There is little that is as satisfying as snipping off fresh and tasty home-grown vegetables!
From picking herbs for garnishing dishes to chopping off dead weeds – garden scissors are essential for every gardening enthusiast. In fact, even if you have just started with a small indoor kitchen garden, you need a pair of handy pruning shears or scissors to harvest those veggies.
As for experienced gardeners and those with green thumbs, they know that the secret to a bountiful harvest is timely pruning. While overgrowths have innocent beginnings, leaving them unclipped can lead to the choking of plants in no time! Anyhow, a good pruning has never failed to give me the fullest roses and sweetest peaches!
Hi! I’m Stacy, an avid gardener, who is here to tell you all you need to know about the best garden scissors on the market today.
Without further ado, allow me to get straight to the deets.
Top 5 Garden Scissors Reviews
1. VIVOSUN 4336460076
This pocket-sized garden scissor is a handy tool you can just slide inside the pockets of your apron before heading out to the garden or greenhouse. But, don’t be fooled by its small size; the sharp stainless steel blades are great for cutting through stems, weeds, and even delivery boxes!
Product Highlights
This garden scissor from VIVOSUN has been fitted with a spring that automatically pushes open the scissor blades without putting strain on the wrists. Additionally, the Comfort Grip scissor handles are designed to reduce hand fatigue.
Moving on, what good are comfortable handles without sharp blades? With that in mind, the makers at VIVOSUN have fitted the product with sharp stainless steel blades that can be used for all your pruning and cutting needs. What’s more, these blades are long and curved, which facilitates cutting into deep corners and crevices with precision.
In terms of color, the garden scissor is only available in a black and orange design. Also, look out for the black lock mechanism that keeps the scissor blades securely shut when not in use.
What's There To Like About It?
My wrists have never been the same since I was diagnosed with arthritis a couple of years ago. Through all those years of cutting hundreds of weeds even with regular scissors, I never realized I was taking my healthy wrists for granted!
Luckily, I came across this product from VIVOSUN. Not only can I work in my garden for longer hours, but also cut all my flowers with perfect precision.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Since the blades are so sharp, I was relieved that the tool came with a lock mechanism.
Unfortunately, I had to get it removed after a few incidents of the scissor locking itself while I was still working on the rose bushes! Even with this tiny flaw, it is one of the best trimming scissors I have ever used.
Pros and Cons of VIVOSUN 4336460076
Pros
Cons
- Reduce Hand Strain: These micro tip snips are made to reduces hand fatigue which makes them great for those with arthritis, carpal tunnel, hand or wrist issues; Comfortable “grip” handles will make it easy to work for long-time use without making you feel hand pain
- Ultra Sharp Blades: These quality snips come with stainless steel precision-sharpened blades and are ready to tackle all of your deadheading, trimming, and shaping jobs for your roses, annuals, vegetable, bonsai and small-flower gardens
- Secure, Easy to Lock: These micro tip snips feature a safe and secure sideways locking mechanism that keeps your blades protected and closed when not in use; The design of these pruning snips are perfect to use whether you are right or left handed with ease
2. Fiskars 399241-1001
At first glance itself, you will notice that these garden scissors are small and delicate – perfect for surgical pruning! This flagship product by Fiskars remains a top contender for the best trimming scissors on the market because it makes use of its miniature size by allowing accurate cutting.
Product Highlights
While the older model had a one-sided lock, the newer models of these garden scissors from Fiskars are equipped with a dual-lock mechanism. Anyhow, these locks are a much-needed addition because the stainless steel blades are sharp enough to snip off weeds, stems, and possibly even fingers!
Moreover, there is a built-in spring that swiftly moves the blades back into an open position as you trim or prune. Apart from the convenience that it brings to the table, the easy action design reduces hand fatigue.
Furthermore, buyers receive an orange-colored blade cover that matches the orange and black theme of the scissor. Needless to say, the bright hue makes it stand out among all your gardening tools.
