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There are 2 types of secateurs, anvil and bypass.


==Anvil==
Anvil secateurs have one thinly tapered sharp blade that meets a flat
lump of metal, the anvil. These have much better cutting power than
bypass with woody material, but they tend to leave a thin bit of
material on one side of the stem uncut. Often the anvil can be
adjusted for best alignment, but expecting perfection is optimistic.


==Bypass==
Bypass secateurs work like scissors, they have 2 blades that slide
past each other. The cutting edges are a much wider angle than anvil
secateurs. The result is that these are easier to use for thin soft
material, but much harder going on woody material.

With no anvil, bypass secateurs are much lighter than anvil types.
This can be a plus for people in poor health.


==Knife==
A knife is sometimes used as a plant cutting option. A sharp knife
gives a much cleaner cut than either anvil or bypass secateurs,
minimising risk of disease. The maximum cutting ability is less than
secaturs however, and they're less convenient to use, and possibly
less safe.

The main use of a knife is where a very clean cut is needed. Squashes
are a good example of this, a very thin bladed knife is ideal.


==Points to look for==
* Good alignment of blade with anvil
* Lock mechanism that isn't overly stiff or loose
* Lock mechanism that doesn't fail after a while
* Comfortable handles
* Handle rubber that doesnt disintegrate in normal use
* Adjustable anvil
* Size, weight and toughness suited to the task.


==See Also==
* [[Special:Allpages|Wiki Contents]]
* [[Special:Categories|Wiki Subject Categories]]



[[Category:Tools]]
[[Category:Garden]]