As someone who has spent countless hours with secateurs in hand, transforming overgrown gardens into works of art, I can tell you that your choice of pruning tool will make or break your gardening experience. After years of testing everything from budget snips to professional-grade tools, I’ve narrowed down the premium market to two standout secateur brands that I use here at Garden Ninja HQ: the artisanal Japanese craftsmanship of Niwaki Okatsune and the Swiss precision engineering of Felco.
Both brands represent the pinnacle of secateur design, but they cater to very different gardening philosophies and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to invest in your first proper pair of secateurs or an experienced gardener seeking to upgrade, this comprehensive comparison will help you make the right choice for your UK garden.
This page contains affiliate links (see full details here). If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Niwaki secateurs embody the Japanese principle of Monozukuri, the beauty of craftsmenship with tools and precision. All for the relenetless pursuit of perfection. These aren’t just tools; they’re an extension of the gardener’s hand, crafted using traditional methods that have been refined over generations. Which may sound lofty, but having used their secateurs and snips now for over a decade, and being a Japanese garden design super fan, it really does feel like they are more than just a tool.
The blade geometry on their Okatsune secateurs is simply extraordinary. The razor-sharp edge, when properly maintained, slices through stems with an almost surgical precision that leaves clean cuts and promotes faster healing in plants. If you’re not careful, you will easily slice your fingers open on a pair of recently sharpened Niwaki or Japanese steel secateurs. This is particularly useful for delicate pruning work on fruit trees, roses, and ornamental shrubs where the quality of the cut directly impacts plant health of the plant.
However, this exceptional performance comes with a commitment.
These Japanese secateur beauties require regular maintenance and proper storage. The carbon steel blades, while incredibly sharp, are more susceptible to rust and dulling than their European counterparts. Think of them as the sports car of the secateur world thrilling performance, but you need to know how to look after them. One thing to bear in mind is that Okatsune are not just specialist to Niwaki, you can buy them direct to. They are connected tio Niwaki as they used to be their flagship ‘good alrounder model’.
Felco secateurs represent a completely different approach to tool design. Where Niwaki focuses on traditional craftsmanship, Felco brings Swiss engineering precision to every component. These are the workhorses of the professional gardening world, built to withstand daily abuse whilst maintaining consistent performance. You can see it in the cogs, switches, and super-thick rubber handles. Everything is made for function and results.
The modular design philosophy sets Felco apart in the market. Every single component, from the springs to the cutting blades, can be replaced individually. This means your initial investment can literally last decades with proper care. I’ve seen gardeners still using Felco secateurs that were purchased in the 1980s, still cutting as cleanly as the day they were bought. They have an amazing repair and replace service where even battered, ruined Felcos can be sent off and repaired, returned nearly as good as new!
The ergonomics of Felco tools are second to none, particularly important for gardeners who spend hours pruning. The handles are designed to reduce hand fatigue, and the range includes options for different hand sizes and cutting preferences. For UK gardeners dealing with everything from delicate herbaceous perennials to tough old apple wood, this versatility is invaluable. They are one of the only size-specific secateurs which Niwaki often struggles with, as they have limited sizes.
• Niwaki Okatsune: Delivers extraordinary cutting performance that professionals consistently rate as superior. Recent comprehensive testing found Okatsune to be “clear winners” with “sharpness, precision, ease of cutting” significantly better than competitors. Professional gardeners report they “keep an edge longer than Felcos, they feel more robust and have only needed replacing when I have pushed them beyond their limits too often”. They do struggle in thicker branches and laterals though,. wherre more heavy duty secateurs are needed. I’d say they have a smaller window for the thickness they can cut compared to Felco in my experience.
Felco: Consistent, reliable cutting across all stem types with proven durability. The range includes anvil and bypass options, with cutting capacity up to 30mm on premium models. I’lll be honest whilst Felcos make light work of a wider thickness of plant stems and branches their cutting isnt as razor sharp as Niwaki unless recently sharpened. Recent testing placed them “not only third, but a distant third, as no one cared for their cut even remotely compared to” Japanese alternatives.
