One of the voluntary jobs I do in my "retirement" (meaningless term!) is I train 'tool sharpening' having been a tool shop manager many years ago and I now train locksmiths to keep their chisels, plane blades, drill bits and other cutting tools razor sharp. Where garden shears are concerned I would recommend using a 6 inch smooth cut hand file - obtainable from a good hand tools shop or on eBay. The brand I would recommend is 'Nicholson' or 'Stubbs' or 'Sandvik' or 'Bahco' as these companies make top quality tools and, believe me, there are some really cheap imported rubbish files out there in the market place that are worse than useless and a complete waste of money. Always make sure files have handles fitted before using them and file the blade in a slightly uphill angle towards the cutting edge. I then use a technique called 'draw filing' to give an extra fine finish. Filing the blade will give a slight burr at the top of the filed edge - never try filing this off - if you have done the job correctly a little spray of WD40 and then closing the shears will remove the burr and give you a nice clean edge.
I like Yeoman Bypass Secatuers. They seem to do a multitude of jobs. I do sharpen them regularly and clean them after every use, give the nut a little 3 in 1 oil now and then. I have had mine 25 years.
I never use the same set for flower arranging, having a seperate pair, but the make is not on them. Sorry. They were from Waitrose. £18 5 years ago, metal with green handle overlays. Nice to use, and comfortable.
I never seem to get on with Anvils. They always seem to cross to the side, and crush or break and peel the stem and I am left with an untidy plant.
I can't imagine any shop, garden centre, online retail, letting you remove them from the bubble wrap,, a job in itself, then cutting a stout stem, Oh! Don't like those, let's put them back, I don't think so.
Ive just bought a pair from Amazon with a roll handle, good for arthritic hands.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
Posts
One of the voluntary jobs I do in my "retirement" (meaningless term!) is I train 'tool sharpening' having been a tool shop manager many years ago and I now train locksmiths to keep their chisels, plane blades, drill bits and other cutting tools razor sharp. Where garden shears are concerned I would recommend using a 6 inch smooth cut hand file - obtainable from a good hand tools shop or on eBay. The brand I would recommend is 'Nicholson' or 'Stubbs' or 'Sandvik' or 'Bahco' as these companies make top quality tools and, believe me, there are some really cheap imported rubbish files out there in the market place that are worse than useless and a complete waste of money. Always make sure files have handles fitted before using them and file the blade in a slightly uphill angle towards the cutting edge. I then use a technique called 'draw filing' to give an extra fine finish. Filing the blade will give a slight burr at the top of the filed edge - never try filing this off - if you have done the job correctly a little spray of WD40 and then closing the shears will remove the burr and give you a nice clean edge.
Hope this helps
I like Yeoman Bypass Secatuers. They seem to do a multitude of jobs. I do sharpen them regularly and clean them after every use, give the nut a little 3 in 1 oil now and then. I have had mine 25 years.
I never use the same set for flower arranging, having a seperate pair, but the make is not on them. Sorry. They were from Waitrose. £18 5 years ago, metal with green handle overlays. Nice to use, and comfortable.
I never seem to get on with Anvils. They always seem to cross to the side, and crush or break and peel the stem and I am left with an untidy plant.
I can't imagine any shop, garden centre, online retail, letting you remove them from the bubble wrap,, a job in itself, then cutting a stout stem, Oh! Don't like those, let's put them back, I don't think so.
Ive just bought a pair from Amazon with a roll handle, good for arthritic hands.