My medium-duty bonsai thinning shears from Joshua Roth (model #133) are the best all-around snipping shears I’ve ever used and might be the most-loved and most-used gardening tool that I own, which you can tell just by looking at them. Tougher than they appear and seemingly everlasting, they take well to repeated sharpening and frequent use. These shears are great for bonsai maintenance, deadheading, or meticulous tidying of smaller twigs and branches, and they’re especially handy in my rose garden. They make clean, healthy cuts, and their narrow, pointed, 2-inch cutting blades allow them to be used in the tightest of spaces. They’re riveted rather than welded, which makes them extra durable, and they have spring-loaded handles that are contained with a rubber locking clip. Measuring 7½ inches from top to bottom, they’re absolutely the perfect size for holsters, back pockets, and the palm of your hand.

—Fionuala Campion

Source: bonsaiofbrooklyn.com

Price: $20.95

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cordless Chainsaw, 10-Inch, Tool Only (LCS1020B)

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

10 inches premium oregon low kickback bar and chain. Tool-free blade tension system for quick adjustments. Oiling system for lubrication of bar and chain. 20V max Lithium Ion chainsaw bare tool. Included components: (1) Lbxr2020, (1) Lcs1620, (1) Lcs1020; Power source: Lithium ion. Battery and charger sold separately.

Buy at Amazon

Okatsune 103 Bypass Pruners General Purpose Medium

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Size (approx.): Width 2.2 x Depth 0.8 x Height 7.9 inches (5.5 x 2 x 20) Weight: Approx. 8.1 oz (230 g). Material: Steel. Made in Japan. The blade part is made of high grade blade steel. Vinyl coated handle for non-slip grip. Fits fruit tree selection.

Buy at Amazon

Corona AG 4930 Long Straight Snip, Tempered Steel

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Long, straight, pointed blade for a wide range of applications. Fully heat-treated steel blades for strength. Blades, spring, and handle coated to prevent rust. Unobtrusive leather strap lock.

Buy at Amazon