Flower/Floral Scissor & Pruner Guide and FAQ

How to pick the best Floral Scissors or Shears

A Blooming Necessity for Pruning Perfection

How do you make sure you pick the best floral scissors or shears to use in your shop or garden, or as a gift or for that special someone? With many cheap options out there, it can be confusing on the best scissor to buy. Before we get into that, let’s talk some terminologies and get some background on what’s available in the market for your flower shop or your garden.

In the world of gardening and floral arrangement, precision is key to cultivating a thriving and visually stunning garden or floral bouquet. One often-overlooked tool that plays a vital role in achieving this precision are the humble flower scissors. Let’s explore the significance of flower scissors, their features, and how they can elevate your gardening experience to new heights. Additionally, we’ll delve into the differences between flower scissors and pruners to help you make an informed choice for your specific needs.

Distinguishing Scissors from Pruners

It’s important to understand the distinction between flower scissors and pruners to make an informed choice for your gardening and floral needs. While both tools serve the purpose of trimming plants, they have key differences in design and functionality. Flower scissors are characterized by their smaller, more delicate blades, specifically crafted for intricate tasks like deadheading, shaping delicate blooms and making precision flower cuts in an arrangement. On the other hand, pruners typically have larger, more robust blades designed for cutting thicker branches and stems. The choice between scissors and pruners depends on the scale of your gardening tasks, with scissors excelling in precision work, and pruners being more suitable for heavier-duty pruning.

Why Flower Scissors Matter

Here at Celtic farm in our flowerbeds and gardens, we use a variety of tools just for the right job. Floral scissors or a foundation component of our tool kit. Scissors, or snips as we called them sometimes, are easy to handle and have a variety of benefits as outlined below.

1. Precision Pruning- Flower scissors are designed with sharp, delicate blades that allow for precise pruning. Unlike bulkier shears or general-purpose scissors, flower scissors provide the control needed to trim and shape delicate flowers and plants without causing unnecessary damage.
2. Healthier Plants- The clean cuts made by flower scissors promote plant health. Pruning with precision helps plants redirect their energy towards new growth, leading to stronger and more vibrant blooms. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garden but also contributes to the overall well-being of your plants.
3. Versatility in Use- Flower scissors aren’t limited to pruning alone. They are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of gardening tasks, such as deadheading, cutting stems for arrangements, and harvesting herbs. Their compact size and lightweight design make them easy to handle and maneuver, ensuring a seamless gardening experience.
4. Distinguishing Scissors from Pruners- Understanding the difference between flower scissors and pruners is essential. While flower scissors excel in precision work, pruners, with their larger and sturdier blades, are more suitable for heavier-duty pruning tasks involving thicker branches and stems. Choose the tool that aligns with the scale and intricacy of your gardening needs.
5. Lightweight Design- An often overlooked but crucial feature is the lightweight design of flower scissors. Opting for a pair that is lightweight enhances ease of use and maneuverability, reducing fatigue during extended periods of pruning or gardening activities. This feature is especially valuable for users with limited hand strength or those engaged in intricate floral arrangements for extended periods.

Features to Look for in Flower Scissors

There are so many options when it comes to tools for cutting in the garden and floral workshop. So how do you discern all the options, and find the best tool for you. Here are some great secateur features that will make sure you get the best value.

1. Sharp, Fine Blades- Opt for flower scissors with sharp, fine blades made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel. This ensures longevity and maintains the sharpness needed for precise cuts.
2. Comfortable Handles- Comfort is essential during prolonged use. Look for flower scissors with ergonomic handles that provide a comfortable grip, reducing strain on your hands and fingers.
3. Locking Mechanism- A reliable locking mechanism is crucial for safety and storage. A secure lock ensures that the blades are safely closed when not in use, preventing accidents and prolonging the life of the scissors.
4. Easy to Clean- Choose flower scissors with a design that is easy to clean. This ensures that your tools remain free from sap and debris, maintaining their effectiveness over time.

The Cut Above – A Guide to Different Types of Floral Cutting Tools

As mentioned, there are a variety of cutting tools you can use for your plants and flowers. Floral scissors or just one of a broad selection. Specifically designed for plants, these aren’t your everyday scissors. Let’s dive into the various types available.

Stainless Steel Snips
Topping our list, stainless steel snips are a favorite among many florists. They’re durable, rust-resistant, and provide clean cuts, making them ideal for regular use.

Bypass Pruners
Best for fresh flowers, bypass pruners feature two curved blades that glide past each other, offering a clean cut without damaging soft plant tissues.

Anvil Pruners
These work wonders on dried or woody stems. With one sharp blade and one flat, they deliver precise cuts on tougher materials.