• Niwaki: Hand forged carbon steel blades using traditional Japanese methods, the same steel quality used in Katana sword crafting. The blades are thinner than Felcos and are super tough, though they require careful rust prevention and cleaning after each use, which is the biggest negative with Niwaki and Japanese secateurs is the time to clean and sharpen regularly.
• Felco: Engineered for longevity with replaceable parts. Hardened steel components resist wear and weather. Built to professional standards for daily commercial use with comprehensive parts availability. Felcos require far less cleaning and oiling, so are better for the day to day commercial gardeners.
• Niwaki: Exceptionally well balanced with superior weight distribution thanks to the full-length construction. The longer handles provide excellent leverage and feel more natural in the hand than shorter European designs. BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine noted they “feel well balanced and comfortable to use”. I love the counter balance of all of my Niwakis though they take a bit of gettinfg used to!
• Felco: Multiple handle sizes and grip options available, though the shorter, more compact design can feel less balanced in larger hands. Shock-absorbing systems on premium models. Designed specifically for extended professional use without fatigue. If you have a lot of pruning Felcos reduce the fatique significantly.
| Feature | Niwaki Okatsune | Felco Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Price | £45-65 | £25-45 |
| Premium Models | £80-120 | £60-90 |
| Replacement Blades | £15-25 | £8-15 |
| Complete Rebuild Cost | 60-70% of new price | 30-40% of new price |
| Expected Lifespan | 5-10 years (with care) | 15-25+ years |
The initial investment in either brand represents excellent value compared to repeatedly buying cheaper alternatives, but the long-term economics favour Felco significantly. A well-maintained Felco can outlast multiple Niwaki secateurs if they get damaged, making it the more economical choice for most gardeners. Though in reality, I’ve not managed to break a pair of Niwakis beyond repair yet, but I am very careful with them!
The carbon steel blades require regular cleaning and light camellia oiling to prevent rust, but maintenance is more straightforward than many assume. The simple, robust construction means fewer components to service, and the handles are all steel covered by a rubber/plastic tool handle covering. One thing you need to consider though is the consistent cleaning needed for Nikwais compared to Felco. They do tarnish faster and seem to get gunked up quicker than their competitiors.
The locking mechanism is particularly praised by professionals who note it works consistently but I’ve found sometimes it does engage during use, which can be furstrating. The locking mechanism is easy to use even using tyour thigh to close it (the clasp at the bottom of the handles). Its very deliberate and easy to use, even with gloves on.
Felco secateurs are designed for the real world. Basic maintenance involves occasional cleaning and oiling of the pivot points. The hardened steel blades hold their edge longer and can be easily sharpened using standard techniques or replaced entirely when worn. I too can testify the locking mechanism is a joy whereas the Niwaki clasps can sometimes snap over fingers or stop the secteurs from fully closing mid cut!
The company provides excellent maintenance guides, and replacement parts are readily available from garden centres across the UK. Many components can be serviced by the gardener themselves, making ongoing costs predictable and manageable.
Niwaki offers a traditional approach to customer service, with support primarily through specialist retailers and their UK distributor. While the quality of service is excellent, the network is smaller, and accessing repairs or advice may require more effort, particularly for gardeners outside major urban areas.
The warranty covers manufacturing defects but places emphasis on proper maintenance. Given the specialised nature of these tools, users are expected to understand and commit to appropriate care from day one. You will need a gritstone, creanmate and camellia oil to keep them sharp and clean. Which are all specific to Japanese secateurs.
Felco provides industry-leading support with a network of authorised service centres across the UK. The company offers comprehensive warranties covering both manufacturing defects and normal wear components. Most impressively, they guarantee parts availability for discontinued models, ensuring your investment remains serviceable for decades.
Their customer education resources are extensive, including maintenance guides, video tutorials, and technical support. For beginners, this level of support can make the difference between a tool that lasts decades and one that fails prematurely due to poor maintenance. I’ve known many professional gardeners who still have Felcos that are 40 years old and they get them serviced!
