Choose Japanese secateurs by the work you need to do. General pruning, fine branches, flowers and detailed plant care call for different blade shapes and cutting capacities, so the best model is not simply the largest one.
Which secateurs should I choose?
General pruning and live branches: Classic S-13W and Slim S-14 handle live wood up to approximately 15 mm. Choose S-S1 for a high-carbon stainless-steel option with similar capacity, or SH-1 if you prefer natural walnut handles.
Fine, versatile pruning: S-19 has a compact curved blade for detailed work, with live-wood capacity of about 5 mm near the tip and 10 mm at the blade base.
Compact pruning: Mini S-M1 is a 14 cm portable model for bonsai, small branches and fresh flowers, with capacity up to approximately 10 mm at the blade base. S-25 is a compact angled secateur with capacity of about 5 mm near the tip and up to 15 mm at the base. S-30 is a compact angled 16.5 cm model for live growth up to approximately 10 mm, while S-31 gives the same compact 16.5 cm format with straight geometry.
Flowers, buds and fine twigs: S-17 uses long, slim straight blades for detailed cutting. SH-2 is the natural-walnut flower-shear option.
Colourful all-rounder: Sakagen P-180 combines an SK5 carbon-steel blade, fluorine coating and approximately 10 mm cutting capacity.
Shaping shrubs and box: Long Bush Pruners T-16 are the specialist choice for longer trimming cuts rather than branch-by-branch pruning.
Cutting capacities refer to live wood. Dry or dead wood can be considerably harder, so choose the tool according to both branch diameter and material.
Replacement springs, a leather holster and blade-care accessories are also available in this collection.
