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When you’re trying to maintain a thriving garden, the right tools can make all the difference. At the heart of any gardener’s tool kit should be a handy pair of secateurs. That’s especially true if you want to cut or prune delicate plants.
Secateurs are pretty under-appreciated, guaranteeing healthy growth for your plants. If you’re looking for a new pair for your garden, you’re at the right place. In this guide, we’ll talk about the top secateurs in the UK and how you should pick the right one.
Keep reading to learn more about this must-have gardening tool and its reviews.
Which Secateurs Should You Buy?
Here are the reviews, technical specifications, pros, and cons of the best secateurs for UK gardens.
Okatsune 103 excels in overall performance, blending precision and durability for a top-tier pruning experience in your garden.
McGregor’s bypass secateurs offer durability and reliability, ensuring longevity for consistent and effective pruning in your garden.
Opinel’s secateur is tailored for left-handed users, providing ergonomic design and precision for comfortable and efficient pruning tasks.
RHS Burgon and Ball’s micro secateur is a handy companion, offering compact design and precise cutting for delicate pruning needs in your garden.
Draper’s bypass secateurs feature a wooden handle, combining traditional aesthetics with functional design for a comfortable and stylish pruning tool.
Types of Secateurs
Secateurs come in two main types: bypass and anvil secateurs.
Bypass secateurs have two curved blades that pass by each other to create a clean and precise cut. This makes them ideal for live green stems and branches. These tools excel in precision since they’re less likely to damage plants.
Meanwhile, anvil secateurs have a straight blade that cuts against a flat surface. This makes them better for cutting woody or dead growth. These tools offer more cutting force.
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The Best Secateurs in 2025
Explore the best secateurs of 2025, designed for precise and effortless pruning, ensuring your garden blooms with perfection and care.
01
Okatsune Secateurs 103
Best Overall Secateurs
Reasons to Buy
- Strong and robust build
- Cuts cleanly and well
- Comfortable to use
- Well-balanced weight
- Best all-around bypass secateurs
Reasons to Avoid
- Safety catch has a learning curve
- Stiff central bolt
- Needs to be lubricated
The Okatsune Secateurs 103 are the best overall tool on this list, for good reason. It offers exceptional performance, especially thanks to its Japanese construction. At 200 mm in length, it’s the perfect balance of reach and manoeuvrability.
You’ll truly be impressed by its razor-sharp blade, which is made from the same Japanese steel used in katanas. The robust blade can slice through 25 mm, whether you’re dealing with shrubs, roses, creepers, or trees. Its clean cuts reduce the risk of damage and disease transfer.
Even more, the tool offers a comfortable and well-balanced design. The beautiful red and white handle is easy to spot, even in low-light conditions. In simple words, the Okatsune 103 combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with a modern gardener’s needs.
Why Do We Recommend Okatsune Secateurs 103?
The Okatsune Secateurs 103 are a popular choice among gardeners. This all-rounder tool has razor-sharp Japanese steel blades and a durable build to excel in a wide range of pruning tasks. We recommend it to anyone who wants a tool that can do it all!
To learn more about this product, visit Okatsune Secateurs 103 page.
| Weight | 202 g |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Cutting Diameter | 25 mm |
| Blade Length | 55 mm |
| Blade Material | Japanese steel |
The Okatsune Secateurs 103 are suitable for home gardeners and professionals looking for a dependable and versatile tool. These can efficiently cut branches and shrubs up to 25 mm in diameter.
02
Best Durable Secateurs
McGregor Bypass Secateurs/Pruners
Reasons to Buy
- Soft grip handle
- Affordable
- Robust construction
- Non-stick carbon steel blade
- Lightweight body
Reasons to Avoid
- A bit too small
- Not for experienced gardeners
- Non-adjustable reach
If you need a tool that lasts, look no further than the McGregor Bypass Secateurs/Pruners. The best part about it is its affordability. That means you can enjoy durability on a budget.
These secateurs are best used for everyday pruning tasks, especially if you want to make the most of this tool. They may not have the advanced features and durability of high-end picks, but they’re definitely reliable. You can use these secateurs to deadhead flowers, trim light branches, and maintain shrubs.
