We don't pretend to know very much about gardening. However, we do know that the gardening tools you use can make a difference in how quickly and easily you can perform gardening tasks, as well as how you feel at the end of the day.
Several years ago we learned from a master gardener that the Felco #2 Classic Pruner is the best pruning shear. You can read here about the sap groove (whatever that is) and the tempered bolt, but what is really important to us are the blades, and the rubber cushion and shock absorbers that result in a pruner that takes little effort to use, without wrist fatigue. $44 at Smith and Hawken.
Felco pruners are over-hyped, I believe. Their blades are replaceable, it's true. But a really good blade does not need to be replaced because it sharpens well for years (and a Felco blade has to be sharpened constantly, since it doesn't hold an edge well, which is why it needs to be replaced regularly). I've had a pair of French pruners for about eight years, and the blades are sharp as ever. The make is Arnaud, and they were purchased at Smith and Hawk'em that many years ago. For a good deal of cash. They have leather covering the handles, so they are actually more comfortable to use than the Felco. They have never had to be adjusted (as Felcos do). They are the first thing I grab when I go into the garden.
The only Felco product that's as good as the hype is their folding pruning saw. The blades last for ages. I have some loppers and hedge trimmers from a Swedish company that are made for the long haul, too, but I don't recall the brand. They are bright orange...S&H used to carry them.
I think that people just like to glom onto a brand, and Felco has worked that angle to the max.
I have these & love them. I got a great deal on the price as well;)
Coronas are as good as or better than the Felco #2's in my experience.
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