I am relatively new to outdoor work, recently divorced and a 57 year old woman. I have always done the inside cleaning, NOT the outdoor work that always seemed so terrible. So, here I am, on my own, and I am definitely doing a lot of research before I buy an item. These hedgers are very sharp, so working with them is easy. Believe me I am not strong, so the length and sharpness of the blade is very important to me.