Even better, the design is incredibly ergonomic and easy to use. Beginner gardeners will have no trouble getting the hang of it. Still, its main appeal lies in its practicality.
That means gardeners who value simplicity and affordability will especially love this tool. While it may not be the go-to pick for professional landscapers, it impresses those who want reliability on a budget.
Why Do We Recommend McGregor Bypass Secateurs/Pruners?
We recommend the McGregor Bypass Secateurs/Pruners to anyone who values a durable and reliable tool. Including a non-stick carbon steel blade and soft-grip handle, this tool is built to last. Plus, its affordability allows for longevity on a budget.
More information can be found on the McGregor Bypass Secateurs/Pruners page.
| Weight | 190 g |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Cutting Diameter | 12 mm |
| Blade Length | 50 mm |
| Blade Material | Carbon steel |
The McGregor Bypass Secateurs/Pruners are suitable for those seeking a cost-effective but reliable solution for their everyday pruning needs. Even at a low price, this tool boasts a robust construction and ease of use for beginners.
03
Best Left-Hand Secateurs
Opinel Secateur
Reasons to Buy
- Versatile three-position design
- Durable beech wood handle
- Polyamide guard
- Best left-handed option
- Safe locking system
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive
- Limited cutting diameter
- Limited info available
As a left-handed gardener, you may have trouble finding gardening tools that cater to you. Luckily, the Opinel Secateur has a left-handed orientation.
It’s definitely a testament to the French brand’s longstanding commitment to quality and functionality. At its core, the tool is simple, reliable, and precise.
Most importantly, the stainless steel blade is incredibly sharp and wear-resistant. That makes this tool perfect for those who don’t want to sharpen the blades too often. Its bypass action allows for clean and precise cuts for optimal plant health.
You’ll also be impressed by the beech wood handle. It’s a sustainable choice sourced from responsibly managed forests. Besides eco-friendliness, the tool’s 10-year guarantee is another great feature.
Admittedly, the tool is quite pricey.
Why Do We Recommend The Opinel Secateurs?
The Opinel Secateurs are must-haves for any left-handed gardener. This tool boasts a compact design, high carbon steel blade, and endorsement by the RHS!
Visit the official The Opinel Secateurs page for more details.
| Weight | 310 g |
| Hand Orientation | Left-handed |
| Cutting Diameter | 20 mm |
| Blade Length | 82 mm |
| Blade Material | Stainless steel |
The Opinel Secateurs are suitable for those with smaller hands. This tool is lightweight and portable, making your task quick and easy. Plus, it’s left-handed, which is harder to find.
04
Best Handy Secateurs
RHS Burgon and Ball Micro Secateur
Reasons to Buy
- Compact and portable
- High carbon steel blade
- Endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society
- Tailor-made for small hands
- Lightweight build
Reasons to Avoid
- The lock pinches your thumb every time you cut
- Slippery plastic handle
- Difficult to use
The RHS Burgon and Ball Micro Secateur is the ideal handy tool every gardener should have in their kit. It’s powerful yet petite and tailor-made for precision cutting. The tool is endorsed by the RHS, which tells you all you need to know about its reliability.
At just 160 mm, these secateurs are surprisingly small but fierce. They’re perfect for anyone with smaller hands looking for a lightweight tool for gardening on the go. Don’t let the size fool you; the high-carbon blade delivers exceptional power.
The Burgon and Ball brand is also committed to sustainability, sourcing their timber from responsibly managed forests.
This tool is best used for cutting branches and stems, delivering efficiency and reliability. Its 10-year guarantee gives you even more peace of mind.
Why Do We Recommend The RHS Burgon and Ball Micro Secateur?
We recommend the RHS Burgon and Ball Micro Secateur for its compact size, high carbon steel blade, and endorsement by RHS. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a portable and high-quality pruning tool!
Learn more on the official The RHS Burgon and Ball Micro Secateur page.
| Weight | 120 g |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
| Cutting Diameter | 25 mm |
| Blade Length | Unspecified |
| Blade Material | High carbon steel |
The RHS Burgon and Ball Micro Secateur is suitable for those with smaller hands. Even more, it’s perfect for gardeners on the go who need a reliable and versatile pair of secateurs to count on.
