Wilkinson SwordUnknown 1111158W Razorcut Comfort Anvil Pruner

I've used these Wilkinson Sword pruners for more than 6 years. Absolutely the best I've had - great build quality, comfortable, easy to use and they cut effortlessly.Purchased these (medium size) as the blades on my current pair started to get a bit too worn and thought it best to have a back up incase they fail.Incidentally, I believe the difference in Large and Medium size is the length of the handle (the cutting diameter remain identical). As a reference, my medium size pruners measure a total length of 198mm (in closed position).However, there are a couple of differences in the 'new' model that has left me feeling cheated;1) Cutting diameter. Advertised as having a cutting diameter of 20mm.Unless it's a piece of marshmallow, these will NOT cut anything growing in your garden beyond 16-17mm diameter. Previously I could cut 20-22mm no problem with my identical older model.As a comparison, my old model has the 'jaws' open to a max of 40mm at the tips of the blade. The new model opens only to 35mm at the tips. The lower cutting jaw also appears to be 1-1.5mm thicker than the old model, which will contribute to the new reduced cutting diameter.2) Squeeze to open operation. This new model is advertised (in the description AND even on the actual packaging) as having that wonderful "Squeeze me" to open (to unlock) mechanism.NO, IT DOES NOT. The locking lever is now orange plastic (instead of metal) and isn't spring loaded - therefore not only can you NOT squeeze these to unlock, but the plastic clip will also likely wear out long before the blades start showing any signs of age.Both these two points above are contradicted in the Amazon description, illustration AND on the actual packaging that the pruners arrived in. Buying something that is not as advertised (or illustrated) is a pet peeve of mine. It's pure DECEPTION - no other word for it.As it stands, this is major step backwards in performance and build quality for Wilkinson Sword. At best 2 out 5 stars.Conclusion:Would I recommend them? Not anymore.These are now no better than average pruners. If you have never previously owned a pair of these, then the only consolation is that you'll never know what you are missing.

I've given these 5-stars because they are superb pruners and the quality is amazing for the price, however, I am very concerned about the product description above. BE AWARE that the advertised "Squeeze me" facility isn't what it once was. As another reviewer has already pointed out, older versions of these pruners had a quick release function whereby the Safety Catch would self-release when the closed handles were given a 'squeeze'. Personally I liked this function very much and didn't hesitate in seeking out this product again when my old ones were lost recently. I was bitterly disappointed when my new pruners arrived and I found the easy-open "squeeze me" facility is no longer present. The safety catch is now thumb operated in the same way as most other pruners. I took this up with the seller and am being told the "squeeze me" function simply means the handles have to be squeezed to operate the safety catch. Well, as far as I am concerned, I think that applies to all pruners so it's nothing special. Also, the product packaging makes no similar claims about a 'squeeze me' function. Despite the change in specification the pruners are still an excellent choice ..... I just find it annoying that the seller continues to describe a function that no longer exists.

These are astonishing value for money. They were bought to act as a handy additional couple of secateurs, but have become the ones I use most as they are light, sharp and cut through all but the toughest/largest of stems. The mechanics of them is not sophisticated, but they are no less effective for that. Just be aware that if your are using in very tangled stems. the spring can be dislodged. This happened to me when using them for some very heavy pruning back of overgrown shrubs, which they handled perfectly. Some superb customer service from Wilkinson Sword provided a replacement spring (as I was unable to find it in the undergrowth) and they are as good as new. Well done Wilkinson Sword, so impressed with the product and your customer service.

My old (10-years!) Wilkinson sword favourite secateurs had finally run out of effectiveness, and having been disappointed by a more recent pair I wasn't sure how this very different successor would perform. First off, they are not for small hands, the handles' full opening being too wide. That said, they are remarkably sharp and operate very smoothly. They're also a good size when closed for slipping into a pocket while wielding another tool, feel robust and seem likely to remain in use for a good while.

I use these day in day out. This is the third pair I've bought, one for work one now for the poly tunnel and one for my wife. Truth be told I didn't like the catch on top when I bought the first pair 2 years ago, but it grew on me very quickly and becomes smoother with use, not lose like some of the competition. I also have a felco No 2 but prefer these and will definately buy again if I lose a pair.

I've used these to prune roses and tomato plants and they've done both jobs well. Good and sharp, the coating on the handles isn't that creepy hard plastic texture either, it's squishy. Didn't suddenly fly apart into 5 different bits like the ones I'd previously bought in B&Q either. Bonus.

You would be hard pushed to find a better pair for the price. The only down side is the clasp is no longer a squeeze to open like the older models (it’s actually plastic now rather than metal, and the spring is no longer there so you have to open manually). Once you are used to it, it’s really not a problem.

Recommended by Which! and much cheaper than their other Best Buys. Best secateurs I have had, and so good I have bought a second pair for the allotment. Unfortunately the lock broke on this pair after a short time but I sent them back and was refunded, so no problem, and as the others are still going strong I still think they are excellent for the money.