Secateurs, which type?

I need to buy new secateurs, do members have any preference as to the type of cut as I can't make up my mind, your help would be appreciated please. Anvil or bypass?

 

I use bypass, got an old pair if Sandvic ones.
They have done well for me, must be 10 or more years old.
Dont think you can buy them anymore.
Felco are supposed to be the best I think.

 

Thanks Pete. I'd like to have Felco's but can't afford their price tag right now.

FC, I have the anvil type at the moment and use them for everything, I don't think these or the bypass ones are for any particular use, but I may be wrong.

 

Interesting thoughts FC! Obviously the bypass type have a scissor type action and cut and I'm just wondering how clean they will cut once they've worn in. I'm thinking about my roses here, they are one plant that really needs clean cuts right through the stem.

Right now I'm leaning towards the anvil type which I'm used too using anyway.

 

Felco. Sizes to fit all hands - often there is a display board where you can try-for-size (and then shop around online, if you like).

Easy to take to bits to maintain / sharpen. Spares available. Adjustable. Will last a lifetime.

 

Kristen..... I'm on a tight budget at the moment so Felco's are out of the question sadly. My question wasn't actually about the make though, it's whether anvil type secateurs are better than bypass.

FC.......after all the years I've had them, I took a double take on mine today and they are bypass, it must have been the previous ones that were anvil and now I'm back to square one! Which ones to go for.

 

Bypass for general use, anvil for lopping at trees etc!!

Val

 

You're probably right FC. I'll 'weigh' them up when I'm out on Thursday. I think we all learn eventually that cheap is not the way to go, but I have no choice at the moment unfortunately.

Val.....I've used my bypass for everything and they haven't protested in all the years I've had them, they don't owe me a penny! When branches have been too thick to use them on I've used loppers instead.

 

I've had mine for 20 years ... still going strong.

Best quality is the cheapest ... must be able to find some at an affordable price?

 

That's about the same age as mine Kristen, but the blades are really passed there best and this last week they've loosened off and aren't cutting properly. The parts are worn with age and it's time to scrap them.

 

Well, FWIW, just checked the Felco website and a new pair of Felco are £40 - £50. A new blade is about £10 - £15. Maintenance and dismantling instructions are all on their website, videos provided for every step, so should enable folk to be able to maintain them, even if that sort of DIY is not their strong suit

For example maintenance of the Felco 2:
http://www.felco.com/felco/pages/maintenance.page?name=FELCO 2&open=maintenance&video=1

Felco 2 reduced from £60 to £43 here:
http://www.worldoffelco.co.uk/secat...9fel001.html?gclid=CLjQ1_T96bgCFRMctAodwRMASg

and on eBay for £40 (inc postage) e.g.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FELCO-2-PRUNERS-BRAND-NEW-/231028254644