I like these a lot -- I bought them last May to cut back our lilac and forsythia bushes which hadn't been pruned in several years. The shears cut easily through both thick and thin stems, you can even cut several thin branches at once. I've since used them on average of once a week to cut and trim back tree branches and saplings as well as roses and other bushes. Fwiw, they do tend to do better on green or growing wood than on dead branches. As another reviewer noted, the foam handle covers can slide off but I glued mine back on and haven't had any problems since. The blades are easy to keep clean and the lock keeps them locked even if you say, toss them on the grass or a chair. Note, these aren't for pruning large tree branches or tough, thick bushes but they're great for basic pruning.