We've just had a conversation about the differences between a garden shear and a clipper... it was as scintillating as it sounds...

We ended up agreeing it was more about the handles than blade length.  Clippers are for one handed use (think secateur handles) and are usually sprung.  Shears tend to have longer handles, designed to be used with two hands and must be both opened and closed.

So where does this Niwaki Mini Shear fit in then?  If you only have the odd small Buxus ball to trim then this will do the job for you.  On the other hand if you have a lot of shaping to do these will sit nicely alongside a pair of full sized Niwaki garden shears (here) for use in tight spots or for detail work.  I wouldn't recommend these for trimming grass.

Niwaki Mini Shears 

• These shears are made in Japan.
• They are made from SK stainless steel and have an overall length of 37cm. The blades are 12.5cm.
• They are designed to cut leafy material rather than hard wood.
• The handles are Japanese White Oak and feature a red grippy rubber sleeve.
• Their total weight is 430 grams.