ARS Pruners vs. Standard Floral Shears: Is There Really a Difference?

If you've spent any time in a flower shop or around event designers, you've probably heard someone say, "Once you use ARS, you'll never go back." 

But are ARS pruners really that different from a standard pair of floral shears? 

The short answer: Yes. While any pair of shears can cut a stem, the quality of that cut—and how the tool performs after hundreds or even thousands of stems—can make a noticeable difference in the health of your flowers.

Why the Cut Matters

Every stem you process is essentially taking a drink of water through the fresh cut you make. A clean, precise cut helps maximize water uptake, while a dull or crushing blade can damage the stem's vascular tissue. 

When you're processing dozens—or even hundreds—of bunches each week, consistent, clean cuts aren't just about convenience. They're part of good flower care.

What Makes ARS Pruners Different? 

Razor-Sharp Blades 

ARS pruners are known for their exceptionally sharp, precision-ground blades. Rather than crushing stems, they make smooth cuts that help reduce damage to delicate flowers and woody branches alike. 

Whether you're working with roses, hydrangeas, stock, or flowering branches, having a sharp tool makes every cut cleaner and easier. 

Less Hand Fatigue 

If you've ever finished processing flowers with sore hands or tired wrists, your cutting tool may be part of the problem. 

ARS pruners are designed with ergonomics in mind. Their lightweight construction and comfortable grip help reduce strain during long processing days, making them a favorite among florists who spend hours prepping flowers before weddings, holidays, or large events. 

Built to Last 

Many inexpensive floral shears perform well initially but begin to dull quickly or develop loose pivots after heavy use. 

ARS pruners are built for professional environments. With proper care, many florists use the same pair for years, making them a worthwhile investment rather than a disposable tool. 

Easy Maintenance 

Like any professional tool, ARS pruners perform best with regular cleaning and maintenance. 

A few simple habits can keep them working at their best: 

• Wipe blades clean after each day of use. 

• Disinfect between processing different flower varieties. For ultimate disinfecting, use Green Glo Surface Cleaner (yes, Derita carries it!) 

• Apply a small amount of oil to the pivot periodically. 

• Sharpen blades as needed to maintain clean cuts. 

Are Standard Floral Shears Ever Enough? 

Standard floral shears certainly have their place. For occasional use or light-duty processing, they can get the job done. But as your business grows, so does the importance of efficiency and consistency. 

Professional florists often find that investing in higher-quality tools pays off through: 

• Faster flower processing 

• Cleaner stem cuts 

• Greater comfort during long workdays 

• Longer tool lifespan 

• More consistent performance 

When you're preparing hundreds of arrangements for a wedding weekend or stocking your retail cooler before a holiday rush, those advantages quickly add up. 

Is Upgrading Worth It? 

If you're processing flowers every day, the answer is often yes. Think about the tools you rely on most. Your knives, ribbon scissors, and pruners are used constantly. Investing in equipment that's built for professional use can make daily work more efficient and enjoyable. That's one reason ARS pruners have earned such a loyal following in the floral industry. Many florists try them once—and never look back. 

Find ARS Pruners at Derita 

Derita is excited to now offer ARS pruners to our customers. Stop by the warehouse or contact us to adopt your ARS Pruners now. Your hands—and your flowers—will thank you.