But, perhaps the hallmark feature of this product would be the non-stick coating on the blades. And, of course, a non-stick coating means reduced jamming and prevention of sticky residue.
What's There To Like About It?
As I had expected, the non-stick coating saved me a lot of trouble. With my other garden scissors, I usually have to wipe them down after a few snips. On the other hand, I was able to work on dried flowers for seven hours straight with this product!
And, even though it got a little messy when working with sap-producing plants, the non-stick coating made cleaning much easier.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Quite like the previous product, there are some underlying issues with the lock tab. Since there is very little resistance to the sliding lock, even the gentlest bump can lock you out. That said, this is far from a dealbreaker as you can avoid this issue with a fair share of practice.
Pros and Cons of Fiskars 399241-1001
Pros
Cons
- GARDENING ESSENTIAL: Stainless steel blade plant shears ideal for a variety of pruning tasks like cutting flower stems, maintaining your herb garden, and more to encourage overall plant health and appearance
- POWER AND PRECISION: Micro-Tip blades cut all the way to the tip for clean, healthy cuts on plants in tight spaces; Low-friction blade coating makes smooth cuts, reduces gumming, and enhances rust resistance
- LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Stainless steel blades stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars pruning snips and tools are built to last
3. GROWNEER GT0005-3K
Looking for a gardening scissor that has a wide range of uses? That is exactly what this product from GROWNEER offers. What’s more, you get three scissors in a pack – and that too at the price of one!
Product Highlights
An ergonomic design makes this product from GROWNEER a great option for those looking for a pair of garden scissors that won’t leave you stretching out your wrists every few minutes. Spring-loaded, fitted with handles that have rubber grips, ambidextrous – it has it all.
As for the blades, they are made of titanium-coated stainless steel and have a slight curve that allows more precision. Moreover, the titanium coating makes the product corrosion-resistant, which only adds to its durability.
But, perhaps, what makes this product one of the best garden scissors around is its value for money – three of these come in a package deal. And what’s more, the model is available in two different colors – orange and blue.What's There To Like About It?
Considering it was a 3-in-1 deal, I did not expect much from this product. Imagine my surprise when I realized how effortlessly these dainty-looking garden scissors get the job done.
While they are great for trimming indoor plants and pruning shears for my tomato vines, I’ve been using them for all sorts of jobs. Just the other day, my husband used these for cutting through some electrical tape, and he was so impressed that he kept one for himself! Never mind – I still have two!
What's There Not To Like About It?
From what I have experienced, these garden scissors are only meant for light-duty work, such as cutting flowers and the stems of fruits. Unless the stems are still green and soft, they won’t be able to cut through. In fact, it may break the scissors, so proceed with caution!
Pros and Cons of GROWNEER GT0005-3K
Pros
Cons
- Make Precise Cuts: Hand pruner is ideal for trimming, shaping and other quick snips on small plants. You can easily make precise cuts with one-hand and without damaging the other vital stems and branches of your other plants.
- Reduce Hand Strain: Pruning shear are built spring-loaded, so that they automatically open which greatly reduces hand fatigue. Ergonomic design rubber grip will make it easy to work for long periods of time without discomfort.
- Ultra Sharp Blades: These snips come with straight stainless steel blades for precision cutting. High grade blades are sharp and durable.
4. Gardenite GT-2150L
This is a gardening tool so sharp that you will be scared to put it in your pocket! But, of course, when it comes to gardening scissors, the sharper the better. You may still want to buy a holster to store it in!
Product Highlights
Gardenite is a lesser-known company in the world of gardening and lawn care tools. However, this product has been piquing everyone’s interest.
The UltraSnip model by Gardenite has shiny and attractive chromed zinc blades that can cut up to a thickness of 5/16 inches. Needless to say, you may consider this option if most of your pruning work involves flowers, small shrubs, bonsai, and so on.
