The Forged Edge Blog
How to Use Japanese Pruning Shears and Garden Snips
A good pair of shears should feel secure and balanced in the hand. When the tool, the material, and your grip are properly matched, the cut feels controlled and less effort is wasted. This guide covers two types of spring-loaded...
Best Pruning Shears for Small Hands: A Practical Size and Fit Guide
Small hands do not always need the shortest pruning shears. A compact pair can still feel too wide, too heavy, or poorly balanced, while a slightly longer model with the right grip may feel more secure. For many gardeners with...
Bypass vs. Anvil Pruners: Which Should You Choose?
For most everyday pruning—where access, control, and accurate cut placement matter—a bypass pruner is usually the more versatile choice. Its cutting blade passes closely beside a counter blade, making it well suited to flowers, roses, fruit trees, young shoots, and...
High-Carbon vs. Stainless Steel Pruning Shears
High-carbon steel or stainless steel pruning shears? Learn how each blade material affects sharpness, maintenance, and cutting feel so you can choose wisely.
A Gardener’s Guide to Japanese Pruning Shears
Beyond the Hardware-Store Pruner Most gardeners begin with one pair of spring-loaded shears and use them for everything. It is practical, and it works. In Japanese toolmaking, the approach is different. From the beginning, tools were shaped for one job...