I've been growing roses for quite a few years now, and every pair of pruners I've bought have basically been "disposable" because they just don't last.
So, last year I broke down and bought my first pair of Felco #2 pruners. They are as good as I had heard. I don't plan on ever going back to other pruners, I'm spoiled now.

Randy

I bought mine from an online hardware store that had the best prices I could find and still does. I am not sure if you are allowed to give out store names here so you can send me a PM and I can give you the name. Their site has very useful comparisons:
" The best seller is still the Felco 2 - the classic design. However, we would recommend not buying the Felco 2 in favor of one of the other models. The Felco 11 is exactly the same as the Felco 2 but with an easily replaceable anvil. The Felco 8 is the same as the Felco 11 but with a more comfortable grip and a better cutting angle. The Felco 7 has a novel rotating handle for heavy users. The Felco 6 is a smaller version of the Felco 8. The Felco 12 is a smaller version of the Felco 7. The Felco 9 and Felco 10 are left handed models. The Felco 13 is a super sized pruner. The Felco 31 is an anvil style pruner as opposed to all of the others, which are bypass pruners."

Frostproof.com has a complete line of Felcos. Link to the website below. All the various types are pictured. Click on each for a larger picture then scroll to the bottom of the page for prices.

rockyflorida, you can give out store names unless you own the business. You are not allowed to sell stuff yourself but you can say where to find a bargain and the price.

Here is a link that might be useful: Felco pruners at Frostproof.com

I didn't realize how much I needed the Felco rotating handle pruners until my husband got me a pair. I have never had a sore had from pruning since, even after many hours.

I love my Corona Bonsai-style pruners. I've been using this style for about 20 years... ever since discovering them at a Bonsai show in Little Tokyo. I've lost a fair number of these pruners over the years... and I always buy another pair, eventually, after fumbling with normal bypass shears.

Thanks for the recommendations. Apparently, Feco F-2 still remains the winner. johnpeter: I also had a Corona with thin blades for deadheading, but it got lost. It was very handy when I performed precision cutting without damaging the neighboring branches. Its time for a new one...

I'll take Felco anyday! They have a closed type spring. Corona uses an open type spring. When I'm using the Coronas, leaves and mulch get caught in the spring. Not to mention the spring coming off and trying to find it!!! I also have a small pair of Fiskars. I don't like them!

I have the Felco 7's ( rotating handle) love love love those pruners!

http://www.kilianhardware.com/felcopruners.html

Their prices seem to be about $7-$10 less than most places and they have a complete list of replacement parts. I was happy with their service.

You're correct. Kilian Hardware has great prices on Felcos. someone walked off with my Felco 2 at our pruning demonstration so I'm going to order a pair from Kilian. Here's the click on link for kilianhardware.com

Here is a link that might be useful: Source for Felco pruners