Review context: This is the author’s original 2017 hands-on review of supplied tools, with editorial corrections to safety and warranty information. The observations below describe that test, not a new comparison of current models. Specifications, availability and warranty terms should be checked for the exact model and country before purchase.
Gardening and landscaping is a lot of fun. We get to create an awesome space for us to enjoy and to share with our friends, but we all know that there is work to be done. Gardening is hard work and with hard work you need tools. Fiskars has an incredible selection of gardening tools to choose from and we were lucky enough to try some out for this review. We decided to cover some of the less common tools like the pruning scissors, machete, and the 2″ loppers. Which of these tools is useful depends on your garden and the tasks you need to do.
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FiskarsDesign Philosophy
For the original review, I was given the opportunity to test and review some of Fiskars products. The three that I tested were the 24″ Machete, the Garden Multi-Snip with Sheath, and the PowerGear2™ Lopper (32″). The following specifications describe the models supplied at the time. They are manufacturer claims rather than measurements from our own testing.
My Fiskars Review
Machete (24″) Specs
- 15″ blade is ideal for clearing large areas of brush, cutting thick branches, powering through fibrous palms and more in your yard and garden
- Hardened steel blade stays sharp through heavy use
- Rust-resistant, low-friction coating glides through tough materials without sticking
- Contoured Softgrip® handle features a sculpted profile to fit the natural shape of your hand
- Includes nylon carrying sheath
- Warranty: check the current limited terms for the model and country of purchase.
PowerGear2 Lopper (32″) Specs
- PowerGear® patented gear technology multiplies leverage to give you up to 3X more power on every cut
- Patent-pending design with modified gears and cam mechanism optimizes your cutting power in the middle of the cut where the branch is thickest and you need it most
- Rust-resistant, low-friction coating glides through tough materials without sticking
- Rounded ergonomic handles with Softgrip® touchpoints enhance comfort and control
- Length: 32″
- Maximum cutting capacity: 2″ dia.
- Warranty: check the current limited terms for the model and country of purchase.
Garden Multi-Snip with Sheath Specs
- Ideal for snipping stems, slicing open burlap bags, sawing rope, cutting wire and a variety of other garden tasks
- Stainless-steel blades stay sharp longer and resist rust
- DuraFrame™ handle provides excellent durability
- Safety lock keeps blades closed for safe storage and transportation
- Nonslip Softgrip® handle improves grip and reduces hand fatigue for comfortable extended use
- Bonus sheath includes belt clip for easy access and portability
- Warranty: check the current limited terms for the model and country of purchase.
First Impressions of the Fiskars Garden Tools
When I opened the box I was immediately impressed with what I was sent. The loppers were large and heavy and they felt very sturdy. The snips were light and the came with what looked like a durable sheath. Our Fiskars Machete also came with what looked like a very slim sheath and a robust handle.
Packaging quality was very high. In fact, our first test of the garden snips was using them to open up the packaging of the other products from Fiskars. I honestly could not wait to get them out and give them a try. Also, I know this sounds ridiculous, but the bright colors of the tools are appealing to me. I constantly set down tools and can’t find them again within the mess I have created. The orange color will help with that.
Good Things
Fiskars Machete
My favorite thing about this machete in the original test was its soft, comfortable handle. I tested it in northern Canada and found it comfortable for the clearing work I did. After it was left in a pickup truck during one rainy day, I saw no rust. That is a limited observation, not proof that the coating prevents corrosion indefinitely. Dry and store the tool as the manufacturer directs. Use the grip, protective equipment and working clearance specified in its instructions, and keep others outside the work area.
The last thing I have to say it this. The sheath was great. It was incredibly slim and it protected the blade perfectly. I was able to wear it on my belt and carry it around without a problem.
Fiskars Garden Snips
These snips from Fiskars were and are awesome. There are light, easy to use, and incredibly sharp. Easy to use button to lock or unlock them. The reviewed Multi-Snip model included additional cutting features for tasks such as opening bags and cutting twine. Use only the functions described in the instructions for your exact model; a storage lock on another pair of snips is not permission to use it as a knife. When you open it you have a pair of small shears or scissors that work well on small branches and weeds. They are very sharp and comfortable to use. They also come with a small sheath to keep it protected and keep you safe. It works well and can clip to a belt.
Fiskars Loppers
The Fiskars Loppers were great. They cut branches up to the size advertised and did it with ease. The gear and leverage mechanism they have created work flawlessly. Grips are comfortable but that is no surprise considering how great the grips are on the other products from Fiskars. The handles are long enough to give you the leverage you need as well. Many loppers come with a large blade and mouth but they have short handles. Not an issue with this product. Blade didn’t bend, it stayed sharp, and it did it’s job great. By far the best loppers I have used.
Favorite Things About the Fiskars Machete
Here is a quick list of my favorite things about this product.
- Easy to Use
- Durability
- Great Sheath
- Comfortable Handle
Favorite Things About the Fiskars Snips
Here is a quick list of my favorite things about this product.
- Easy to Use
- Very Sharp
- Works as two different tools
- Small, Convenient Sheath
Favorite Things About the Fiskars Loppers
Here is a quick list of my favorite things about this product.
- Easy to Use
- Very Sharp
- Long handles
- Cut up to the size they advertise with no problem
Problems with the Fiskars Machete
The edge was less sharp than some machetes I had used, and fine, light weeds could be pushed aside rather than cut cleanly. That is a limitation of the tested tool, not a reason to keep working with an inadequately maintained edge or to use more force. Follow the manufacturer’s edge-maintenance instructions and use a tool suited to the vegetation. The blade held up during this test; long-term wear was not established by that observation.
All that being said, I would recommend it over others I have used like the machete offered by Gerber.
Problems with the Fiskars Snips
There is only one thing I would change with this product. The clip on the sheath. Yes you can clip it to your belt but it is not quite strong enough. I am not sure if it is the shape or just the tension itself, but it doesn’t always stay on. I fixed that by just carrying the sheath in my pocket or putting it in a bag with my other tools. This is a very minor issue and would never stop me from purchasing the product.
Problems with the Fiskars Loppers
It is very difficult to come up with anything wrong with this product. If I had to change one thing though it would be the distance the arms open. This tools uses a cool system to help cut through large branches with ease but because of that the arms but be opened very far to get the branch to fit. This can make it difficult for some people to reach. I am very tall and have long arms so it was not an issue for me but I could see that being hard for others. Fiskars made a fantastic product though.
Is Fiskars A Good Brand
Yes, Fiskars is a well-respected brand. It’s known for its high-quality products in the fields of gardening tools, kitchenware, and crafting tools. It has a long history dating back to 1649 and is recognized for its design innovation and durability of products. However, as with any brand, individual experiences can vary.
The supplied tools performed well in the original review, especially for comfort. Compare the cutting capacity, handle opening and sheath retention with your own needs. Current prices and models may differ from those tested; these observations do not establish that every Fiskars tool offers the same value or durability.
Fiskars’ current US warranty information describes limited coverage for defects in materials and workmanship for eligible purchasers. Normal wear, improper use and other exclusions apply. It is not an unconditional “you break it, they replace it” promise. Check the applicable regional terms and keep purchase details.
Pros
- Very Durable
- Rust-resistant
- Easy/Comfortable to use
- All products work very well
- Limited warranty, subject to eligibility and exclusions
- Compare current price with the features you need
Cons
- The tested machete edge struggled with some fine vegetation
- Clip on the Snip Sheath (not a deal breaker)
- Lopper handles need substantial opening room
Check current models and specifications
Disclaimer: Everything Backyard was not paid for this review or post, but we were sent the product to review at no cost.
