The Ultimate Guide to Florist Shears: Choosing the Best Tools for Cutting Flowers

Florists rely on precision, comfort, and durability when selecting cutting tools. The right shears can make arranging flowers easier, reduce hand fatigue, and even prolong the life of delicate stems. Below, we explore the best types of shears for florists, including their uses and key features.

1. Floral Scissors

Overview

Floral scissors are lightweight, sharp scissors specifically designed for cutting flowers and soft stems. They are usually smaller than garden scissors and often have a fine, pointed tip for precision.

Best Uses

Cutting thin-stemmed flowers such as roses, tulips, or daisies.
Snipping leaves or trimming petals for arrangements.
Detailed work in bouquets or corsages.

Advantages

Precise cutting for delicate stems.
Lightweight and easy to handle for long periods.
Often rust-resistant.

Features to Look For

Sharpness: High-quality stainless steel blades for clean cuts.
Ergonomic Handles: Comfortable grip for extended use.
Length: 5–7 inches is typical for floral scissors, offering precision without being cumbersome.

Recommended Brands: Fiskars, Corona, Okatsune.

2. Floral Snips / Pruners

Overview

Floral snips are small, spring-loaded cutting tools designed for cutting slightly thicker stems than scissors can handle. They resemble tiny garden pruners but are more precise and lightweight.

Best Uses

Cutting medium-stemmed flowers like lilies, sunflowers, or hydrangeas.
Trimming greenery for arrangements.
Harvesting flowers from stems without crushing them.

Advantages

Spring-action reduces hand fatigue.
Can handle thicker stems than scissors.
Compact and portable.

Features to Look For

Bypass Blades: Produce clean cuts and prevent stem crushing.
Non-slip Grip: Rubberized or ergonomic handles.
Durable Construction: Stainless steel blades to resist rust from moisture.

Recommended Brands: Felco Mini, ARS HP Series.

3. Floral Pruning Shears / Secateurs

Overview

Floral pruning shears are heavy-duty tools used for cutting thicker or woody stems, like roses, branches, and larger greenery. These are essentially small, precise garden pruners made for florists.

Best Uses

Cutting thick-stemmed flowers like peonies or branches.
Harvesting flowers from the garden or greenhouse.
Preparing large bouquets and arrangements.

Advantages

Can cut through thicker stems cleanly.
Reduces the risk of crushing plant material.
Durable and long-lasting.

Features to Look For

Bypass vs. Anvil: Bypass shears are better for clean cuts on live stems, while anvil shears are suited for dead wood or tough stems.
Shock Absorption: Spring or cushioned handles reduce hand strain.
Locking Mechanism: Safe storage and transport.

Recommended Brands: Felco 2, ARS LP Series.

4. Ribbon and Stem Cutters / Florist Wire Cutters

Overview

These are specialized cutters designed for trimming floral wires, tape, and decorative ribbons without crushing them. They can also cut thin floral stems if needed.

Best Uses

Cutting floral wire for bouquets or arrangements.
Trimming artificial flower stems.
Preparing decorative ribbons for corsages and boutonnieres.

Advantages

Prevents fraying of ribbons and crushing of wires.
Compact and easy to store in a floral toolbox.
Often double as multi-purpose floral tools.

Features to Look For

Sharp, precise blades.
Ergonomic design for small, detailed work.
Rust-resistant stainless steel.

Recommended Brands: Fiskars Ribbon Scissors, Bead Landing Wire Cutters.

5. Specialty Shears

Japanese Floral Shears

Lightweight, ultra-sharp, and extremely precise.
Excellent for delicate flowers and bonsai arrangements.
Often handcrafted and high-end.

Electric or Cordless Floral Shears

Battery-operated cutting tools for high-volume florists.
Reduce hand fatigue significantly.
Can handle multiple cuts per minute without strain.

Tips for Choosing Florist Shears

Consider Stem Thickness: Match your shears to the typical flower types you work with. Delicate stems need scissors; thicker stems require pruners.
Comfort is Key: Ergonomic handles, spring-action, and lightweight design reduce hand fatigue.
Blade Type: Bypass blades are ideal for live flowers, anvil blades for woody or dead stems.
Maintenance: Stainless steel, rust-resistant blades, and regular sharpening will prolong life.
Safety Features: Locking mechanisms prevent accidents and protect the blades.

Quick Reference Table

Shear Type	Best For	Blade Type	Stem Thickness	Ergonomics
Floral Scissors	Thin-stem flowers	Straight	Thin	Lightweight, small
Floral Snips	Medium stems	Bypass	Medium	Spring-loaded, small
Floral Pruning Shears	Thick stems/branches	Bypass or Anvil	Thick	Shock-absorbing handles
Wire/Ribbon Cutters	Floral wire & ribbon	Straight	Thin	Compact, precise
Japanese Shears	Bonsai/delicate work	Straight	Thin	Ultra-light, precise
Electric Shears	High-volume cutting	Bypass	Medium-Thick	Battery-powered, ergonomic

The best florists’ shears depend on the type of flowers you work with and how much cutting you do daily. A professional florist often keeps a combination: scissors for delicate blooms, snips for medium stems, and pruning shears for thicker branches, ensuring efficiency and precision in every arrangement.