10 Best Pruning Shears 2026 in the United States

The Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears are a solid choice for gardeners who need a durable, easy-to-use tool for cutting branches and stems up to 1 inch thick. Its bypass blade design, made from forged alloy steel, ensures clean, precise cuts which are important for healthy plant growth. The blade has a rust-resistant, low-friction coating to maintain sharpness and smooth cutting over time, and it’s replaceable, so the shears can last through heavy use.

The handles feature a Softgrip texture, offering good comfort and control during use, which is helpful if you prune frequently or for longer periods. While the handle material is stainless steel, the Softgrip touchpoints help reduce hand fatigue. The product is lightweight at just under a pound, making it easy to handle.

Fiskars typically includes locking and spring mechanisms for safety and ease of use. The pruning shears rank highly among gardening scissors and have excellent user reviews, reflecting reliability and satisfaction. One minor drawback is the 1-inch cutting capacity, which is standard but may not suffice for thicker branches. Also, the serrated blade edge is good for gripping stems but might require occasional cleaning to prevent buildup. These shears suit both casual gardeners and those who want a dependable tool for more frequent pruning, especially if you value comfort and blade longevity.

The Felco Pruning Shears (F 12) are a high-performance, Swiss-made garden tool designed for precision pruning. One of its standout features is the durable construction, with forged aluminum handles and hardened steel blades, ensuring longevity and reliable performance.

The shears can handle a wide variety of pruning tasks, making them versatile for different garden needs. The ergonomic design includes a cushioned shock absorber, which helps reduce hand fatigue and the risk of injury, making it comfortable to use over extended periods. However, these shears are optimized for medium-sized hands, which might not be suitable for everyone.

The cutting capacity of up to 0.79 inches is decent for most garden tasks, and the narrow pointed anvil blade allows for precise cuts even in tight spaces. Additionally, the built-in wire cutter and sap groove add to its versatility and ease of use. While the Felco Pruning Shears are slightly on the heavier side at 11.2 ounces, the weight contributes to their sturdy feel and control. These shears also offer a lifetime warranty on the forged aluminum handles, reflecting the manufacturer's confidence in the product's durability. The Felco Pruning Shears (F 12) are a solid choice for gardeners seeking high-quality, durable, and precise pruning tools, especially those with medium-sized hands.

The Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears are a solid choice for anyone looking to tackle a variety of gardening tasks. With a cutting capacity of 5/8 inches, these shears excel at trimming delicate stems without causing damage, thanks to their bypass blade design. The rust-resistant alloy steel blade is sharp and durable, ensuring smooth cuts and reducing maintenance issues like gumming, which can be a hassle with less advanced tools.

One of the standout features is the low-friction blade coating, which not only enhances cutting efficiency but also contributes to the longevity of the shears. The ergonomic handle design provides a comfortable grip, reducing strain during extended use, and it’s a plus that they fit well in most pruner holsters.

However, users might find a couple of drawbacks. While the shears are lightweight, weighing only 10.4 ounces, some gardeners may prefer a heavier tool for more substantial cutting tasks. Additionally, although the locking mechanism is easy to use, some users have reported that it could be a bit flimsy with prolonged use.