I live just outside Napa Valley, California—where vineyards go on for miles. I spend a lot of time in the garden. Most days, I’m trimming soft stems, picking herbs, or cleaning up flower beds.
About a year ago, I started looking for a new pair of snips. I wanted something light, sharp, and easy on my hands. That’s when I found the Felco 322 Picking and Trimming Snips.
At first, I didn’t expect much. But after using it for a full season, I was surprised. This small tool made a big difference. Long garden sessions felt easier, and my hands didn’t tire as fast.
If you’re looking for a simple Felco 322 review, here it is: it’s not made for heavy-duty cuts. But if you want comfort, control, and reach—it’s perfect.
I’ve tested a lot of garden tools over the years. Only a few have earned a permanent spot in my kit. The Felco 322 is one of them.
Let’s take a closer look at why.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview of Felco 322 Picking and Trimming Snips
- Product Name: Felco 322 Picking and Trimming Snips
- Type: Lightweight bypass snips for fine trimming
- Best For: Harvesting herbs, deadheading flowers, light garden trimming
- Price Range: Around $20–$28 (readily available across most U.S. garden retailers)
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Why I Chose It
When I started looking for a good pair of snips, I didn’t want anything fancy. I just needed something sharp, light, and easy to use during long mornings in the garden. Here’s what stood out to me about the Felco 322:
Super Sharp Blades
The blades are made of high-carbon steel and came razor-sharp right out of the box. I tested them on basil that first day—clean cuts, no crushing or tearing. The rounded tip is a nice bonus. It helps protect soft stems and fruits from bruising.
Comfortable Grip and Handles
The handles are slim and fit my hand just right. They’re made of pressed steel but don’t feel cold or heavy. I’ve used them on cool spring mornings, even with gloves. They never slipped or felt awkward.
Light and Easy to Use
These snips weigh less than 4 ounces. That was a big win for me. After hours of cutting herbs or deadheading flowers, my hands didn’t feel worn out. If you’ve ever trimmed zinnias or tomatoes for too long, you know how sore your hands can get. This tool really helps.
Simple Lock That Works
There’s a small plastic clasp at the base. It’s basic, but it works. Some folks say it feels odd, but I haven’t had any problems. It locks shut and stays put, even when I toss it into my garden apron.
Built-in Shock Absorbers
This part was a nice surprise. There’s a soft bumper between the handles. It cushions each cut. You don’t notice it at first—but after a few hours, your wrists will thank you. It makes each snip feel smoother and softer on the joints.
What Could Be Better
Even though I love using the Felco 322, it’s not perfect. After a full season in the garden, a few small things stood out.
Not for Thick Stems
This tool isn’t made for tough jobs. It’s best for herbs and soft flower stalks. If you try cutting woody stems, it will struggle. I found that out when I tried trimming old lavender. It felt like I was forcing it too much.
Blades Can Rust Without Care
The blades are coated with chromium to fight rust. But they’re still made from high-carbon steel. I left mine out one humid night after rinsing them. By morning, I saw tiny rust spots near the edge. Now I always dry them and add a light coat of oil. If you live in a humid place, this is worth noting.
Lock Can Be Tricky with Gloves
The small plastic clasp works, but it’s not glove-friendly. When I wear thick gloves, I need both hands to open or close it. A bigger lock—or one that works with one hand—would be better.
Not Repairable Like Other Felcos
Most Felco tools can be fixed. You can change out parts like springs or blades. But the 322 is riveted. That means once the blade wears out or the pivot gets loose, you’ll need a new pair. For the price, it’s still a solid deal. Just don’t expect the “lifetime tool” feel of other Felcos.
My Personal Gardening Experience
One spring morning, I spent over two hours in the garden. I was deadheading daffodils and cutting back herbs after winter. I used the Felco 322 the whole time. It felt smooth and easy. I didn’t even notice how long I’d been working until I stood up. My hands weren’t sore—a rare win during cleanup season.
