Felco is a bit expensive, but it is worth it. I have small hands so I got the model for smaller hands F-6 bypass pruner. They said F-6 will fit an average woman’s hand or a smaller man’s hand. Helen

Helen, is this the one?

FELCO 7.25" Smaller Hand Pruner

by FELCO4.7 out of 5 stars 1,086 ratings | 45 answered questionsPrice:$50.00 & FREE Shipping

It didn't have the F-6 listed on Amazon, but came up like above. Thanks. Yeah, $50 is steep, but I do need something better than the one I had.

Diane, can you tell me the model number of the ARS on Amazon that would be the best for pruning regular roses. I don't need a lopper--we have one. It's too awkward for me to use, my husband uses it when I have a particularly thick dead stalk that has to come off. I just want a handheld one that will easily cut thicker branches. Thanks so much.

My pruner is a VS-8, which is now available only with a rotating handle, which I hate and don't recommend if it's anything like the Fiskar's model with a rotating handle, which I have and never use. For a slightly smaller hand, there is the same model as mine, only a little shorter, the VS-7. You might just google the ARS VS-8 pruner, and see if any are available elsewhere without the rotating handle--unless you want that kind of handle. Diane

I checked ebay, and they have lots of VS-8s without the rotating handle--all from Japan. Shipping starts at about $20 it looks like, but some prices are lower until you add the shipping, of course. I thought it was interesting that they are describing this pruner as a bonsai tool. It's very highly rated as it is on Amazon. Diane

Another good brand for pruners is Niwaki (Japanese). I only have Felco F-6 and like it, but if I need another bypass pruner, I'd like to try out Niwaki pruners. Compared those two, someone from palntenthusiast.co.uk said it perfectly:

"But if I had to choose one over the other, well for all the quality and longevity of the Felco, the bright red handles, the thumb release in the catch and the precision, I would have to say by a whisker I would choose the Niwaki, they are just beautiful, they feel hand crafted, there is a weight to them, and maybe it is that weight that gives them a sold feel in the hand, that makes them feel more confident and that gives you that feeling of connectivity with the plant.

So, for now, the Felco’s have been hung up in the potting shed, and the Niwaki’s are the tool of choice.

But in reality comparing the two is like comparing a Ferrari with a Maserati, they are both incredibly well designed, engineered and beautiful.

And unlike sports cars, I am in the lucky position of being able to have both in my garage..."

Helen

I picked up a pair of Bahco P121 pruners at my local Landscape Warehouse. I really like them. They are quite sturdy with a simple design and all metal.

Am I the only one here who was prompted to search for a local source of some V-8?

I haven’t had it in a very long time. It was good.

My local Target has it in stock. $3.59 for 64 oz.

640 mg Na+ per 8 oz serving.

160 mg for the low sodium variety ( which I didn’t know even existed , before now).

Maybe what I liked about it was the sodium.

There’s now a variety of soft drinks also bearing the V-8 label. Sad. Not great.

On the matter of the focus, here, on “the best”:

I’d like to point out that

https://www.whitehouse.gov/bebest/

is directed at children.

Diane Brakefield, can you tell me what the model # of the ARS VS8 is? I noticed there are a number of VS8 ones. Sorry & thanks!

The VS-8 model is 8 inches. One has a rotating handle, and the one I have does not have this handle. Mine is simply marked VS-8. The model with the VS-7 in the number is seven inches long, a little shorter than the one I have. Don't worry about the other letters, etc. Just don't get the rotating handle if you don't want it. If you want the plain VS-8, you'll have to order from Japan, it looks like (see eBay for these listings). The simplest thing would be to get the slightly smaller, but still pretty heavy duty VS-7. Whew. You can get that on Amazon with free shipping. Diane

I checked on the 7 inch model on Amazon. Here are the details: ARS HP-VS7XZ, heavy duty pruner, 7 inches long, five stars, and the shipping is free. The price is $57.92. Diane

I have the "Niwaki Lightweight Hybrid Secateurs". They are very steep in price, but soooo worth it. They cut amazingly smooth. Are super lightweight, very easy to maintain, and the quality is unbeatable in my opinion. I have had the ARS, and for me they are a close, more affordable second, Felco would be third, IMHO. If you feel up to a splurge try the Niwaki. https://www.shopterrain.com/products/niwaki-lightweight-hybrid-secateurs

Kimberly, think I will probably buy the ARS--even that one at almost $60 is pricey for me seeing as my last number of them bought at Steins was about $18.

Kimberly, does shopterrain offer free shipping? I‘m thinking to order the Niwaki pruner you mentioned as a Mother’s Day present to myself. I want my “garden” Ferrari and Maserati 😂.

Is that the smallest pruner from Niwaki? First time buyer signing up with email will get 10% off the first order. Helen

I had some really lovely Felco pruners that have been permanently misplaced. How is it that I can have NO IDEA where they are? Presumably out in a garden somewhere... or possibly they've gone to the garden in the sky.

My replacement pruners were $15 at my local garden shop. This is why I don't deserve nice things. x_x

I also lost my hori-hori in a community garden and had to buy another. I'm sensing a theme!

How do y'all keep from losing your tools?

summercloud, I have done the same--only to go on a hunt along where I was trimming/pruning rose bushes to find I had thrown it on the ground a number of rosebushes back. I always ended up finding it, but sometimes I wanted to throttle myself. If I'm going to pay even almost $60 on the ARS one, I will be a lot more careful and gentle with it.