Straight Blade vs Curved Blade Pruning Shear – 4 Differences You Should Know
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There are different types of pruning shears you can use for your gardening work, but the two most common types are the straight blade pruning shears and the curved blade pruning shears.
Now, the first thing that may come into your mind when you see both types of shears as a new gardener, is why is one blade straight like a common scissors, and why is the other curved?
Does the shape of the blade really matter? Well, the fact is, it does. There’s a reason why one blade is straight, and the other is curved.
Each design has unique strengths and is better suited for specific tasks.
In this article, I’m going to talk about the differences between the two so that you can choose the right one based on the type of project you want to undertake with it.
Table of Contents
1. Blade Shape
Well, the first obvious difference between the two pruning shears is the shape of the blade.
Straight blade pruning shears are flat and linear, perfect for making clean, precise cuts. The straight edge allows you to control exactly where you’re cutting, making these ideal for tasks that require accuracy and finesse.
While the blade of a curved pruning shear arcs slightly, which helps it “grab” or “pull” the branch as you make the cut. This makes it especially useful for dealing with rounded stems or thicker branches where it’s important that the blade grips the stem and not just slide away as you make the cut.
2. Best Applications
Another major difference between a straight blade and a curved blade pruning shear is in their application. It’s in what they’re designed for.
Straight blade pruning shears are designed for tasks that require precision. If you’re trimming soft-stemmed plants, cutting flowers, or shaping your bonsai tree, a straight blade shear gives you the control you need for detailed work. They’re also perfect for making flush cuts close to stems or buds.
On the other hand, a curved blade pruning shear is designed for cutting medium to large, tough, woody stems just like loppers.
They’re also excellent for shaping bushes and shrubs or harvesting fruits and vegetables with thicker stems, like melons or pumpkins.
In other words, the straight blade shears are designed for light duty tasks, while the curved blade shears are for heavy duty tasks.
3. Cutting Efficiency
Another difference between the two types of shears is the kind of cuts they produce. Straight blade shears produce cleaner cuts. The blades are sharper like the blades of a scissors, so the cuts are cleaner and straight.
That’s why they’re usually not ideal for thicker branches and plants. Because even though they produce cleaner cuts, they lack the grip to hold on to thicker branches.
On the other hand, the cuts produced by a curved blade shear are not that clean, but on thicker, tougher branches, they work wonders, because they’re able to grip the branches better, and slice through easily.
4. Size and Maneuverability
Straight blade pruning shears are easier to maneuver around plants because their blades are usually tinnier and small compared to the more bucky blade of a curved blade shear.
This makes them a better choice when working with densely packed plants with leaves all over the place.
For cramped spaces, especially when dealing with delicate plants, the tiny blade of a straight blade shear offers you that precision you need to reach whatever leaf, branch or stem you want to reach.
Related: 12 Reasons To Get A Mini Chainsaw For Your Projects
Summary: Straight vs. Curved Blade Shears
Feature | Straight Blade Shears | Curved Blade Shears |
---|---|---|
Blade Shape | Flat and straight | Curved |
Best Application | Precise, detailed cuts | Cutting thicker, rounded branches |
Cutting Efficiency | Good for soft or small stems | Better for tough, woody stems |
Size and Maneuverability | Easier in tight spaces | Better control on curved surfaces |
Which Should You Choose?
For most gardeners, it’s usually better to have the tool in hand. Most stores sell them in packs that contain both types, so you can deal with whatever project you want to deal with.
Each type complements the other, ensuring you’re prepared for anything your garden throws your way.
However, if you have no plants with thick branches or woody stems that you have to deal, then there’s no reason to get a curved blade pruning shear.
If you’re only dealing with soft stemmed vegetables and plants in your garden, then by all means get a straight blade pruning shear.
Unless you have thick-stemmed, woody plants with tough thick branches you have to maintain.