Another time, I harvested a big batch of basil to dry. If you grow basil, you know how easy it is to bruise the stems. These snips made quick, clean cuts. No crushing, no damage. The rounded blade tip helped me cut close without hurting nearby leaves.
I also trimmed flowers for a friend’s backyard dinner. It was one of those warm California evenings, and I was racing the sun. The Felco 322 sliced through stems of cosmos, zinnias, and marigolds like butter. I kept it in my apron pocket, and it never got in the way.
Who Should Buy This?
The Felco 322 is a great choice if you often trim flowers, herbs, or soft plants. It’s ideal for home gardeners, florists, or anyone who harvests by hand. If your hands get tired easily, this tool helps reduce strain.
Got wrist pain or arthritis? You’ll love how light it feels. The soft bumper also helps cut down on shock. I’d even suggest it for beginners. It’s easy to use, needs little force, and the rounded tip keeps nearby stems safe.
That said, it’s not for thick or woody branches. This isn’t a heavy-duty tool. It’s made for clean cuts and comfort. If you’re pruning fruit trees or shrubs, go for a stronger pruner like the Felco F-2.
For U.S. gardeners who deal with long summers—especially in places like California, Texas, or Florida—this snip fits right in. Just be sure to oil the blade if you live where it’s humid.
Alternative Option to Felco 322
Before I chose the Felco 322, I also tried the Felco 321. At first, they looked almost the same, so I tested both in my own garden.
Here’s a quick side-by-side look:
| Feature | Felco 322 | Felco 321 |
| Blade Type | Curved tip for detailed cuts | Straight tip for clean harvests |
| Best Use | Deadheading flowers, fine herbs | Picking fruit, trimming soft stems |
| Comfort Level | Slim grip + soft bumper, good with gloves | A bit firmer, still glove-friendly |
| Blade Coating | Chromium-coated high-carbon steel | Same material and coating |
| Weight | Very light (~3.9 oz) | About the same (~3.8 oz) |
| Locking Mechanism | Small clasp (tricky with gloves) | Slightly bigger, easier with gloves |
| Shock Absorption | Built-in bumper for less wrist strain | Polyurethane shock absorbers |
| Ideal User | Gardeners doing detailed work | Florists, produce pickers, general trimming |
| Repairable? | No – riveted design | No – also riveted |
| Price Range | $20–$28 | $20–$26 |
My Experience Using Both
In my tests, the Felco 322 felt more nimble when I was deadheading zinnias or clipping soft basil stems. The curved tip gave me better control in tight spots.
The Felco 321, on the other hand, worked better for quick harvests—like tomatoes or thyme—where I needed a fast, clean snip and didn’t want to bruise anything.
If you often pick fruit or work with flowers, the 321 may feel more natural. But for light trimming and precise cuts, I kept reaching for the 322.
Read More: Fiskars 24 Inch Machete Review
Final Thoughts
The Felco 322 isn’t built for tough jobs—and that’s okay. It’s made for soft stems, herbs, and flowers. If that’s your daily garden work, this snip makes things easier. It’s light, sharp, and kind to your hands—perfect for long mornings outside.
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FAQ – Felco 322 Review
Is the Felco 322 good for everyday garden use?
Yes! It’s great for soft tasks like trimming herbs, picking flowers, and deadheading. It’s light, sharp, and easy to use.
Can the Felco 322 cut woody stems or branches?
No. It works best on soft or green stems. For thick or woody branches, use a stronger tool like the Felco F-2.
Does the Felco 322 rust easily?
It can rust if left wet. The blades are coated, but they’re still made of high-carbon steel. Always dry and oil them after use—especially if you live in a humid area.
Is the Felco 322 repairable like other Felco tools?
No. This model has a riveted build, so you can’t replace the blade. It’s made to perform well, not to be taken apart.
What makes the Felco 322 better than cheap snips?
It cuts cleaner, lasts longer, and feels better in your hand. The soft bumper and sharp blades help a lot during long garden days.
