While pruning an old magnolia tree back to a stump , I lost my secateurs. The tree had needed to be reduced to a stump some years ago as it was up against the house blocking out light and had I needed my house painted. The stump had got away again and I wanted the space for a garden bed. Thus it was that my good old chunky secateurs have disappeared either into the wheely bin with the clippings or will turn up half buried in the soil next winter.

Since this was an excuse to buy a new pair I chose Homebase rather than my local hardware store for choice. The manufacturer was never in doubt, since Wilkinson Sword is my favourite name for garden tools. The WS stainless steel spade and fork which were bought in 1968 are still as good as new and was once part of a set of four. In fact I inherited the smaller pair as an amicable settlement when parting from my first husband in 1970. Rather sounds as if the garden tools could be responsible for something there.

Wilkinson Sword have been making swords for 200 years now and when diversifying into razors, motor bikes and typewriters still produced the best there were at the time . All that was at the beginning of the last century, but their motto is still "Always the Finest Quality" when translated from the latin and I have never doubted this.

Surprisingly I didn't have to pay as much as I had expected. The choice of secateurs hanging before me ranged from a few pounds to over £20 for those carrying the Wilkinson Sword name which started at £12.99. What worried me a little was the lack of size. My old pruners had been heavy and chunky and felt strong. The ones before me were small, 7" x 2" at the widest part of the handle and matt black with a small orange switch for opening the blades. The sharp ends were black as well, so didn't look steel. Wilkinson Sword Power Anvil Lever Pruner, offered at £15.99, did promise however that they would cut thro
ugh a diameter of 20mm (3/4" to those of us who visualise in imperial still). This was only £1 more than those which would slice through 15mm max. The label on the clear plastic case also told me that cutting effort would be reduced by 35% and they had a strengthened Nyglass handle.

When I removed my purchase from the case, I found that the pruner was indeed small and light. The plastic switch which allowed the blades to open appeared rather fragile looking. I soon realised that the "lever action" was so smooth that little effort or strain on the tool would be needed for use. Added to this is the fact that the small size means that it fits neatly into my palm, leaving no effort for the fingers. Whether I am left or right handed makes no difference as they are modelled for both.

The blades are coated with PTFE which is a fluropolymer. So is Teflon, if you are wondering if I am straying into the obscure world of chemistry. PFTE gives increased hardness, a lower wear rate, is non stick and rust resistant. I found that during research not on the label, incidentally. All this for £15.99 needed testing at the earliest opportunity.

The remains of the magnolia growth were made short work of, although nothing was over 1/2" wide. The blades, which remind me of the beak of a giant black finch, sprung open when the switch was released by my thumb and closed over the stems, cutting through without effort for my fingers. Softer stems were sliced off without the blades sticking and I was very pleased indeed. I have a feeling for plants and need to think that I am not prolonging the agony when conducting necessary trimming.

Realising that a dooyoo review was a certainty, I had to find something a little more challenging without testing to destruction. This was easy as a very tall climbing rose needed the top, containing only hips, removed. These stems are over 1/2" wide (I measur
ed them) , with the sort of thorns which make me pleased I have had my tetanus booster and needed to be individually pulled down to a height which allowed me to cut, although still well above my head.

The WS Power Pruners went through like butter and I am convinced that this a tool well worthy of placement in the garden shed space which used to hold my old snippers. Although tempted to give 5 stars, that would suggest a tool with magic in the handle and I will give them 4. However they are very good value, will oblige happily for most normal gardening jobs and are guaranteed for ten years against poor workmanship or materials. I only keep one pair and these should do the job.