Florist’s Guide to Choosing the Best Shears

As a florist, high-quality shears are essential for making precise cuts, maintaining flower health, and working efficiently. The best shears for you will depend on factors like blade material, handle comfort, and intended use. This guide will help you choose the right shears for your floral needs.

1. Understanding Different Types of Shears

Bypass Shears (Pruning Shears)

Bypass shears have one sharp blade that bypasses a counter blade, creating a clean and precise cut. They are best for fresh flowers, soft stems, and live plant materials. These shears help prevent crushing stems, making them ideal for delicate flowers like roses and tulips. However, they are not suitable for cutting thick, woody stems.

Straight-Blade Floral Shears (Snips)

Straight-blade floral shears, or snips, have small, sharp blades with fine tips that allow for intricate cutting. They are best for trimming, shaping, and working with delicate flowers. These shears are great for cutting ribbon, foliage, and small stems but are not strong enough for thick or woody stems.

Anvil Shears

Anvil shears work like a knife on a cutting board, where a sharp blade presses against a flat surface to cut through stems. They are best suited for thick, woody stems and dried flowers. While they are effective for tough cuts, such as eucalyptus and hydrangeas, they can crush fresh stems, making them less suitable for delicate flowers.

Scissors-Style Shears

Scissors-style shears function like regular scissors but with stronger, sharper blades. They are versatile and easy to use, making them ideal for general floral work such as trimming leaves and fine details. However, they are not the best option for cutting thick stems or precise pruning.

2. Key Features to Consider

Blade Material

The most common blade materials include stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and titanium-coated blades. Stainless steel blades are rust-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. High-carbon steel blades are extremely sharp and long-lasting but require regular maintenance to prevent rust. Titanium-coated blades offer additional corrosion resistance and strength.

Handle Design and Comfort

A comfortable handle is crucial for reducing hand fatigue, especially when working long hours. Ergonomic handles provide a better grip and reduce strain. Non-slip grips help ensure control, even in humid or wet conditions. Spring-loaded handles automatically open after each cut, making repetitive cutting easier on the hands.

Size and Weight

Lightweight shears are ideal for extended use, as they reduce hand fatigue. However, larger shears provide more power for cutting thick stems, though they may be harder to maneuver. Choosing the right balance between weight and functionality is important for daily floral work.

Locking Mechanism

A secure locking mechanism is essential for safety and storage. This feature prevents accidents and makes it easier to carry shears in a tool belt or apron when not in use.

Ease of Maintenance

Shears with removable blades are easier to clean and sharpen. Some models also have sap-resistant coatings to prevent sticking, which helps maintain smooth cutting action over time. Regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of your shears.

3. Best Shears for Specific Floral Tasks

For cutting delicate flowers, straight-blade floral shears are the best option due to their fine, sharp blades and lightweight design. If you need to prune thick stems, bypass or anvil shears are recommended because of their heavy-duty construction and ergonomic handles. For general floral work, scissors-style shears provide a versatile and comfortable grip. When trimming foliage, floral snips are ideal because of their precision tips and lightweight structure. If you frequently cut wire or ribbons, specialized wire cutters with strong, serrated blades will work best.

4. Recommended Brands for Florists

Several brands are known for producing high-quality floral shears. Fiskars offers affordable, ergonomic designs for everyday use. ARS shears are known for their razor-sharp Japanese craftsmanship. Felco shears are premium and long-lasting, with replaceable parts. Okatsune shears are traditional Japanese tools with ultra-sharp edges, while Corona shears are durable and reliable for both soft and woody stems.

5. Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Shears

To keep your shears in top condition, clean them after each use by wiping off sap and debris with a damp cloth or alcohol. Regularly sharpen the blades using a sharpening stone or professional sharpening service. Apply a drop of oil to the blades to prevent rust and maintain smooth operation. Always store shears in a dry place with the blade locked. If your shears have replaceable parts, be sure to change worn-out blades or springs as needed.

Choosing the right shears depends on the types of flowers you work with, the level of precision required, and personal comfort. Investing in high-quality shears improves efficiency, reduces hand fatigue, and extends the lifespan of your tools. By selecting the best shears for each task and maintaining them properly, you will ensure that every floral arrangement is crafted with precision and care.