to recognize them? Buyer’s guide

Inefficient pruning can make any gardener go mad. You might often find yourself wasting time with the wrong products that cannot do the job, as well as some premium products – but they are so expensive!

Don’t worry because this list has enough products that are both cheap and quality-grade as well.

However, stay tuned with our buyer’s guide, which will help you learn more about hand pruners and what separates the best ones from the bad ones.

1. Craftsmanship

A lot of manufacturers put a lot of effort and time into designing their products, especially hand pruners.

They might not seem like a sophisticated tools, so the differences in quality are always hard to spot. However, there are some things that you can check to ensure that you’re making the right decision.

– Grip and handle design: As we’ve previously stated, some hand pruners may have a quality steel blade, but it’s no use getting them if the design is not intended for prolonged use. The best pair of hand pruners should fit the hand like a glove and also contain features such as rubberized handles and shock absorption.

– Quality blades: The best blades are often made out of stainless steel and carbon steel. However, that only speaks of durability. The best way to know if they are good enough is to ask the retailer to let you test them out. Even though some blades might seem strong, that might not be the case once you test them out. Also, make sure to test them on thick plants or branches and feel if the grip suits you and the size of your hand.

2. Warranty

Since you’ll use your pruners in the garden, yard, or even forest-like environments, the chances are that your pruners will get damaged in the process – it’s inevitable. Still, that does not mean that it’s time to shop for a new set of pruners again. 

If you invest in a premium product, you’ll surely receive a lifetime warranty that will protect you in the years to come in case your shears get damaged or broken.

The issuing company will either replace them for you or fix the ones you have.

3. Style

As we’ve mentioned before, there are several styles of pruner shears on the market.

If you’re looking for something impactful that will serve you well against thick plants, the bypass shears are the way to go. If you have smaller hands and need something to produce pressure without tiring you, you’ve got to go for the ratchet-style pruners.

And, if you’re looking for the old-fashioned, the anvil-style pruners are your pick of the day. Finally, it comes down to you and your individual needs.

Types of hand pruners

These are the most common models of hand pruners:

1. Bypass hand pruners

Bypass hand pruners are the most popular type in the market. This is because these do perfectly well in cutting live wood.

It doesn’t deal unnecessary or collateral damage on the branch or other stems of the plant or tree that you’re pruning. This is made possible thanks to the scissor-like cutting motion it exhibits.

Bypass hand pruners that have longer blades let you prune branches or stems that are head to reach. However, the smaller ones are better when it comes to precise cutting.

2. Anvil hand pruners

But if you were to cut dead wood or any wood which is hard and brittle, anvil hand pruners are what you need.

This is because it reduces the chances of the plant splintering. What happens when you cut it through dead wood is that it crushes the bottom portion of the stem.

This makes it easier for you to cut these kinds of wood. It’s all about the unique cutting mechanism that makes this useful in cutting brittle and old wood.

3. Double-cut hand pruners

These double-cut hand pruners are not widely used because of their unorthodox cutting mechanism.

What makes these hand pruners different is that it has two blades instead of a single one. This makes the pruning process faster for you.

However, the precision is sacrificed because you don’t have much control over where the second blade cuts through.

FAQs

What is the best tool for cutting back perennials?

The best tool for cutting back perennials is a pair of pruning shears or garden scissors. Pruning shears are designed to make clean cuts on stems, while garden scissors can be used to cut through thicker stems.

What are the best bypass pruners?

That title belongs to the third product on our list, the gonicc 8″ Professional Sharp Bypass Pruner Shears.

The raw power that these pruners display is unmatched by any product on the market currently. Besides, they go for quite an affordable price.

How do you use hand pruners?

It depends on the type of hand pruners, to begin with.

In essence, you should always try to resist the urge to pull the pruners upside-down. Just align the blade with the incision cut and if that’s not enough, spread the handles and try again.

If you twist the pruners, you risk damaging the plant.

How to sharpen garden hand pruners?

Follow these steps:

Clean the pruners to remove any dirt or debris that has built up over time.

Use a diamond file to sharpen the blade, drawing it along the cutting edge of the blade with medium pressure.

Use a scissors sharpener to pull from the base of the blade to the point.

Make full contact with the carbide sharpening edge for best results.

How to remove rust from hand pruners?

The best way to remove rust is by using white distilled vinegar.

Simply fill a container with the vinegar and submerge the rusty tools in it for 10 minutes or ideally overnight.

Once soaked, remove the tools and use a heavy-duty scouring pad (like the green Scotch Brite) to wipe any remaining bits of rust off the metal. If there are loose parts, you can bathe them overnight in WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak for more effective results.

The final winner

The best pruning shears are the Kenossion Pruning Shears. They offer the best overall performance with a durable and solid design to make use better and more reliable. The best pruning shears are also sturdy and for longer working hours.

Final thoughts

Now you can choose the best gardening tools to help you with your daily tasks. Let us know once you have the best garden pruners for your standards.

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Ben Bareja

Ben Bareja, the owner-founder-webmaster of CropsReview.com. This website was conceptualized primarily to serve as an e-library for reference purposes on the principles and practices in crop science, including basic botany. Read more here

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