231 Two-Hand Pull Pruner (1.25" capacity)

Last verified May 12, 2026 by the Lifetime Picks Editorial Team

Felco of Switzerland is to pruning shears what Leica is to cameras — handmade in Geneva since 1945, used by professional vineyard workers, orchard managers, and high-end gardeners worldwide. The Felco 231 is a two-hand pull pruner with a 1.25" cutting capacity (vs the 5/8" of one-hand shears), built for thick orchard wood, dense rosehips, and old roses with hardened canes. Every component on a Felco is field-replaceable — blade, anvil, spring, handles, bolts — all sold as part numbers; you don't replace the tool, you maintain it indefinitely. r/Gardening and r/Orchards consistently surface Felco as the lifetime-grade pruner. Premium price reflects the fact that a Felco bought in 1985 is still cutting today with two blade changes and one spring swap. Includes a leather sheath.