I’ll be honest, I’m a sectateur fanatic. I have more pairs than I am allowed to admit to my other half! I’ve spent hundreds on one pair of specific snips and then sometimes £50 on a good all-rounder. As a professional gardener, I have pairs of both Felco and Niwaki secateurs that I use every day, and then super-specialised or preferred secateurs for different jobs. Making it hard to narrow it down to one universal pair.
If I’m pruning fruit trees, I always use Niwakis Tobisho B-type or St Type secateurs as they provide a near glass-like sharp finish on cuts. For shrubbery work and crown lifting trees, I use Felco as they can withstand a bit more brutal bashing, dropping and resin build-ups. Whereas Niwaki tend to get mucky quickly and are a bit more work to clean than Felcos.
Recent comprehensive testing involving multiple users consistently placed Niwaki Okatsune as the clear winner for cutting performance and ease of use, even for those trying them for the first time. The simple, robust construction and superior locking mechanism make them surprisingly beginner-friendly, with BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine awarding them Best Buy status. However, Felco has the hertitage, history and huge swathes of profressional gardener fans!
Both brands offer excellent foundations for developing proper pruning techniques. Niwaki provides unmatched cutting performance and superior balance, whilst Felco offers comprehensive support and parts availability. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritise cutting excellence (Niwaki) or service convenience (Felco).
The reality is that either tool, properly maintained, will serve you for decades and dramatically improve your pruning results compared to cheaper alternatives.
Remember, the best secateurs are the ones you’ll actually use and maintain properly. Both brands offer exceptional quality, but your gardening style, maintenance commitment, and long-term goals should guide your decision aqlong with budget! With either pari you’re going to be pruning like a pro and will make all cuts far easier than cheaper secateur alternatives.
| Aspect | Niwaki Okatsune | Felco | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cut Quality | Exceptional | Excellent | Niwaki |
| Durability | Excellent (with care) | Exceptional | Draw |
| Balance & Feel | Superior | Good | Niwaki |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Low | Felco |
| Initial Cost | Moderate-High | Low-Moderate | Felco |
| Long Term Value | Excellent | Excellent | Draw |
| Parts Availability | Limited | Extensive | Felco |
| Beginner Friendly | Yes | Yes | Draw |
| Professional Use | Exceptional | Universal | Niwaki |
Stop dreaming about stunning gardens and start designing them! Lee Burkhill’s online garden design courses are your shortcut from complete beginner to confident designer, all from the comfort of your sofa.
Garden Design Examples for Small Gardens: 30 Design Templates & Planting Plans: In this online gardening course, I’ll walk you through 30 fantastic garden designs, explaining the logic behind the layout, the plant choices, and take-home tips for applying them in your own garden.
Learn how to transform and design your own garden with Lee Burkhills crash course in garden design. Over 5 hours Lee will teach you how to design your own dream garden. Featuring practical design examples, planting ideas and video guides. Learn how to design your garden in one weekend!
Garden Design for Beginners Online Course: If you want to make the career jump to becoming a garden designer or to learn how to design your own garden, this is the beginner course for you. Join me, Lee Burkhill, an award-winning garden designer, as I train you in the art of beautiful garden design.
To make the most of whichever secateurs you choose, proper pruning technique is essential. My comprehensive pruning guide covers everything from basic cuts to advanced techniques, helping you achieve professional results whilst maintaining plant health. Understanding when, where, and how to prune is just as important as having the right tools for the job.
Whether you opt for the artisanal excellence of Niwaki Okatsune or the practical perfection of Felco, investing in quality secateurs will enhance your gardening experience and help you cultivate the garden of your dreams. Whichever brand from above you pick, you won’t be disappointed in having decent secateurs with you as you level up your gardening skills, Ninjas!
JOIN THE NINJAS
Be the first in line for new Guides, Discount codes and Offers
