In a nutshell

The No.1 choice for professional gardeners in Japan, these are a secateurs are a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award winner. They're simple yet robust, well made, sharp and strong and very easy to use. Good value, they come with a two-year warranty.

What we tested

  • Handling
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Cutting
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Maintenance
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Value for money
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Pros

  • Comfortable and well balanced
  • Cuts all wood cleanly and well
  • Feel strong and robust

Cons

  • Stiff central bolt
  • Safety catch takes getting used to
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What are the Okatsune 103 secateurs like to use?

These simply designed, Japanese secateurs have few parts but rely on the strength and sharpness of the blade to make cutting easy and effortless. They cut consistently well, including heavy duty pruning and are ideal for all pruning jobs. The safety catch on the base of the handle takes getting used to, but is opened and closed by simply brushing it against your leg, It can also be folded out of the way when you’re pruning. With red and white handles that stand out even when light levels are low, they're hard to lose. They come with a replacement spring and can be dismantled for maintenance although the central bolt is very stiff.

Are the Okatsune 103 secateurs good value for money?

At the higher end of the price scale, although they're not the most expensive secateurs we tested, and for the quality and performance we think they're excellent value for money. They come with a warranty of just two years.

Who are the Okatsune 103 secateurs most useful for?

Light and easy to use, these secateurs are handy for all gardeners as they come in three sizes to suit small, medium or large hands.

Buy the Okatsune 103 secateurs on Amazon

Buy other Okatsune tools on Amazon

Secateurs-Buyer's Guide video

Read the full list of the best secateurs.

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If you're pruning larger branches, take a look at our reviews of the best loppers and best pruning saws and for help clearing up, see our test of the best wheelbarrows.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandOkatsune
NameOkatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs
Model103 Bypass Secateurs
Price£42.00
Secateur typeBypass
Features
Hand orientationRight-handed
HandlePlastic-coated
Maximum cut diameter25mm
Blade materialHardened steel
Safety catchYes
Weight202g
Warranty2YEAR
ecoCredentials
Green highlights
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