Moreover, considering its small size, it still feels heavy in the hand – which makes a good case for its durability. However, despite being slightly heavier, it does not put any strain on the wrists. In fact, the chromed carbon steel spring and a long 6.7-inch handle make it an ergonomic tool that combines great grip and reduced hand fatigue.
What's There To Like About It?
The main reason I go through so many garden tools in a year is because of my forgetfulness. I have often left my garden shears out under the rain, and a lot of them start showing signs of rust just after one day. But not the UltraSnip by Gardenite!
Perhaps, the credit can be given to the chromed zinc blades. Anyhow, if you are looking for a pair of long-lasting gardening scissors that don’t give in to moisture, then this is the product to have.
What's There Not To Like About It?
As mentioned earlier, I am notorious for leaving my tools out in the garden and greenhouse. On days when I accidentally leave these gray-colored scissors out on the grass or on the pots, it gets camouflaged and I spend hours looking for it. It’s probably best to hand-paint the scissors with another color.
Pros and Cons of Gardenite GT-2150L
Pros
Cons
- ➥ Super grade stainless steel upper and lower blades for precision cutting up to 5/16 inches. The UltraSnip is designed for deadheading, pruning flowers, pruning small plants and shrubs and other light trimming duties.
- ➥ Chromed zinc allow handles with comfortable rubber grip.
- ➥ Long 6.7 inch handes offer easy grip and reduce hand strain.
5. Chikamasa B-500SF
They say every hand is different and no scissor can be “one-size-fits-all." However, try this one out for size – reviewers from everywhere can’t stop raving about how gentle it is on the wrists!
Product Highlights
Chikamasa is a Japanese company that has come up with a model of garden scissors that is designed specifically for cutting bonsai. However, you can use it for cutting through vines, pruning flowers, trimming leaves, and much more.
Even though this product is not spring-loaded, it is easy to use. In fact, some people prefer garden scissors that don’t have springs because those can get tiring after a while. Rest assured, you will not be getting sore spots with the large finger openings of this understated piece.
Handle with extreme care because the micro tips are extremely sharp. However, the outer part of the blades is rounded and won’t cut into the surrounding plants. What’s more, these garden scissors are resin-resistant and don’t get gummy even after long hours.
What's There To Like About It?
Although it may not look like much, this is a solid pair of garden scissors. Kudos to the makers for offering a product that has such a great grip while also being resin-resistant. Needless to say, I was able to work on my plants for hours before it needed cleaning.
Speaking of which, the fluorine non-stick coating made cleaning much easier; just a short alcohol bath and it was ready for another session of cutting.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The packaging and instruction manual are all in Japanese – which is not good news if you want to know more about the product. In fact, I am still confused as to what those number labels on the scissors mean!
Pros and Cons of Chikamasa B-500SF
Pros
Cons
- Total Length: 6.1 inches (155 mm)
- Blade Length: 1.4 inches (35 mm)
- Weight: 1.4 oz (42 g)
Buyers Guide
At the end of the day, a great pair of trimming scissors can only become the best trimming scissors if it meets your requirements. So, before buying one, here are a few points that will help figure out if it is right for you.
1. Size
First of all, head to your garden and decide what the garden scissors will be used for. A large pair of garden shears to manicure the lawn or a small one for bonsai and flowers? Of course, you can also cut grass with a small pair of garden scissors, but that would take up too much time and energy!
To cut things short, keep realistic expectations about what you need and search accordingly. With that being said, the products I have mentioned today are great for pruning small shrubs, vines, and flowers. Anything that has a thickness of more than half an inch would probably require a larger pair of shears.
2. Blade Design
Undoubtedly, the best garden scissors should be sharp enough to cut through stems with ease. At the same time, pay attention to the blade design; the best pruning devices are long and curved to give better accuracy.
Moreover, this helps them reach into spaces when the plant cover is especially dense. Keep in mind that a good garden scissor with micro tips should be blunt and rounded outside. If not, you run the risk of slicing off precious flowers and plants nearby!
