Top UK Secateurs Tested: Expert Reviews for Garden Pruning
Secateurs are the most valued tool in a gardener's arsenal, prized like a bricklayer's trowel. Over time, their weight and shape become familiar companions for tasks from pruning shrubs to cutting twine. There are two main types: bypass and anvil secateurs, with this review focusing on bypass models. A quality pair, if well-maintained, can last decades, fostering staunch loyalties among gardeners.
After testing a range of bypass secateurs in my garden for a year, I donated them to the Garden Museum in London, where volunteers used them in public gardens. As head gardener, I performed an annual deep clean, sharpening, and inspection this spring. Each pair was scrubbed with soapy water, dried, treated with Niwaki's Mini Clean Mate rust eraser, sharpened with a whetstone, and lubricated with WD-40.
How the Secateurs Held Up
The Burgon & Ball RHS-endorsed secateurs, named Best Overall, held up exceptionally well with little visible deterioration. The Okatsune 103 secateurs' blade discolored but cut as smoothly as new. The Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advantage secateurs' lock needed cleaning but remained intact and sharp. I tested seven additional pairs this spring, adding to last year's 12, to compile the top 10.
At a Glance: Best Secateurs
- Best Overall: Burgon & Ball bypass secateurs – £22.99 at Crocus
- Best for Tough Stems: Felco Model 2 – £55.45 at Amazon
- Best Budget: Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advantage – £11.20 at Amazon
- Best for Comfort: Darlac compact plus pruner – £10 at Mr Fothergills
- Best for Repetitive Action: Felco Model 7 with rotating handle – £64 at eBay
- Best Splurge: Niwaki Kurumi pruners – £200 at Niwaki
Why Trust This Review
With almost two decades as a professional gardener, I've used secateurs for every task, from sculptural pruning to ill-advised paint tin opening. I understand the strain they endure and what makes a durable pair. As head gardener at the Garden Museum, my work includes shaping shrubs and snipping stems for arrangements.
Testing Methodology
With spring in the air, I tested each pair in my garden, tidying up old stems and grasses. Key criteria included sharpness, performance on thicker stems, comfort, catch lock ease, and visibility. For visibility, I had a six-year-old hide each pair under supervision, timing my searches.
Best Secateurs in 2026
Best Overall: Burgon & Ball Bypass Secateurs
Affordably priced at £22.99, these secateurs feature alloy handles, a carbon-steel blade, and RHS endorsement. They feel comfortable, lightweight, and well-balanced, slicing through matted grass and stems up to 25mm. The orange handles made them easy to find in 17 seconds. Maintenance is straightforward with removable parts and spare components included. However, the exposed screw head may collect mud.
Best for Tough Stems: Felco Model 2
Priced from £55.45, these Swiss-made secateurs offer heft and precision. Made from 70% recycled aluminium, they cut cleanly through tough materials like buddleia, with a maximum diameter of 25mm. The red handles are highly visible, found in six seconds. They are durable with replaceable parts and a reconditioning service, though they come at a higher price.
Best Budget: Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advantage
At £11.20, these secateurs prioritize a sharp carbon steel blade that glides smoothly. Drawbacks include a basic coil spring and plastic handles, but they are comfortable and come with a 10-year guarantee. They handle most shrubby material well, up to 15mm, but struggle with larger stems. The lock slider is less preferable than a thumb catch.
Best for Comfort: Darlac Compact Plus Pruner
Priced from £10, these secateurs stand out with lightweight frames and smooth rubber handles. They perform well on smaller stems up to 16mm but struggle with delicate cuts like fine grasses. The muted colors make them less visible, so careful handling is advised.
Best for Repetitive Action: Felco Model 7 with Rotating Handle
Starting at £64, these secateurs feature a rotating handle that eases wrist strain during repetitive cutting. They are light, balanced, and handle tough stems up to 25mm. The swivel handle may make the catch lock slightly harder to reach, but overall, they are excellent for prolonged use.
Best Splurge: Niwaki Kurumi Pruners
At £200, these Japanese secateurs are elegant with walnut inlays and carbon steel blades. They perform smoothly on stems up to 10mm, such as hydrangeas, and come in plastic-free packaging with replacement parts. While pricey, they are a beautiful and functional tool for dedicated gardeners.
The Best of the Rest
- Alpen Gelbhorn 150 Secateurs: £30.54 – Affordable with an auto-unlock function, but struggles with larger wood.
- Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs: From £45 – Sleek with Samurai sword steel blades, but feels top-heavy.
- Kent & Stowe Garden Life Mini Secateurs: From £12.99 – Surprisingly tough for small hands, but the catch lock is fiddly.
- Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Secateurs: From £109.99 – Powerful and addictive for effortless pruning, but requires a separate battery and charger.
Care and Maintenance Tips
To prolong secateur life, keep them clean, oiled, and sharp. Wipe away debris after use, sharpen with a whetstone, and oil the clasp and spring. Some brands, like Felco, offer maintenance services. Bypass secateurs are best for light work, while anvil types suit tougher stems. Prioritize comfort and a durable blade, and consider a holster to prevent loss.
Pruning Advice
Prune early-flowering shrubs after blooming, cutting stems back to ground level using the "1/3 pruning rule." This maintains shape and stimulates growth. Use secateurs for smaller plants like teucrium and loppers for larger shrubs. For summer-flowering shrubs like hydrangea, this method can control rampant growth. It's also suitable for fruit bushes like gooseberry.
This article was originally published on 11 April 2025 and updated on 17 April 2026 with new products and prices.
