A quick Google led us to numerous articles claiming Don favours the Tobisho secateurs by Japanese brand Niwaki, so we tracked down the exact quote, which he gave in an interview in the Telegraph in 2013.

This heavy-duty pruner is incredibly well made — it has an ultra-sharp blade, comfortable handle (for larger hands), easy to use thumb-lock and is intuitive to tighten and maintain. At dial one, the space between the blades is less than ¾ of an inch at the widest part, and it became increasingly difficult to cut stems because the opening was so small.

Made with premium titanium steel and topped with an ultra-fine polish, this gold and black tool performs as good as it looks. Pruners should always be wiped down before storage to remove any sap, dampness or debris that could cause rust or gum the hinge. The extremely sharp blade combined with the ergonomic feel of the handle made cutting easy and satisfying. We tested indoor and outdoor plants and trimmed thorny rose bushes and thicker citrus tree branches, crops like corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, kale, and other vegetables.

The team used each pair of secateurs over eight weeks on a range of gardening tasks, including pruning and cutting down perennials.The blade has a non-stick coating and cuts cleanly and smoothly and they also have a wide cutting width and an easy to reach safety catch. This pruner has an intuitive thumb lock, easily adjustable hinge mechanism and readily available replacement parts. Ratchet pruners have comfortable handles and are easier to maneuver for people who need assistance in leveraging grip strength.

It is better to get a tool that fits you than to get a tool that is too big and prevents you from getting the leverage you need to make the cut.Suitable for pruning branches or stems to more difficult tasks like cutting older or dead wood, this pick is one of the most versatile garden tools available. With each smaller box fitting into the larger box, enjoy the gentle warm tones and sandy designs on each one. Our soil range includes a variety of options, from premium organic soil to specialized soils for succulents and cacti. Part of the Kew Gardens collection, these ratchet anvil secateurs ease the burden of gardening by cutting through stems in shorter stages, requiring less effort on the part of the user. Pro tip: If you’re pruning wood from a sick tree or bush, dip the pruner head in isopropyl alcohol before moving on to a healthy branch.

Ratchet: With a built-in mechanism, this option cuts in smaller and gradual stages with little pressure or strain, making it easier to use for those with weaker hands or mobility issues. Anvil secateurs have one blade that cuts like a knife, with the blade pushing through a stem or branch onto a lower block, in a similar manner to a knife on a chopping board. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice.

If you're looking for an accessory that is of top-quality craftsmanship, Japanese secateurs are your best bet. This style of pruner is known as a “bypass pruner” – it uses a curved top blade to sweep past (or bypass) the lower jaw, which is sometimes known as a hook.