Floral shears are specialized cutting instruments designed for the delicate work of floristry and light horticultural tasks. These tools are distinct from bulky garden pruners or standard household scissors, offering features that cater specifically to cut flowers and tender plant material. Using the proper tool ensures the longevity and aesthetic quality of floral arrangements. Their design focuses on delivering a clean, accurate cut without damaging the plant’s vascular structure.
Defining the Tool and Its Function
Floral shears are engineered to deliver a clean slice, maximizing water uptake for cut flowers. Unlike ordinary scissors, which often crush the stem’s delicate xylem and phloem vessels, a sharp, specialized shear prevents this compression. Crushed stem ends severely restrict the flow of water and nutrients, leading to premature wilting and a shortened vase life.
The primary function of these shears is to cut through soft stems, light foliage, thin floral wire, and ribbon with minimal effort. This non-damaging cut is particularly important for species with softer stems, such as dahlias or cosmos. By preserving the integrity of the stem’s water-absorbing tissue, the shears help prevent air pockets that can block water transport and cause an embolism.
Types and Blade Configurations
The variety of floral shears reflects the diverse tasks required in flower arranging, from general trimming to highly detailed work. Most professional shears use a bypass mechanism, where one sharpened blade glides past a counter blade, similar to scissors. This action is preferred for cutting living plant material because it provides a precise, scissor-like cut that minimizes crushing and promotes plant health.
Micro-tip snips feature small, sharp blades and fine points that allow for intricate, high-precision cuts. These are primarily used for detailed tasks like deadheading, shaping delicate blooms, or working in tight spaces. Straight-blade floral shears, sometimes called snips, are lightweight with slender blades, making them a good general-purpose tool for preparing bouquets and trimming light foliage. For tougher, woody stems, a more robust bypass pruner may be used, but anvil shears are typically reserved for dead wood, as they can crush fresh stems.
Proper Usage and Cutting Technique
The technique used with floral shears is important for ensuring the flower’s longevity. For most varieties, the stem should be cut at a 45-degree angle rather than straight across. This angled cut significantly increases the surface area for water absorption and prevents the stem’s base from resting flat against the bottom of the vase, which could block water intake.
To prevent air bubbles from entering the stem’s vascular system, underwater cutting is often recommended. The cut should be made quickly and cleanly, submerged in a container of lukewarm, clean water. This ensures that the first substance drawn into the newly opened stem is water, not air, helping avoid an embolism. Foliage that would sit below the waterline should be removed using the shears to prevent bacterial growth and water contamination. Safety practices include engaging any locking mechanism when the shears are not in active use and handling the sharp points with care.
Tool Care and Longevity
Maintaining floral shears is necessary to ensure they continue to make the clean cuts required for optimal flower health. Plant sap, resin, and dirt rapidly accumulate on the blades, dulling the edge and introducing pathogens to the next cut stem. After each use, the blades should be wiped clean immediately to remove residue, often using rubbing alcohol or warm soapy water to disinfect the surfaces.
After cleaning, the shears must be dried thoroughly to prevent rust, especially if made from high-carbon steel. Applying lubricating oil, such as mineral oil, to the pivot point and blades helps ensure smooth operation and protects the metal from corrosion. Regular sharpening of the beveled edge with a whetstone is required to maintain the fine, precise cut.