The sharpest in the shed: our top seven secateurs

When it comes precision pruning in the garden it can not be overstated just how important it is to secure the correct and most reliable tools for the job. So, when it’s time to reach for those trusty secateurs once again, approach your seasonal tasks with ease, and choose from our stunning collection of sharp, Japanese crafted steel tools.

Straightforward and easy to master, Okatsune’s 103 secateurs keep things simple with their sturdy ‘no frills’ approach. A favourite among professionals in their native Japan, their distinct red and white handles give you terrific control over the razor-sharp Hitachi Yasugi high-carbon steel blades, and allow for clean, effortless cuts on live wood and branches up to 2.5cm in thickness.

Chunky, yet tactile, the Daikiba is the tough kid on the block; ideal for cutting back the unruly mob in the garden. Crafted using a high-quality carbon steel, these secateurs come complete with their own canvas pouch which enables their easy carriage and protects them from the elements when out gardening.

Lighter than their A-Type counterparts, with a ‘clamshell’ blade that is designed to enhance their cutting efficiency, these remarkable two-tone secateurs are hand-forged in Yamagata using high-carbon Yasugi steel. Delivering exceptional balance, the face of the cutting blade is slightly hollow to reduce friction in the cutting action. Tobisho’s SR-1 secateurs are ideal for those with small to medium sized hands.

Winning plaudits in a whole host of leading publications, including The Guardian and BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, the Niwaki GR Pro combine robust KA70 carbon steel with ergonomic, bright yellow handles for both comfort and balance. The product of refined craftsmanship, they are particularly suited to heavy-duty pruning, offering a smooth spring action, finished with a satisfying snip.

An excellent choice for smaller hands and delicate tasks alike, Niwaki’s Lightweight GR secateurs prioritise precision with their slender bypass blades, perfect for navigating you’re all garden’s tight spots. Though slightly less robust than the ‘full fat’ GR Pro, the combination of their lightweight design and smooth action make them the ideal candidate for intricate pruning jobs and cut flowers.

Gifting greater control to all southpaw snippers, Niwaki’s Left Handed Mainichi secateurs provide all the pros of the original design, re-engineered for the left handed. Handling soft stems and light woody cuts with ease, their sharp carbon steel blades and ergonomic handles are each carefully crafted for everyday versatility.

Blending both beauty and function, these limited-edition secateurs are sure to feature highly on experienced gardener’s birthday and Christmas lists. Presented in a beautifully crafted wooden box, these Rattan S-Type secateurs are hand forged in small batches using a S58C carbon steel, before being hand wrapped in wisteria rattan. Combining the winning elements of two traditional Japanese designs, they offer an ergonomic, naturally textured grip, with exceptional balance.