Gardening / Tool Box: Softies that act tough at the cutting edge

Helping to prepare our village church for the Harvest Festival service last month gave my wife an opportunity to test Softies Scissors, from Darlac Products.

They are called Softies because their soft plastic handles mould to the shape of the hand when pressure is applied. Another good feature is that each steel tang extends to the end of its handle, enhancing strength and durability. The cutting edges, just under 2in long, sever stems thick enough for secateurs. Darlac's blade sharpener, incorporating tiny diamond particles, costs pounds 6.85; the scissors, pounds 5.85 (add pounds 1 for postage).

Darlac Products, PO Box 996, Slough, Berkshire SL3 9JF (0753 547790).