Traditional Bypass Secateurs | Drop-Forged High-Carbon Steel | Red Pear Wood Handles

These are traditional bypass secateurs, suited to those who expect to prune more than a handful of stems each season and would rather do it properly the first time. If you have ever struggled with ragged cuts or tired hands after a morning in the borders, you will find these a considerable improvement.

The blades are made from a single piece of drop-forged high-carbon steel, which is a method worth seeking out if you want a tool that holds its edge and does not give out after a few years. There is no great trick to using them: the bypass action is what you want for live stems, as it slices rather than crushes, leaving a clean wound that heals quickly. In our experience, most people try to cut branches that are too thick for secateurs, which is a quick way to ruin both blade and plant; keep to stems within the tool's comfort and you will have them for years.

The handles are set directly into the forged metal, with no bolts or rivets to work loose over time. They are made from red pear wood, which sits comfortably in the hand and does not become slippery if you are working in damp weather. The balance is good, so you can work steadily without strain, and the grip remains comfortable even if you are out for longer than you meant to be.

These secateurs are best kept clean and dry when not in use, and a drop of oil on the pivot now and then will keep them moving freely. If you store them somewhere dry over winter and avoid using them on anything too woody, you should not need to replace them for a very long time.

• Bypass secateurs for pruning live stems and branches
• Drop-forged high-carbon steel blades for lasting sharpness
• Handles made from red pear wood, set directly into the metal
• One-piece construction with no bolted or riveted joints
• Suitable for flowers, shrubs and fruit trees
• Designed for clean, precise cuts to promote healthy growth
• Best for stems within the tool's natural range (not for thick branches)

A good pair of secateurs is worth the outlay, as you will find yourself reaching for them year after year. Use them for regular deadheading, light pruning and shaping, and you will notice the difference in both your plants and your hands. There is no need to replace what does not fail, and these are made with that in mind.