Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs

Product Information

If you suffer fromcarpal tunnel, arthritis or have the distinct disadvantage of having smaller or weak hands, then these are the best choice for you.

Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs review - Pruning - Tools | BBC

A question asked frequently is what is the difference between anvil and bypass secateurs. The difference between these garden tools, bypass pruners and anvil versions is as follows. Known to Hobson affectionately as his “double yellows”, the bright yellow Niwaki GR Pro secateurs are made with KA70 carbon steel, they’re a 23cm long pair of whoppers, weighing 239g. When you buy from a leading secateur maker you’ll be able to buy with confidence and own a tool that will give you years of service. An impressive 26mm cutting capacity means roses, shrubs and small branches can be pruned with ease.This can also vary more than you expect, a pair of secateurs can weigh anywhere from under 100g up to 400g. A lighter weight is ideal for continued use and fine pruning, but heavier models can feel more robust. Replaceable blades and springs Oil sponge: It’s quite rare, but some pruners feature an integrated oil sponge which you can use to clean and lubricate the blades after use. Beware of cheap secateurs with stainless steel blades. Stainless steel is softer than hardened steel and will not stay sharp as long, blunt blades are never a good thing on pruning shears.

Okatsune Secateurs No 103 | Christmas Tree Pruning Tools Okatsune Secateurs No 103 | Christmas Tree Pruning Tools

If you are a gardener by trade or wanting to invest in the ‘best secateurs’, then these Felco model 2are what you’re looking for. They also come with a lifetime guarantee, that no other company comes close to.

Carbon blades will keep an edge to them longer (less time between sharpening) and are less prone to snapping when under pressure. Topiary expert Lerigo devoutly describes his chosen make of Japanese secateurs, Okatsune, as a bit of kit that Marie Kondo would approve of: simple, effective, and capable of sparking joy, time and time again. The Hitachi Yasugi high carbon steel of these Okatsune secateurs stands out, producing a clean, precise, efficient cut. Apparently, they’re made with “Izumo” iron sand, which was used in the manufacturing of ancient Japanese swords. Leading pruning specialist Jake Hobson learnt the craft of tree training, pruning and rootballing in rural Osaka, and founded Niwaki (it means “garden tree”) to bring Japanese techniques to Western gardens. “A good pair of secateurs is the single most important bit of kit for any gardener,” he explains. His range of secateurs doesn’t disappoint. The bypass designs have a simple, chunky catch at the bottom, just like the Okatsune.

Niwaki Japanese Garden Tools | Burford Garden Co.

Being hardened steel they keep a sharp edge for longer between sharpening’s. Handy if your not that diligent at keeping your tools sharp. Measuring 202mm, this model is suitable for smaller hands, making them perhaps a good choice for many ladies. The blades of these secateurs have been forged from the finest grade of Japanese steel, in other words, the same steel used to craft the Katana sword of the Samurai. The outcome is a razor-sharp secateurs that easily cuts through branches of roses, shrubs and other plants, up to 25mm in diameter which is the same as most Felco models. Finally, they have a good cutting capacity of 25mm and can cut in tight areas where some other models might struggle, especially anvil models. Our recommendation Okatsune secateurs were once described as ‘Life-Changing’ by Bunny Guinness at The Telegraph and we couldn’t agree more. They are available in different versions and are the only secateurs we think truly compare to Felco’s quality and cutting performance. Okatsune models include model 101, model 104, model 108 and model 109, but it is the Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs that really caught our attention.According to Telegraph gardening expert Helen Yemm, secateurs usually jam because of a build-up of dried sap and general garden grot on the blades. A good clean, followed by a wipe with an oily rag, sorts the problem out. Presumably you have tried that. The P961 is perfect for those who struggle with the aches and pains that pruning can cause with regular secateurs. They have been crafted with Swiss precision and attention to detail, resulting in a high-quality tool that is now probably one of the best-selling secateurs available that professionals use. We would simply buy Felco every time because most other brands simply do not compare.