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expired Posted by GimmeYoTots • Aug 2, 2022
expired Posted by GimmeYoTots • Aug 2, 2022

ARS HP-VS8Z (Made in Japan) Signature Heavy Duty Pruner ($38 w/ Free Ship)

$38

Amazon
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I own a pair of these and they're Japanese cutlery sharp, and have excellent ergonomics (the squeeze to lock closed is unique and very convenient). These Japanese-made ARS pruners are regarded as maybe one of the only pruners that are better than the ubiquitous design of the Swiss-made Felco F2's. The Felco's are now selling for over $60, but it's a coin toss which pruner is better... so, at only $38, I think these are a relative steal at this price. Even generic Chinese-made Felco knock-offs are selling for $20 or more. Don't just take my word for how good they are, read this Wirecutter review [nytimes.com] (the review that caused me to purchase them a few years ago).

Here's part of the Wirecutter review on the ARS pruners:
Quote :
If you yearn for the perfect pruner, you'll finally be satisfied with the ARS HP-VS8Z. This tool was the only model that consistently made perfectly clean, flat cuts in soft stems, woody growth, hardwood dowels, and even ¾-inch buckthorn branches without crushing or tearing anything—and with less effort. The ARS has stunningly sharp high-carbon steel blades that have been tempered for hardness and resilience, and the tight, precise tolerance between the two blades creates a silky-smooth cutting action.
About this item
  • Squeeze handles to open
  • Superior, long-lasting sharpness from ARS
  • Hard chrome plated for optimum protection against rust and sap build up
  • Ergonomic handles and offset blades for maximum comfort
  • Replaceable blades
  • Made in Japan

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product...Y62I&psc=1
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About the Poster
I own a pair of these and they're Japanese cutlery sharp, and have excellent ergonomics (the squeeze to lock closed is unique and very convenient). These Japanese-made ARS pruners are regarded as maybe one of the only pruners that are better than the ubiquitous design of the Swiss-made Felco F2's. The Felco's are now selling for over $60, but it's a coin toss which pruner is better... so, at only $38, I think these are a relative steal at this price. Even generic Chinese-made Felco knock-offs are selling for $20 or more. Don't just take my word for how good they are, read this Wirecutter review [nytimes.com] (the review that caused me to purchase them a few years ago).

Here's part of the Wirecutter review on the ARS pruners:
Quote :
If you yearn for the perfect pruner, you'll finally be satisfied with the ARS HP-VS8Z. This tool was the only model that consistently made perfectly clean, flat cuts in soft stems, woody growth, hardwood dowels, and even ¾-inch buckthorn branches without crushing or tearing anything—and with less effort. The ARS has stunningly sharp high-carbon steel blades that have been tempered for hardness and resilience, and the tight, precise tolerance between the two blades creates a silky-smooth cutting action.
About this item
  • Squeeze handles to open
  • Superior, long-lasting sharpness from ARS
  • Hard chrome plated for optimum protection against rust and sap build up
  • Ergonomic handles and offset blades for maximum comfort
  • Replaceable blades
  • Made in Japan

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product...Y62I&psc=1

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Aug 2, 2022
3,255 Posts
Joined Jan 2011
Aug 2, 2022
Wand
Aug 2, 2022
3,255 Posts
I read this one gives better grip for bigger hands:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Q4MFT4/
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GimmeYoTots
Aug 2, 2022
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Quote from Wand :
I read this one gives better grip for bigger hands:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Q4MFT4/
That one is $56, and unless you're an NBA forward, the VS8Z's should be plenty big for most hands.
Aug 2, 2022
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GimmeYoTots
Aug 2, 2022
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Quote from Wand :
I bet you'd say loppers are for NBA players too. Mr. small hands.
No, I'd tell you that hand size is not a consideration when purchasing loppers. Mr. Smartazz.
Aug 3, 2022
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Aug 3, 2022
jtree1
Aug 3, 2022
4,716 Posts
Are these difficult to buy or something? Price is only $2.40 less than regular price according to the item detail page.
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GimmeYoTots
Aug 3, 2022
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Quote from jtree1 :
Are these difficult to buy or something? Price is only $2.40 less than regular price according to the item detail page.
Because they're really aren't many authorized retailers for ARS of Japan products in the US, the prices can fluctuate a lot. In addition, the Felco F2's have really jumped in price. Years ago, you could get a pair in the low 50's or on sale in the mid to high $40's, but mow they're selling for over $60. Sooo, given the jump in price of the ARS's main competitor and the increased cost of shipping overseas in addition to general inflation... I think the $38 price is a great price.

Personally, I don't think, esp in 2022, that you're going to find them go much lower (if any lower) than this price. If you wait, you take the chance that they can jump in price like the Felco's.
Sep 20, 2022
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Sep 20, 2022
zeugma
Sep 20, 2022
881 Posts
Tell me why that's not a knockoff? Official prices run around $50, just like the Felco.

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