Needle-nose Floral Scissors
Their pointed end is perfect for precision cuts in tight spaces. The design ensures florists can trim without disturbing the arrangement’s overall look.

Floral Shears
Looking much like household scissors but with added strength and sharpness, these are versatile tools for cutting flower stems, thin wires, or floral tape.

Micro-tip Pruners
Featuring a short, sharp blade, these are the go-to for precise cuts on smaller plants or flowers, such as bonsai or tiny succulents.

Herb Scissors
With multiple blades, herb scissors are designed to make quick work of cutting and chopping herbs. They also work well with thin-stemmed flowers, allowing for multiple cuts with a single snip.

Floral Wire Cutters
While not scissors in the traditional sense, wire cutters are vital in a florist’s arsenal. They cut through floral wire seamlessly, preserving the sharpness of other tools.

Making the Right Choice
When shopping for the ideal floral scissors, consider your needs. Think about the plants you work with, stem thickness, and the precision your arrangements demand. Quality is paramount, so look for features like rust resistance and ergonomic grips. A clean cut ensures longer flower life.

Caring for Your Scissors

• Clean after each use to avoid sap residue.
• Sharpen regularly for optimal performance.
• Always store in dry conditions to prevent rust.

How to sharpen scissors tutorial

Final Thoughts
The realm of floral scissors is rich and varied, each type serving its unique purpose. By understanding their differences and choosing wisely, you can enhance your floral creations and extend the vibrancy of your blooms. It’s about the beauty of flowers and the tools that craft them to perfection.

Here are some frequent questions to keep your investment in a nice pair of scissors safe.

• What material should my flower scissors/snips be made of?
  

  What material should my flower scissors/snips be made of?

  There is a lot of junk out there in the market when it comes to flower/floral scissors. Black steel scissors will rust and lose their cutting edge when exposed to water and flower plant fiber. Our garden scissors are made to last and endure the riggors of the flower garden, flower farm or floral shop. Stainless steel floral snips/flower scissors are preferred. Dont use cheap scissors!!

• Garden Scissors: Japanese or American style?
  

  Garden Scissors: Japanese or American style?

  We always get the question: Why the Japanese style flower scissors? Although these floral scissors are light, they are strong and the curved hanlde is made to fit any gardener/florists hands. The scissors are free, without resitance, so it gives you complete control, as if they are an extension of your hand. We recommend the Japanese style garden scissor for control and ease of use.
• What length of blade should a flower scissor have?
  

  What length of blade should a flower scissor have?

  The blad length should be as short as possible on flower scissors, but still be able to cut through thick flower stalks with its scissor blades. The short blade length helps with cut accuracy, and can eliminate using your garden scissors to accidentally cut stems you want to keep.
• How much will a good flower scissor cost?
  

  How much will a good flower scissor cost?

  Cheap flower/garden scissors can be purchased for $10-20, and are typically black/black finish. They are made with cheap steel that will rust. Stainless garden scissors/snips will run between $25-50, but will last a lifetime if treated well, and will outperform any other garden/floral cutting snip or pruner.
• Where can I buy the best flower scissors/snips?
  

  Where can I buy the best flower scissors/snips?

  Well, glad that you asked. We have chosen our flower scissors for their style and quality. You can buy them in our online store in our garden tool section here:

  Our Flower/Floral Scissors

See our collection of unique, high quality gardening gifts:

Floral Scissor & Shear FAQ

1. What are floral scissors?
Floral scissors are specialized tools designed for cutting flowers, stems, and delicate plant material with precision and ease.

2. How are floral scissors different from regular scissors?
Floral scissors are designed with sharp, narrow blades that allow for precise cuts without crushing delicate stems, unlike regular scissors.

3. Can floral scissors be used for other gardening tasks?
Yes, they can be used for light gardening tasks, but they’re best suited for floral arrangements and delicate cuts.

4. What materials are the blades made of?
Floral scissors typically feature stainless steel blades for durability and rust resistance.

5. How do I maintain my floral scissors?
Clean them after each use, dry thoroughly, and occasionally oil the blades to keep them sharp and rust-free.

6. Are floral scissors suitable for cutting woody stems?
Floral scissors are not ideal for woody stems; it’s better to use pruning shears for thicker, tougher stems.

7. What’s the best way to sharpen floral scissors?
Use a sharpening stone or take them to a professional to maintain their sharpness.

8. Can left-handed people use floral scissors comfortably?
Many floral scissors are designed for ambidextrous use, but check the product description for left-handed compatibility.

9. How should I store floral scissors?
Store them in a dry place, ideally in a sheath or case, to protect the blades and prevent accidents.

10. Do floral scissors come in different sizes?
Yes, they come in various sizes to accommodate different types of floral arrangements and user preferences.