How to Sharpen Felco Pruners

Overview

With proper maintenance, Swiss-made Felco pruning tools can last a lifetime. The blade and moving parts require regular cleaning and periodic adjustments. Once in a while, pruning with your Felco hand shears may require a little extra effort. At this point, the blade will likely need sharpening. You can do this without taking the blade off, but you'll need a sharpening stone. A Felco brand ceramic sharpening stone retails for around $25, but any brand will work just fine.

Step 1

Open your pruners and place them flat in your left hand, with the blade pointed toward your body. Make sure the "Felco" imprinted words are facing up. Grasp the pruners securely. Hold the sharpening stone lengthwise between your right thumb and fingers.

Step 2

Place the sharpening stone at a 23-degree angle along the pruner blade. Pull the stone along the blade from the base to the end, using long, smooth strokes. Do this 10 to 12 times.

Step 3

Turn your pruners over, so that the flat side of the blade is facing up and the pointed end is turned away from your body. Place the sharpening stone on the blade at about a 5-degree angle. Slide the stone across the blade away from your body a few times to remove burs created by sharpening the other side.

Step 4

Use a clean, old towel to wipe any remaining dust from the blade. Hold the towel between your right thumb and forefinger and gently wipe the blade using a circular motion.