Best secateurs if I can't afford eg Niwaki?

[TheSandHurtsMyFeelings]

Just that, really. I'm still using a knackered old pair of secateurs that used to belong to my mum. They are way beyond their best! What are your recommendations for mid-range bypass secateurs (max around £40?)

I have these Okatsune secateurs (bought from Niwaki years ago, I don't know if they still do them)

They're excellent and just under your max budget on Amazon

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Okatsune-NO-103-103-Bypass-Secateurs/dp/B001Y54F88?th=1

Fiskars, Darlac, and Wilkinson Sword are all good for mid-range ones.

Go for high carbon steel, ideally Japanese if you can. I've got some good bypass secateurs at the moment, but the brand name isn't on them and I can't remember - probably Darlac - but on the blade it says 'high carbon steel SK6 Japanese steel'.

I go through secateurs at a rate of knots, but these are holding up well at the moment.

My mil who has done her fair share of gardening recommends buying cheap and replacing every year. I have bought a pair of the Okatsune secateurs and I don't find the handle comfortable - my grip (admittedly weak) slides down towards the blades, which means it's harder to cut.

I bought my secateurs from Tesco about 15 years ago for £2.99. I am dreading the day that they break. I clean and oil them regularly to keep them going.
I have tried the grip on many different types but none of those I can actually get to try are comfortable. Most are sealed in plastic or tied on to card with cable ties so you can't hold them to see if they work for you.
I only have small hands and a week little finger on my right hand from a dislocation many years ago so most are actually too big and bulky.
Going off to Google to see if I can spot some.

@Fizzadora what oil do you use?

I use three-in-one. In theory it lubricates, cleans and prevents rust.

One way is to keep an oily rag and wipe over your tools every time you put them away. On secateurs you also oil the hinge, and the spring if it’s one of those made of flat metal.

Would WD40 do that job OK @MereDintofPandiculation?

Felco secateurs

Yes.

I go for having lots of cheap secateurs so I’m not stymied if I lose one. I have been known to buy from TkMaxx.

Bright coloured handles instead if green are ideal but difficult to achieve

Spear & Jackson are about £10 and are great.

I use olive oil on mine when I can be bothered.