I had some Fiskars pruners i used and I thought they were OK. Then after a while they stopped cutting and just sorta smashed branches/twigs. Splurged on these pruners and I'm glad I did... they are worth every penny. I look forward to gardening knowing I get to use these.

Stop reading reviews and buy these now. Get the sheath / case for medium pruners made by Okatsune too... you'll be the envy of the neighborhood.

beat pruners by far, very nice locking mechanism. super sharp like most Japanese tools.

Amazing clippers. I tried a 103 before and while they were was awesome, I figured just a little bigger would be more ideal for my slightly larger hands. I ordered the 104 and they fit perfectly in my hand. They arrived very sharp and well oiled. The lock mechanism is much better than the common swivel ones found on other pruners. I've had them for a little over a week use them every day and I'm always impressed with them. I used a pair of Felco 2 pruners for the last few months at work before switching to these, and I feel these are far superior.

I also ordered the Okatsune sheath that they say is for the "small and medium" sizes, and it holds them perfectly, and while the shape looks specifically left handed, it'll hold them in either direction really well. I have it on my right hip to where the sheath looks "backwards" to the clippers and it seems to have a tighter grip on them than the other way. While it does the job, the quality of the sheath is a little disappointing, so I'll be keeping my eyes open for another brand that's made with real leather.

My husband got tired of me always using his clippers, so he bought me my own. Appreciate the clean cut they make on my plant's stems. Great job pruning rose bushes.

I must admit this pruner is pretty good. Only time will tell about its durability. The only thing is that this is supposed to be an "extra large" pruner but at best, it is a "medium sized" one at best. You can cut 1/2 inch branches with it, but with a large of muscle or maybe using two hands. It certainly cannot cut 3/4 in branches. I was really looking for a big one that was a one-hand tool that could cut 3/4 inch branches as opposed to me having to use my lopper. But all in all, it is pretty good. I will keep it and add it to my collection of pruners.