Pruning Shears Unique 8.3 inches (210 mm) (Blister) No. 104

I have had these Japanese Okatsune 104 8.25 inch pruners for 9 months. I just came in from the garden after doing some light pruning and told myself that I simply had to write a review on these pruners, as I like them so much. They're made of Japanese Izumi Yasuki hardened steel and are incredibly sharp. Pruning is effortless with them, and I love the satisfying "chunk" sound they make when they pass thru a branch. I love the handle end locking mechanism as well. It won't inadvertently lock while using them (my pet peeve with Felco pruners) and lock and unlock by banging the catch on my thigh. The cutting blades will stain, a characteristic of carbon steel, which is no big deal. I simply keep a small spray bottle of alcohol along with a spray bottle of cutlery quality Kurobara camellia oil (available from Amazon) at my bench for a quick wipe down after a day of use. They don't have replaceable blades but can be sharpened, which won't be needed often for the home gardener. Okatsune has an excellent sharpening video on YouTube. As far as size, I (5'11" male) have long, relatively slender fingers, and generally wear a large glove. The 104 is a perfect size for me. My wife (5'6") has the 101 7 inch and loves them as well. She was pleased with her Felcos, but her Okastunes are now her favorite pruner (ordered after checking out mine). I recommend the leather case as well.

The Okatsune 104 is not a “new” or “innovative” design, rather it is a simple, straightforward, proven design, with exceptional cutting blades securely riveted to adequate, stamped steel handles. The critical central pivot bolt is well placed through short extensions of the hard and tough (differentially tempered) cutter blades. There is a robust “keep closed” catch at the nether end of the plastic covered steel handles. There is a “leaf” type spring that returns the handles to the open position after each cut (providing the catch is un-latched, of course). That’s it. I also purchased the #108 leather sheath, which is high quality, very well made, and the 104 fits it fine. Back to the 104, I bought this pruner hoping it would be more “precise” than my trusty, very old Corona 3180. I did not expect the 104 to be as tough as the 3180, and because I have great loppers (Hickok 32A; Corona) and nice saws (Fanno #8; Corona; Silky, etc.), I was not too worried about a trade-off. In fact, the Okatsune 104 is precise (yes, a new-ish one will cut chives…), and it is also as direct and robust as the commercial-favorite Corona 3180. In terms of function, the Okatsuna 104 not only cuts leaves and fruit cleanly off garden vines but it has also passed the “acid test” of cutting any living or dead orange tree branch I could get between its cutters, a trial I thought only the 3180 could survive. While I don’t actually plan to continue this sort of abuse, I could not resist testing it. Also, I keep finding myself way up a ladder without a lopper or a saw, pruning large branches with the 104, just to save myself the extra climbing. I have to admit it’s somehow satisfying to cut the tough stuff this way. Still, it is an inevitable fact that forcing any hand pruner through thick, super-tough, and/or dead branches will turn and/or chip the cutting edges, and it will also – sooner or later – misalign and separate the cutters, depending on the extent of the abuse (and there go the chives…). Ironically, what I actually enjoy most about the Okatsune 104 is its very satisfying tactile feedback as I use it. On that level it’s almost like a fine pair of scissors in that it fairly “snips” through material it will reasonably cut. The cutting edges are quite hard and very sharp, as pruners go, and this should be taken into consideration during use. If this tool is twisted around while cutting, or metal or rocks are encountered, the cutting edges may chip. On the other hand, it takes and holds a remarkable edge (for a pruner), so who knows how long it would cut chives if it weren’t abused? I find the 104 to be a “comfortable” pruner, with no ergonomic issues, given my large, strong hands (glove size 9 ½). I’m guessing that smaller hands might find the 103, etc. more to their liking. I presently tend a couple dozen fruit trees (mostly large, old oranges), a veggie garden, also ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers, and I fully expect my Okatsune 104 to last as long as I do.

I love these pruning shears. They are my favorite overall. My first pair I used for years, and then one day, I set then on the top of the car, while a hauled some branches to the street.. making sure to make a mental note to grab them on the way back. Needless to say, I now needed another pair as those are lost forever. These are solid, and durable, and sharp, and tough. They are all metal throughout, with dipped rubber handles. The back lock should also be metal and not plastic (counterfeit). I own a few different tools from this brand and they are all quality. These shears are smooth, snappy, and work great. They punch outside their weight class. The largest size is best for overall use outside, but they come in two smaller sizes also. All work well. They are made of some sort of tool steel, that is not stainless, so you need to clean them off periodically, and grease or oil them at times. They will patina with use, and rust with neglect, though I moderately neglected them for years, and they didn't have major rust issues. The steel seems reasonably tough and holds and edge well. They are comfortable to use and my go-to pruners. If lost again, I would order another pair immediately, again. These are not optional for me. You won't be disappointed with these Japanese pruners. Hattori Hanzo would approve, and I would definitely sit in his attic, waiting for a month, to get a pair.

Amazing!!! I handed prune alot in my job. These make light work of citrus and other harder woorddes shrubs. I have the 103 unique and now the 104 unique because they are a little bigger. All I can say is get them.

Beautifully smooth action and very sharp, makes cutting a breeze. Just be careful with the latch as it aggressively snaps into place and can catch you hand if not careful.

Produto excelente! Valeu muito a pena comprar. E sem palavras para a rapidez de entrega da Amazon. Muito satisfeita com minha compra.

Maravillosas tijeras

I upgraded from a cheap Fiskars pruner and what a difference it made. Effortless and clean cut both on 1/8” green material and on 1” hard wood. Incredibly sharp. I was able to use the cutting blade as a knife, slicing off paper thin cross sections of branches. And that historic, legendary aspect of this tool, the fact that it’s made from the same steel as samurai swords just turns the simple process of pruning into an amazing experience. A pleasure to hold and a pleasure to use. Some reviewers here questioned the authenticity of this pruner. And I can understand why. Most professionals say this pruner is as good or better than a Felco, and in most countries it costs as much or more than a Felco. Naturally, if one sees this pruner sold on Amazon Canada at half the price of a Felco, it seems too good to be true. My recommendation to the seller is to double the price. I am a contractor who understands quality tools, and there is no doubt in my mind that this is a genuine item. Some reviews mentioned that the hand slides towards the blade and gets pinched. I can see how this can happen to someone with small hands. This tool is made specifically for people with large hands. It fits incredibly well in the palm of my hand and feels like a part of it. It stays solidly in place, like it was designed just for me as all the shapes and angles are just perfect. If you have smaller hands, get the 103 model. Lastly, the locking mechanism works really well. I just hit my thigh with it while squeezing the handles and it opens and closes effortlessly. The was no learning curve, I was able to do it with no difficulty first time I tried. One handed operation even with thick gloves which will come handy for winter pruning. It’s been a while since I enjoyed a hand tool this much. Can’t say enough good things about it.