05
Best Wooden Handle Secateurs
Draper Bypass Secateurs
Reasons to Buy
- Simpler operation
- The large safety catch is easy to use
- Non-slip handles for a good grip
- Lightweight build
- Durable construction
Reasons to Avoid
- Not for cutting larger stems
- Non-replaceable parts
If the durability and comfort of your secateurs’ handle matters to you, look no further than the Draper Bypass Secateurs. Its handle is made from robust, solid ashwood. The soft grip is ergonomic, so you won’t have to worry about wrist strain after prolonged use.
Another part of its reliable build is the tempered stainless steel blade. Even with its robust construction, this tool is surprisingly affordable. That means it’s accessible to both novice and experienced gardeners.
Plus, these secateurs come from a sustainable brand. Draper sources their ashwood from responsibly managed forests, too!
The pair is also quite compact, which means you can access hard-to-reach areas for fine pruning. Combine that with the safety catch feature, and you’ve got yourself a truly handy gardening tool.
Why Do We Recommend Draper Bypass Secateurs?
The Draper Bypass Secateurs have stainless steel blades, affordable pricing, and an ergonomic design. If you’re on a budget, its reliability, durable build, and safety features will definitely amuse you.
You can learn more on the Draper Bypass Secateurs page.
| Weight | 260 g |
| Hand Orientation | Right-handed |
| Cutting Diameter | Unspecified |
| Blade Length | 180 mm |
| Blade Material | Stainless steel |
The Draper Bypass Secateurs are suitable for professional gardeners who need a comfortable tool to simplify their cutting tasks. Beginners can also use it since it’s pretty easy to use.
How Are Bypass Secateurs Different From Anvil Secateurs?
As we mentioned, there are two types of secateurs: bypass and anvil. But how are these two different from each other?
Anvil secateurs actually have various benefits over their bypass counterparts. Straight blades have exceptional cutting force, so they’re superior when it comes to thick or hard branches.
The anvil mechanism also handles materials that would typically crush under the fine blades of bypass secateurs. That means these tools are useful for those dealing with heavy-duty tasks.
Still, they can’t help you achieve the same precision and neat cuts you can get from bypass secateurs. They can potentially damage your plants by crushing them.
How We Evaluated Secateurs
In our search for the finest secateurs available in the UK, we conducted thorough tests in various garden settings, including perennials, trees, and shrubs, across different seasons. Our evaluation criteria, with equal importance given to each, were as follows:
- Handling: We examined the comfort, weight, balance, safety catch, and overall ease of use of the secateurs.
- Cutting: The focus was on the blade quality, encompassing material, strength, opening widths, manoeuvrability, and cutting efficiency.
- Maintenance: We assessed how easy the secateurs are to clean and sharpen, the availability of replacement blades, and whether a maintenance service is offered.
- Value for Money: We considered the overall quality of the secateurs, any unique features, warranty, and the recommended retail price.
Buyer’s Guide to Secateurs
Consider these factors when picking secateurs for your garden.
- Type: There are two types of secateurs: bypass and anvil. Decide between the two. Bypass secateurs offer clean cuts on live growth, and anvil secateurs work on tougher, dead wood.
- Size: Make sure the size of the secateur matches your hand and the branches. Compact secateurs offer precision in tight corners, while larger ones help cut thicker branches.
- Blade: Consider the blade material. Stainless or carbon steel are the most durable options, with sharp edges. The blades should also have non-stick coatings to reduce sap buildup.
- Ergonomics: Your secateur shouldn't cause wrist strain. Look for options with ergonomic handles and a comfortable grip. That's most important if the tool is heavy.
- Locking Mechanism: For maximum safety, make sure the locking mechanism is reliable enough to count on when not in use.
FAQs
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about secateurs.
Yes, most garden secateurs are versatile enough to prune and cut any plant. However, it’s best to stay on the safe side and only use them on medium-sized branches and stems. In that case, you may use loppers or pruning saws.
Secateurs are often confused with pruners, but they’re two different tools. Their main difference is in size. Secateurs are smaller and used for delicate and fine pruning, while pruners are better for heavy-duty tasks.
The only way to make the most of your secateurs is by keeping them in good condition. You should regularly clean the blades, sharpen the cutting edges, and oil the pivot point. This will prolong the life of your tool.
