The tools you use can make or break the joy of working in the garden. Over the years, I’ve run through my fair share of hand pruners – from blunt blades found rusting at the back of the shed to flimsy throwaway buys – but all of them made me dread the prospect of a long trimming session. I put off upgrading for a long time before I finally reached a point where I wanted a quality pair that would last the distance.
I spent time researching the various types of hand prunersbut I kept coming back to the Swiss brand Felco. I already knew their reputation as being favored by the pros – particularly in Europe – and I’ve often spied their shiny red handles swinging in gardeners’ tool belts. However, what swayed me was the thoughtful range of options to suit different hand sizes and cutting preferences.
I opted for the classic Felco 2 hand pruners from Amazonbut the brand offers an almost unnecessarily huge range, including the Felco 8 for larger hands and thicker stems, the Felco 6 with shorter blades for better reach around stems, the Felco 14 aimed at smaller hands, and the Felco 9 for left-handed users.
Built to Last
The Felco 2 is often referred to as the gold standard in hand pruners. OK, they cost a lot more than the budget-friendly Fiskars bypass pruning shears many of my gardening friends swear by, but I have no regrets. As soon as I unpackaged them and made the first cut, I understood the hype – and I’m never going back to cheap pruners.
The first thing I noticed was the weight – the Felco 2 pruners are not exactly heavy, but they feel substantial in the hand. They’re made with solid forged aluminum handles, a carbon steel blade, and all the moving parts feel engineered to last. You get the most lovely, satisfying “snip” when the blade meets the stem or branch, and the cutting motion is ultra smooth compared to the crunch and strain I used to feel with cheaper pruners.
(Image credit: Melanie Griffiths)
Design Features
In addition to their build quality, there are small design touches that make these pruners so nice to use. The ergonomic grip ensures they feel comfortable in my hand, and the shock absorber softens the impact at the end of cutting – now I can prune for much longer without developing that old familiar ache in my wrist. They also have a wire-cutting notch and sap groove that helps keep the blades clean.
The maximum stem cutting diameter is listed as 1 inch (25mm), but I often push them a bit past that. Probably not what Felco would recommend, but they’ve coped beautifully every single time.
Everyday Use in My Garden
I reach for these pruners constantly. Whether I’m tidying up shrubs, deadheading roses, harvesting crops, or snipping herbs for the kitchen, they’ve become my go-to tool – taking it all in their stride.
What I especially appreciate is that I don’t feel like I’m fighting with my Felcos. With my old pruners, I used to dread thick stems or woody growth. Now, I hardly think about it.
(Image credit: Melanie Griffiths)
Maintenance and Care
Of course, no matter how good your pruners are, they won’t stay sharp and clean on their own. I’ll admit I’m not always the most disciplined about cleaning gardening tools after every use. But when I do give them attention, I feel the benefit. Wiping off sap and soil keeps the blades from gumming up, and a quick oiling protects the mechanism.
Sharpening is another task I’ve been learning to do properly. Many pros recommend using a dedicated pruner sharpener (Felco even makes its own sharpener, available on Amazon), and I’ve noticed how much better the cut feels after I take the time to refresh the blade. A little old-school tip I love: after sharpening, use a wine cork to run along the edge. It helps polish the blade and removes any burrs.
Looking back, spending extra on my Felco 2 pruners felt like an indulgence. But knowing that every part of the pruners is replaceable means I’ll never have to throw them away – I can simply fix or replace a worn piece. The more I use them, the more I am sure it was the right decision. They’ve saved me time, effort – and more than a few blisters.
