Tool Discussion [Soke Hidehisa] YP-200

[[**--I couldn't find a tool discussion forum/sub forum on Dave's garden - so apologizes if this is posted in the incorrect section. Mod please move as deemed appropriate--**]]



Hello fellow gardeners -

I just recently purchased Japanese YP-200 leather pruners and I'm curious if anyone here has any feedback or experience with them???

[[ AMAZON LINK ---> http://www.amazon.com/leather-Soke-Hidehisa-professional-pruning/dp/B005Z7FAXU/ref=pd_sim_sbs_lg_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0N0QQ5BR91P88M2DVTBP ]]

Its winter here in the North East US, so I wont be able to critique their efficacy myself until spring which seems quite a bit a way at this point.

I'm desperately searching for info on them, but cant find anything on the internet.

The Manufacturer (Soke Hidehisa) doesn't seem to have a website, and there is little to no discussion or information about this Japanese Manufacturer. I got some info in the initial packet, but it was in Japanese and I believe I have lost it since in the slew of Christmas wrappings and such :(.

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I've been a Proud Felco owner for the last couple years and I truly love my Felco F-2s. They perform flawlessly with proper maintenance and my current ones just feel so comfortable and perfect (aside from the occasional slide lock >_<). I work as a gardener as my current career so its important that tools can tolerate strenuous use and perform efficiently.

The YP-200's seem excellent in all regards, but I notice that the Felcos open about 50% more than the yp-200's. (See picture w. ruler). I don't think this would be an issue since I would rarely be making cuts to the maximum openness.... what do you all think???

I'd just like to hear others thoughts on this pruner.

I received a $150 gift card from my employer and I wanted to get the nicest pruners (even though I'm in love with my Felcos). The yp-200s were $150 (well beyond Felcos @$40-60) so I'm hoping the extortionate price will prove to be better than the Felcos in some regard, but I am a bit dubious because I really love my Felcos so much. I'm sure part of that high price was for the beautiful leather grip, but I'm just hoping they perform superbly. I'm a big fan a Japanese gardening tools and I'm excited to try this out in a few months.

Apologizes for the lengthy post & thanks to those who will respond and have read thus far.

Happy times everyone!

~Zelene

This message was edited Jan 11, 2015 12:18 AM Due to multiple spelling errors. Please forgive me.

This message was edited Jan 11, 2015 12:19 AM

We'll be looking forward to your critique of these pruners. I agree that some of the Japanese gardening tools are excellent.

Hello Everyone,

I'm back with an update on these pruners after using them for 2 months nearly everyday.

These pruners are Excellent - The best I've yet to use in all regards.
I still LOVE my felcos, but I have been enjoying these too much to switch back to my Felcos.

They are super comfortable and nice looking with the leather grip.
These pruners cut so nicely (even with adequately sized woody things) I have barely had to sharpen them with 2 months of rigorous use.

I sand once a week and after I sand them, they sound almost like scissors due to flushness of the metal. A+ Tool here I think. Price is certianly high though ($150) for the ones with the leather grips.

Thanks for reporting back. Yes, some tools can be very pricey but if well cared for, they can last for many, many years.