The Ultimate Guide to the Best Secateurs for UK Gardeners
Secateurs are arguably the most cherished tool in a gardener's arsenal, akin to a bricklayer's trowel in personal value. Over time, their weight and shape become familiar companions, essential for tasks ranging from pruning woody shrubs and cutting back perennials to slicing twine and preparing cut flowers. There are two primary types: bypass and anvil secateurs, with this review focusing on the former. A well-maintained quality pair can last decades, fostering staunch loyalties among gardeners to specific models.
Testing Methodology and Long-Term Performance
After rigorously testing a range of bypass secateurs in my garden for the Filter a year ago, I donated them to the Garden Museum in London, where volunteers have used them in public gardens. As head gardener, I conducted an annual deep clean this spring, inspecting each for endurance and performance. The process involved scrubbing with soapy water and a stiff brush, drying, wiping down, using Niwaki's Mini Clean Mate rust and sap eraser, sharpening with a whetstone, and lubricating with WD-40.
The results were impressive. The Burgon & Ball RHS-endorsed secateurs, named Best overall, held up exceptionally well with minimal visible deterioration. The Okatsune 103 secateurs' blade discoloured with grime but cut as smoothly as new. The Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advantage secateurs required cleaning and oiling for the lock but remained intact with an impressively sharp blade. This spring, I tested an additional seven pairs, bringing the total to 19, and here are the top 10 selections.
Top Secateurs Picks for Every Gardener
Best secateurs overall: Burgon & Ball bypass secateurs – Priced from £22.99, these offer affordability, robustness, and comfort. They feature alloy handles, a carbon-steel blade, and RHS endorsement, making them a mid-range contender that competes with premium models. They excel in sharpness and visibility due to orange handles, though they struggle slightly with larger diameter material.
Best secateurs for tough stems: Felco Model 2 – From £55.45, these Swiss-made secateurs are pro-grade, sharp, and durable. Made from 70% recycled aluminium, they offer precision and a conspicuous red design. However, they come at a higher price point.
Best budget secateurs: Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advantage bypass secateurs – Starting at £11.20, these provide a no-frills design with a sharp carbon steel blade. They are comfortable and come with a 10-year guarantee, though the lock slider is less preferable than a thumb catch.
Best secateurs for comfort: Darlac compact plus pruner – From £10, these stand out with lightweight frames and sleek rubber handles for exceptional comfort. They perform well on smaller stems but struggle with delicate cuts like fine ornamental grasses.
Best secateurs for repetitive action: Felco Model 7 with rotating handle – Priced from £64, these feature a swivelling handle that eases wrist strain during repetitive cutting. They are durable and effective for both fine and tough materials.
Best splurge: Niwaki Kurumi pruners – At £200, these Japanese secateurs combine elegance with performance, featuring walnut-inlayed handles and a carbon steel blade. They are perfect for precise cuts but have a slim maximum cutting diameter of 10mm.
Additional Notable Models
Alpen Gelbhorn 150 secateurs – £30.54: Affordable and hardwearing with an auto-unlock function, though they struggle with larger wood.
Okatsune 103 bypass secateurs – From £45: Sleek and precise with Samurai sword steel blades, but feel slightly top-heavy.
Kent & Stowe Garden Life all-purpose mini secateurs – From £12.99: Surprisingly tough for their size, ideal for small hands, though the catch lock is fiddly.
Ryobi 18V One+ cordless secateurs – From £109.99: Electric-assisted for effortless pruning, powerful and addictive, but requires a separate battery and charger.
Care and Selection Tips
To prolong secateur life, keep them clean, oiled, and sharp. Perform a light clean after each use and an annual deep clean. Use a whetstone for sharpening and oil the clasp and spring. Bypass secateurs, with two passing blades, are ideal for clean cuts on lighter materials, while anvil secateurs, with a blade cutting against a flat surface, suit tougher stems. Prioritise comfort and a durable blade, and consider a holster to prevent loss. For pruning, follow the "1/3 rule" for shrubs, cutting back a third of the plant to stimulate growth.
Matt Collins, a garden writer and head gardener at the Garden Museum, provides these insights based on nearly two decades of professional experience. This article was updated on 17 April 2026 to include new products and price revisions.
