ARSHP-VS8Z Signature Heavy Duty Pruner

For over 35 years I’ve been pruning, from fruit trees to roses to ornamental trees, to hydrangeas, etc, etc. Over that time I’ve bought, lost, or replaced more pruners than I care to admit. This spring I decided to replace the two pairs I bought last year - this time I wanted the best I could buy. Did a ton of research and happened upon ARS. Bought a pair of these and got to work on my 15 fruit trees. BEST PRUNERS I’VE EVER USED. The next day I ordered another pair. The description lists aluminum blade - which I’m certain is incorrect. I put a magnet on it the day I got it and verified it isn’t aluminum. The non cutting parts are aluminum (based on my magnet test). I think this is without doubt the best deal for an excellent pruner. Yes, the locking feature takes a bit to figure out (I recommend closing the pruner completely and then putting the safety latch on). But for pruning I’m only buying ARS products going forward.

Absolutely love this pruner, feels great in the hand and the ease of cutting stuff is amazing. Great lock mechanism and good spring strength. Highly recommend for a quality pruner

Very nice, sharp and study. Satisfying to use.

I've only used these for a few days, but an enjoying them. The construction seems robust, and the weight is nicely balanced. The handle is comfortable and the grip confident. The top handle shape favors right-handed people, but not so much that being a leftie feels uncomfortable.The locking mechanism is on the top surface. It is very snug and requires inspection to make sure it's fully engaged, but is the best both ergonomically and location wise I've ever owned (most have a side lock that is not leftie convenient and prone to failure).The packaging and information is all in Japanese, in case that matters.

Best pruners. Great price.

I have owned several of the name brand pruners. I use these all the time in my orchard and these work the same if not better then the most expensive ones on the market. Do not worry about the other reviews telling you to send these back if you get the ones in japenese packaging. Japenese steel is some of the best out there and would rather have these then the American version to be honest with you. Highly recommend these for any orchardist out there!

I've used an F2 Felco pruner for years so I'm comparing the ARS directly with the F2. The ARS is slightly smaller in overall size, perhaps the size of the Felco F6. It fits my hand very well, maybe better than the Felco as I don't have large hands. I'm awarding 5 stars after several weeks of regular use.The only real difference between the ARS and the Felco is in the locking mechanism. Squeeze the handles to unlock the ARS. Release the thumb catch to unlock the Felco. I'm tending to like the ARS better; it's not a big difference, but the squeeze-to-use is a very convenient feature. The biggest (and really the only) complaint I have with the Felco F2 is that the thumb catch continually gets bumped into the lock position and I have to constantly reset it while in the midst of pruning. Not a big deal, but a bit frustrating. I've tried to tighten the tension on the catch, but don't seem to get it to stay in the "open" position.My ARS came with all diagrams and instructions in Japanese, but I doubt that will be an issue.So I'm a fan of both brands and will reserve final judgment until after I need to disassemble the ARS for cleaning, sharpening or replacing parts (which I assume are available). The ARS is notably less expensive than the Felco equivalent product and seems to be of equal quality -- so far.

Very good cut! Better than any I have used. Grip is comfortable. I have pruned 17 trees so far and they are great. Works well on bigger branches with clean cuts