A person using pruning shears to trim flowers in a garden.

Difference between bypass and anvil secateurs

Bypass secateurs offer precision, while anvil secateurs offer force. When should you use each cutting principle?

Anvil secateurs

Anvil secateurs have a cutting blade that comes into contact with smooth metal, and are suitable for cutting finger-thick branches and solid wood.

However, as anvil secateurs do bruise the plant tissue, they should only really be used for cutting or chopping up dead wood.

A person using a pruning shear to cut a branch in a garden setting.

anvil secateur

Bypass secateurs

Bypass secateurs use two blades that glide past each other, enabling a sharp, clean cut, close to the stem or root.

Bypass secateurs are therefore particularly suited for cutting living plant tissue. They can be used to cut young or soft wood, as well as semi-woody garden bushes and shrubs.

A person using pruning shears to trim a vine in a garden setting.

bypass secateur

Expert tip

Quality is important with both types of secateurs: High-quality, sharp blades will give you the optimum cut.

A person arranging flowers on a table in a garden setting, with gardening tools visible.
Loading...
We're almost ready for you, just a few more seconds.