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If you’ve always avoided buying professional-grade pruning shears, then you’re not alone. It’s common for casual green thumbs and weekend potterers to opt for cheaper shears on the grounds that their needs don’t warrant the hefty price tags that come with the products favoured by the pros.
But investing in a high-quality tool like the Felco Model 7 Secateurs can actually make a massive difference to the health and appearance of your garden. Thanks to their sturdy construction and durable blades that stay sharp for longer periods of time, professional-grade shears are built to last.
What’s more, they often have ergonomic handles that reduce hand fatigue and make it easier to prune for extended periods of time. Using a professional-grade tool can also improve the precision of your cuts, which is a boon for anyone dealing with more delicate pruning tasks. While products like the Felco Model 7 may come at a higher cost, their longevity and performance make them a worthwhile investment for amateur gardeners who are serious about taking their gardening to the next level.
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No more hand fatigue?
The first thing you’ll notice when using Felco Model 7 shears is the design and construction. It’s simply a cut above what you’ll find at a lower price point. The handles are ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your hand, and the addition of a rubber cushion means that your grip will remain secure, even after hours of continual use. This means that you can spend all day pruning without experiencing any hand fatigue – a common complaint among gardeners of all levels.
Clean and precise cuts
Another standout feature of the Felco Model 7 pruning shears is the bypass blade design. This is all about ensuring that your cuts are clean and precise, which is essential for maintaining the health of your plants.
Another thing to note is that the blades are made of high-quality steel, which makes them incredibly durable and long-lasting. The blades are also replaceable, giving you the ability to sharpen up your pruning without replacing the tool itself. That’s why, despite the hefty price tag, professional-grade shears generally represent excellent value for money in the long-run.
The sap groove on the blades is another feature worth discussing. This groove prevents the blades from sticking together during use – something that can occur frequently with lower-end pruning shears. Felco also introduced shock absorber to this model that reduces the impact of each cut on your hand and wrist, making pruning a much more comfortable experience, and one you hopefully won’t dread!
How to use the Felco Model 7 pruning shears
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of the Felco Model 7 pruning shears, let’s take a look at how to use them properly.
Firstly, it’s important to hold the shears correctly. Place your thumb in the lower handle loop, and your middle and ring fingers in the upper loop. Your index finger should rest on the top of the shears, and your little finger should rest on the bottom of the shears for support.
When it comes to cutting, it’s crucial to choose the right spot on the plant to make the cut. Look for a bud or node that’s facing the direction you want the new growth to go. Place the blades of the shears around the stem, making sure that the bypass blade is on the side of the stem that will remain on the plant. This ensures a clean and precise cut.
When cutting thicker branches, it’s important to use a sawing motion to avoid damaging the plant. Begin by making a small notch on the underside of the branch, and then saw through the branch from the top. This will prevent the weight of the branch from causing it to tear away from the tree.
After use, it’s important to clean the blades of the Felco Model 7 pruning shears and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rusting. This will ensure that your shears remain in good working order for years to come.
Pros and cons of the Felco Model 7 pruning shears
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle design ensures comfortable use, even for extended periods of time
- Bypass blade design ensures clean and precise cuts, which is important for maintaining the health of your plants
- Blades are made of high-quality steel, which makes them durable and long-lasting
- Replaceable blades mean you don’t have to replace the entire tool when the blades become dull
- Sap groove prevents the blades from sticking together during use
- Shock absorber reduces hand fatigue during use
- Suitable for use on a wide range of plants and branches
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other pruning shears on the market
- May be too large for people with smaller hands
- May take some time to get used to the bypass blade design, which is different from other pruning shears on the market
- May be too heavy for some users
Overall assessment
While the higher price point may deter some, I believe that the benefits of the Felco Model 7 pruning shears make them a worthwhile investment for serious gardeners. Their ergonomic design, precision cuts, and long-lasting durability make them a top choice for those looking for a reliable and high-quality tool for their gardening needs.
Of course, as with any tool, there are some potential drawbacks to consider, such as the larger size and weight of the shears, as well as the time it may take to get used to the bypass blade design. However, I believe that these minor issues are far outweighed by the many benefits of using the Felco Model 7 pruning shears.
If you’re looking for a high-quality pruning tool that will make your gardening more comfortable and precise, then I highly recommend the Felco Model 7 pruning shears. With their top-notch construction, precision blades, and long-lasting durability, these shears are a cut above the rest.