3. Resin-resistance
Resin is a common problem faced by both gardeners and garden tool designers. After all, nobody likes to work with a sticky tool! Moreover, the buildup of gum and resin on garden scissors jams the blades and affects performance.
While far from a perfect solution – opt for garden scissors that have a non-stick coating. Although some products prevent sticking more than others, a non-stick coating surely makes cleaning a lot easier.
Also, keep in mind that blades with a non-stick coating should never be sharpened with another knife or blade. I learned this the hard way and ended up stripping off the layer of non-stick film.
4. Color
Personal preference aside, the color of your garden scissors plays an important role because these tools frequently get lost or misplaced. And once they do, you should hope that the tool has a bright color that can be spotted easily among plants or inside the toolbox.
5. Ergonomics
First of all, what you are looking for is a comfortable pair of garden scissors having wide finger rings. Since you will be using this tool for making detailed cuts, buying one which puts the least pressure on your wrists becomes all the more important.
To reduce hand fatigue, some designers incorporate various features such as built-in return springs that automatically open the scissors as you cut. Without a doubt, this is a great feature to have with one-hand operations – such as when you are working on a ladder.
However, some people find that the built-in springs of some products are counter-productive as they require more force while cutting. Luckily, there are plenty of options on the market with and without this feature.
Yet another way to improve the grip is by attaching grooves or ridges to the handles. Additionally, handles made of non-slip materials, like rubber, improve the user experience.
To say the least, an ergonomic pair of garden scissors is especially advised for the elderly and those who suffer from arthritis. Perhaps, they should also opt for a lightweight product that is built to be used over longer periods.
6. Lock
Some locks are one-sided and some are dual – but the best locks are those which don’t slip and secure themselves.
Locks are important because the sharp blades can surely prove to be a hazard if not handled with care. However, it isn’t rare to find a product that snaps shut right when you are in the middle of pruning the rose bushes.
Alternatively, some products come with plastic blade covers or scissor sheaths that get the job done just as well. Simply secure the scissors in their covers and throw them in with the rest of the tools!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It is possible to cut plants with regular scissors. Unfortunately, it’s not recommended because regular scissors and pruners are of different shapes. The pruner has been designed to have a crescent mouth that makes it easier to accurately snap small leaves and stems.
And, since regular scissors have straight blades, you might unintentionally cut off healthy leaves, stems, or flowers that are close by. Moreover, regular scissors meant for household objects like paper and fabric, become blunt over time if used on other things like plant stems!
Any gardener – novice or expert – will tell you that keeping your gardening tools clean can be a hassle. After all, you are working with soil and dirt!
However, with garden scissors, rust and resin remain the biggest culprits to look out for. First off, buying a product that guarantees corrosion resistance and a non-stick coat can keep problems at bay.
Anyhow, it is important to clean garden scissors after use, regardless of whether it has become gummy with resin or not. Some people prefer vinegar while some prefer alcohol baths as cleaning agents. However, washing them with water and soap, combined with some light scrubbing is good enough.
Apart from this, pay attention that your tools are stored in a dry area and that they are always wiped down after cleaning. After all, moisture is a shortcut to rust and corrosion.
Trimming off browned leaves and stems is highly recommended if you want healthy plants. However, make sure that the browned leaves are at least 50% brown before doing so; some plants that look dry can still be revived.
On the other hand, completely dried and brown leaves should be removed immediately. And, when the growing season arrives, you will be rewarded with a healthier bunch. The same applies to the stems of flowers and fruits.
My Final Recommendation
This brings me to the end of the guide to the best garden scissors on the market. And of course, your choice is as good as mine.
With that being said, I have had great luck with the VIVOSUN 4336460076 and Fiskars 399241-1001 for all my trimming needs. Both of these products are manufactured by trusted brands that have been in the business for years – and for good reasons.
These durable trimming scissors will be with you all the way – from getting rid of browned plants to snipping off tasty produce once it is harvest season. On that note, I will sign off.
Until next time!