A Closer Look at Jakoti Hand Shears

A Closer Look at Jakoti Hand Shears: April is here, and that means the Barnsdale Gardens Tools On Test team is back in action—pruning, tidying, and getting the gardens looking their best for spring visitors. With 38 individually designed gardens in beautiful Rutland, there’s plenty to keep the team busy.

A must-have tool for all this trimming and tidying? Hand shears. And few come more trusted than the Jakoti Hand Shears, a long-time favourite of Jon Brocklebank, Barnsdale’s Head Gardener. After using them for over a decade, Jon recently decided it was time to give these trusty shears the recognition they deserve.

“I’ve been using Jakoti shears in the gardens for about ten years now,” Jon says. “They’re such a great bit of kit, I thought it was time they got a proper review.”

Curious about the brand behind his go-to tool, Jon dug a little deeper and got in touch with Jakoti. To his delight, he received a call from director Claire Tinker, who shared the fascinating backstory of these unique shears.

It turns out, Claire discovered them while on holiday in Greece many years ago. Originally designed for sheep shearing, the shears were hand-forged by a local family using traditional metalworking skills. So impressed by their quality and potential, Claire’s brother Jack later returned to Greece with the idea of bringing them to the UK. And the name? A combination of Jack and Tinker—Jakoti.

Over the past 40 years, the shears have been refined and perfected, but the essence of the original design remains. Jon was even sent a new pair to test—almost identical to his older ones, aside from a small update to the pin spring.

Why Jon Loves the Jakoti Hand Shears

Compact and cleverly designed, the shears measure just 30cm long and are made to be used single-handed—more like scissors than traditional shears. They’re fully metal apart from the comfortable, rubber-coated handles, and the bright red tips make them easy to spot in the garden.

Key Features Include:

Self-sharpening carbon steel blades

Nickel low-tension spring for strength and rust resistance

Simple clasp to keep them safely closed

No nuts or bolts—the pin design keeps tension perfectly set

“These shears are my go-to tool for cutting back soft growth,” Jon says. “They’re brilliant for trimming perennials, topiary, lavenders, herbs, grasses, even lawn edges. They’re not hedge shears or secateurs—they’re something different. Simple, sharp, durable, and incredibly effective.”

Jon even has a pair over 20 years old that still cut like new, despite some rust. Jakoti recommends drying them after use, storing them in a dry place, and giving them an occasional wipe with an oily cloth or spray of WD-40 to keep them in top shape. A stylish red leather holster is also available for easy belt storage.

Final Thoughts

“If you value quality tools that just do the job, these are a must,” Jon says. “Every gardener should own a pair. I can’t recommend them highly enough.”

Jakoti Hand Shears are available at www.handshears.co.uk for £40.

You can read all of the team’s Tools On Test here: https://shop.barnsdalegardens.co.uk/blogs/tools-on-test

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