Professional and amateur users alike love these pruners because of their flexibility, unparalleled strength, and comfort that lasts a lifetime. These bypass pruning shears are phthalate-free with non-slip handle grips. The blade and counter blade is constructed with hardened steel, and the counter blade has a sap groove. It also has a wire-cutting notch. They are made in Switzerland with 100% renewable energy by FELCO who has been around since 1948. The Swiss Federal Office of Culture has awarded the Swiss Design Award 2018 to FELCO for their pruning shears/secateurs. FELCO was awarded for the visionary nature of its approach to sustainable creation, its commitment to quality in a world where today's planned obsolescence reigns.