It depends less on your experience level and more on what you plan to use them for. If you'll mainly be cutting thicker branches, a standard pruning shear with a curved blade is a solid choice.

If you prefer more detailed work — like trimming, shaping, or deadheading — multi-purpose pruning shears may be a better fit. For tasks like pruning roses, for example, they're an excellent choice.

A good starting point is to measure from your middle fingertip to your wrist crease, then match the shear length to that measurement. As a general guide:

Around 180 mm – A versatile, well-balanced size that works for most users.
Around 200 mm – Better for those who want more reach or work with larger shrubs.
Around 140–165 mm – Ideal for smaller hands or finer, more detailed tasks.

That said, the measurement is a guide, not a strict rule. Many people are comfortable with a slightly smaller pair, so avoid choosing one that feels too large — longer shears have wider handles that can be harder to grip with smaller hands.

All shears from Toyama Hamono are made from forged high-carbon steel or stainless steel. With proper daily care and regular maintenance, they can last for a very long time. However, without it, high-carbon steel is prone to rust, and even stainless steel will eventually deteriorate.

Regular care makes all the difference — see our How to Care section for details.

Toyama Hamono's pruning shears are designed to cut live wood branches up to 15 mm in diameter. Dead or dried branches may be harder and more brittle, so the effective capacity can be lower.

Forcing the shears through thicker branches is not recommended — it can damage both the shears and the plant. For anything larger, we suggest using a pruning saw instead.

High-carbon steel holds a finer edge and delivers a superior cutting feel — many professionals prefer it for that reason. However, it is more sensitive to moisture and requires regular care to prevent rust.

Stainless steel is more resistant to rust and easier to maintain day to day, making it a practical choice for everyday use. Both are hand-forged by Toyama Hamono using the same traditional techniques — the quality of craftsmanship is the same. For more details, see our High-Carbon vs. Stainless Steel guide.

Toyama Hamono offers three grip shapes.

1. Symmetrical grips are the most traditional and neutral — balanced and easy to use without adjustment.
2. Ergonomic symmetrical grips add a more contoured feel while remaining flexible.
3. Ergonomic asymmetrical grips are shaped to support the wrist and help you apply force with more control.

We also offer different grip materials — metal for a direct, solid feel, leather-wrapped for a softer hold and extra grip stability, and wood for a warm, natural feel. The best way to choose is to think about what feels most comfortable for the kind of work you do most.

Standard pruning shears have a curved blade optimized for cutting through thicker branches with maximum leverage. Multi-purpose pruning shears are designed to handle both thicker branches and finer, more detailed work — like trimming, shaping, and deadheading.

If your main task is heavy pruning, standard pruning shears are the solid choice. If you want one tool that covers a wider range of tasks, including floral work, multi-purpose pruning shears are an excellent all-rounder.

Yes. Toyama Hamono offers the T13L, a left-handed pruning shear with a reversed blade orientation designed for clean, comfortable cutting with the left hand. Because of how scissor blades overlap, using right-handed shears in the left hand can make the cutting line harder to see and reduce cutting precision — so a dedicated left-handed model makes a real difference.

Wipe the blades clean and dry after each use, and apply oil regularly to keep the action smooth and prevent rust. With proper daily care and periodic maintenance, your pruning shears will stay sharp and reliable for years. For full instructions, visit our How to Care page.