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Buy It For Life
Pruning Shears

Updated Jul 20, 2026

Tools & Garden Equipment

Buy it for life: the most durable pruning shears,
according to r/BuyItForLife on Reddit —
recommended by people who have owned them for years. How we pick.
Do you know of an item that should be on this list? Let us know!

Felco 2 Most Loved Badge

Felco 2 External link

Swiss-made bypass pruners with replaceable parts, long lifespan, and smooth cutting action.

Mentioned 9 times in the threads we read

  • Replaceable parts
  • Decades-long durability
  • Smooth reliable cutting
I've had mine since 1987, so nearly 40 years.
– etr420 Reddit comment
Found these on the side of the road over 30 years ago. They work like a dream, never sharpened, never repaired.
– damion789 Reddit comment
These are the standard for hand pruners in commercial landscaping. Love Felco #2.
– CapeFearFinn Reddit comment
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Okatsune pruning shears Most Loved Badge

Okatsune pruning shears External link

Japanese pruning shears praised for sharpness, sturdy build, and strong professional reputation.

Mentioned 7 times in the threads we read

  • Very sharp
  • Sturdy construction
  • Good value
These are what I use on a daily basis. Great quality and good value too.
– Aid_Le_Sultan Reddit comment
I have these and they're amazing!
– Expert-Economics8912 Reddit comment
Okatsuneeeee! I'm a professional and I swear by them.
– fairy_toadmother Reddit comment
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Felco 8

Felco 8 External link

Ergonomic Felco pruners valued for serviceability, comfort, and long-term professional use.

Mentioned 4 times in the threads we read

  • Durable
  • Easy to maintain
  • Oem parts available
Good for another 20 years. Spare parts are easy to find and there are many models to chose from.
– knuckles-and-claws Reddit comment
There’s a reason pros use them: they’re durable, easy to maintain, and have OEM replacement parts readily available.
– Pms9691 Reddit comment
I'm absolutely in love with my Felco 8 pruners, and looking forward to a lifetime with them.
– cheesymoonshadow Reddit comment
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Felco 6

Felco 6 External link

Compact Felco pruners appreciated for replaceable parts, longevity, and addictive smooth operation.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

  • Replaceable blade and spring
  • Long lifespan
  • Smooth operation
The left one I inherited from my grandpa and is about 35-40 years old. Replaced the blade and spring and it is as good as new.
– bepat17 Reddit comment
I sharpened the blade on a whetstone, cleaned and oiled it, and it's just as sharp as it was 25 years ago!
– telxonhacker Reddit comment
The Felco is almost addictive to use. Simple, reliable, strong, beautiful. GREAT tools.
– UnstableDimwit Reddit comment
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ARS pruners

ARS pruners External link

Japanese pruners seen as a budget-friendly alternative with quality close to premium models.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

  • Good value
  • Close to premium quality
  • Japanese-made
The Japanese made ARS pruners are also 95% the same for a fraction of the money.
– F-21 Reddit comment
if you're tight on the budget the ARS are a way better buy for the money.
– F-21 Reddit comment
Lowe is as pricey as Felco and less known, I'd say similar to ARS.
– F-21 Reddit comment
Buy on Amazon
Löwe 6

Löwe 6 External link

German anvil pruning shears recommended as professional-grade options for demanding pruning work.

Mentioned 3 times in the threads we read

  • Professional-grade
  • German-made
  • Good alternative to felco
You might want to try out some professional anvil pruning shears like the Felco 31 or the Lowe 6.
– F-21 Reddit comment
Löwe German made.
– Tyler5280 Reddit comment
Lowe also makes nice ones (probably only sold in Europe).
– F-21 Reddit comment

Available at www.zupan-agroshop.com

Back to Tools & Garden Equipment

Sources:
Wife wanted new hedge trimmers and pruning shears
Grandfather bought this pruning shears, with some luck I'll pass it to one of my kids. Quaker city no6.
BIFL shoutout: Felco F-2 pruning shears, 8 years later and still buttery
Secateurs/Pruning Shears
Felco 2 pruning shears
Felco 6 & 2 pruning shears
Felco 8 pruning shears - Working in Ma's Garden since the 90s