When I first picked up the Florian Ratchet-Cut Anvil Pruner, I questioned what all the hassle had to do with. I ‘d heard such advantages about Florian’s pruning shears but in my hand it felt like a low-cost plastic toy. I utilized it– and my viewpoint did a 180!
In spite of looks, this is a quality tool that easily cuts through branches up to 3/4″ in diameter and makes regular garden pruning tasks a satisfaction (although I suppose that depends on just how much you enjoy pruning!).
The high carbon steel blades mean that the cutting blade is very sharp and keeps a sharp edge for a long time, and a non-stick PTFE covering means that sap from sticky plants (like pine trees) is less likely to gum up the blades.
The disadvantage with high carbon steel is that it rusts easily so make sure to dry off the blade after usage and give it a light oiling occasionally. Although the non-stick coating should provide some degree of security, I wouldn’t depend on it to keep the blades rust-free.
I like the design of the blades on this pruner– it’s fairly similar to a normal bypass pruner therefore can easily enter tight spots.
The brightly colored manages are made from a fiberglass-reinforced nylon. They might look and feel like a kid’s toy, but they’re tough! And at just 3.9 oz, this pruner is extremely light-weight.
The Florian Ratchet-Cut Anvil Pruner can be used right- or left-handed and it works simply as well in either hand. I use both hands similarly so I valued the ability to switch hands to make cuts from the ideal angle, rather than needing to twist myself into an awkward position to get the cut right.
The pruner has a great metal locking system incorporated into the lower handle to keep the blades closed. It’s well out of the way so will not pinch your hand like some other models and stays put in both the unlocked and locked position.
Florian declares that it will “multiply your strength up to 700%”. While we can’t determine the precision of that claim, I can report that Jack had no issue running the pruners in big size wood, due to his bigger hands.
Cutting through deadwood was likewise simple, however the pruners maxed out at a thickness of about 1/2″ and it’s not advise as a deadwood pruner beyond 1/2″. Anything under that, the Florian Ratchet-Cut Pruner cuts through without any problem at all.
The Florian Ratchet-Cut Anvil Pruner makes both stunning predisposition and straight cuts on live wood, including predisposition cuts in branches with sizes approximately 3/4″. The ratcheting mechanism isn’t engaged when cutting materials less than 1/4″ in diameter (it isn’t needed– the cutting blade quickly slices through thinner branches and stems). When pruning anything bigger than 1/4″, the cog takes over and makes fast work of it.
I also attempted the pruner on basic garden cutting tasks, like deadheading, cutting back perennials and cutting roses and smaller shrubs. It handled everything with ease, consisting of all cuts in soft material. That’s unusual for an anvil-style pruner so I kept going, attempting it on every plant that required cutting. No issues. Overall, the Florian pruner did everything I would expect from a high quality bypass pruner.
