How to measure your palm to avoid making a mistake when choosing the right size of Japanese pruning shears.

Gardening shears can be broadly divided into "pruning shears" for cutting branches and "bud shears" for pinching buds and cutting stems. This time, we'll be talking about pruning shears.
A frequently asked question is about "how to choose the right size of Japanese pruning shears." Many people ask what size is right for them, and whether a larger size will allow them to cut thicker branches of garden trees better. In reality, many people choose a size larger than their hand size simply because they want to cut thicker branches, without understanding the reasons behind size selection.
However, there's an important point to consider. Pruning shears have blades that open wide to cut branches about 15mm in diameter, and consequently, the handles also open wide. If you choose shears that are larger than your hand, it will be difficult to grip them, and less grip strength will be transferred to the handles.
Size isn't the only factor determining sharpness. Larger pruning shears aren't necessarily easier to use; rather, the most effective size is one that fits your hand perfectly, allowing for better control and efficient use of your grip. Choosing the right size is the key to improving both work efficiency and safety.

Many people may not understand what it means to choose pruning shears that are "the right size for your hand." Here, we will explain how to choose pruning shears in an easy-to-understand way using images.
How to correctly measure palm size
When measuring your palm size, measure the length from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your hand. This measurement is an important criterion for choosing the pruning shears that are best suited to you.
Tips for choosing the right size
The ideal size is one that's just the same size as your palm, or slightly larger. For this review, I used my own hand, which measures 180mm in size, to test several different sizes.
Comparing the size of your palm to the total length of the scissors allows for more accurate size selection. This method is also useful when choosing products from online shops. Knowing your hand size will help you determine the optimal size before purchasing.

I placed the pruning shears on my hand.
Using my hand, which measures 180mm in palm size, I actually tried out the three sizes of Type A pruning shears by placing them in my hand.
For 7 inches (180 mm)
It fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, is easy to grip, and allows for easy application of force. This size offers the best operability, and results showed that it reduces fatigue even during long periods of use.
For 8 inches (200 mm)
You can grip it, but it will be a bit strained. Because it's slightly larger than your hand size, you'll need to be creative to fully transfer your grip strength.
For 9 inches (230 mm)
The opening was too wide, making it difficult to fit in the hand and resulting in poor grip strength transfer. This size tends to decrease work efficiency and increase fatigue.
As this experiment clearly shows, it's important to choose pruning shears that fit the size of your hand. A larger size doesn't necessarily mean better cutting performance. *Many people are surprisingly unaware of the 9-inch size. Recommended for those with large hands.

The amenoma online shop lists the total length in the product details section. We recommend checking the total length against the size of your hand before purchasing to select the right product.
General guidelines for choosing a size
For women and those with smaller stature, the 180mm (7-inch) size is ideal. This size fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and allows for efficient transfer of grip strength.
For men, a general guideline is 200mm to 230mm (8 to 9 inches). However, there are individual differences, so it is important to measure your own hand size before choosing.
By comparing your measured palm size with the product's overall length, you can ensure you choose the correct size. When selecting products online, use this method to find the perfect pair of pruning shears for you.

This time, we introduced how to choose the right size of pruning shears. Knowing the size of your hand will make the selection process much easier when purchasing. The product shown in the image is “Type BZ pruning shears, 8inch”.
Points to consider before purchasing
When considering purchasing items at events or in stores, we recommend actually holding the product in your hand before making a choice. Even when purchasing online, measuring your palm size beforehand will help you make a more informed decision.
About Japanese pruning shears from "Onoyoshi Hamono"
The pruning shears from Onoyoshi Hamono that we introduced today are special products that become more comfortable in your hand the more you use them. They boast excellent sharpness and superior durability, and with proper maintenance, you can enjoy using them for a long time. These are truly forged pruning shears crafted by a Japanese blacksmith.
If you send your pruning shears to amenoma, our blacksmiths will directly resharpen them and adjust any distortions. These are truly shears you can use for a lifetime. If you are looking for pruning shears that will be your lifelong companion, please choose a product that fits the size of your hand.
Featured Products
- Type A Pruning Shears, 7inches (total length 180mm)
- Type A Improved Pruning Shears, 8inch (Total Length 200mm)
- Type BZ Pruning Shears, 210mm (total length 210mm)
- Type A Pruning Shears, 9inch (total length 230mm)
※When purchasing, please proceed to each product page, change the currency to your local currency, and then add to cart.
