Pruning saws review
Pruning saws review: The Barnsdale Gardens team have been at it again, working hard to test gardening tools which they think could be most beneficial for gardeners all over the UK.
This month the team are busy pruning various plants such as plum trees and also some varieties of Japanese Flowering Cherry which can be quite vigorous and in need of gentle controlling. So it has been the perfect time to try out the following pruning saws.
Pruning saws review
Felco 602 Folding Pull-stroke Pruning Saw
This pruning saw is razor-sharp so take care when using. It’s a compact, lightweight and well designed saw which fits really nicely in the hand. The folding mechanism works well and locks the blade firmly when opened. The saw folds up neatly and fits a pocket, so it’s very handy to keep with you during the day.
The handle is constructed from hardened plastic with rubberised areas for the thumb and fingers which provides a good non-slip grip. The blade is 160mm in length so it’s relatively short, with a 20cm handle. The blade is quite thin and flexible, which makes it well suited to cutting smaller branches of shrubs or small trees but not ideal for larger branches.
Conclusion: Would definitely recommend this saw. Felco have designed a very functional tool which even has a nifty oval pinch hole in the blade to make for easy opening and all parts of this saw can be replaced, rather than having to buy a complete saw.
Felco 603 Folding Pull-stroke Pruning Saw
This pruning saw is slightly larger and therefore heavier than the Felco 602 but the design, quality and functionality are similar. The curved blade is 200mm long, thicker and more robust than the 602. The folded length is 260mm and still fits in the pocket. This saw is well suited to cutting thicker more substantial branches – great for small to medium trees as well as larger shrub work (Felco recommends branches up to 100mm diameter).
Conclusion: This saw could be a great addition to your gardening kit.
Spear & Jackson Razor-sharp Small Folding Pruning Saw
A very sharp saw – the name says it all. It’s well designed, with the handle made from plastic with anti-slip rubberised palm and thumb holds. The blade is 178mm (7″) long, with a 24cm handle and not quite so compact as the Felco for fitting in the pocket. That said, it’s still a very functional tool that’s comfortable to hold.
The blade is thicker, with a more robust feeling, than the Felco and less likely to kink, making it well suited to pruning smaller branches of trees and shrubs. This one doesn’t have an opening hole in the blade but still opens very easily; it also locks when closed so the lock mechanism has to be pressed when opening.
Conclusion: This is a great tool and readily recommended, maybe slightly heavier and not as well finished as the Felco but performs equally as well.
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