I guess everyone has their favorite. Mine is Felco #6, and I wouldn't be without them (I have 2, in case I misplace one).

This is a smaller bypass pruner; the slightly smaller size is easier on my hands, since I don't need to extend as far. That gives me better control and less wear on the joints and tendons of my hands. I like bypass blades because it produces a clean cut and there's less "jolt" to my hands. Also, according to the Felcostore site, "Cutting with a dull anvil blade can produce a crushing-type cut" and I've noticed that with some anvil pruners that seem to be fairly sharp.

Anything that's too thick for the Felco #6 goes to a nice big (but lightweight) ratched-driven pruner ...

Here is a link that might be useful: felco model comparisons

Hi Carol,

I bought Florian ratchet clippers at a home show 33 years ago and still have them. Florian is made in Southington, Connecticut (not China). The rachet system works better for me than any other because it takes the pressure of having squeeze hard off the hands - big help for aging hands. These can easily cut up to a 1" diameter branch. Last I knew, if these clippers go wonky for some reason, Florian replaces them free of charge. You could check their website. These clippers really work! - and you get a pouch to keep them in.

http://www.floriantools.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=florian&Product_Code=RP-701&Category_Code=best_sellers

Kindly,
Jane in CT