The knife works very well on small branches but I had trouble on larger ones larger then your thumb in diameter. The first knife I broke the handle through the first rivet. The shock of hitting the larger branches were too much for the strength of that first part of the handle. I also noticed that the cutting edge was bent in a couple of places. I don't know if the edge is to thin or it lacks strength. I bought two more but before I used them I took duct tape and wrapped it several times around the first 3 inches or so to strengthen that part of the handle. I used it on shearing the rest of my tees and there was no problem with the handle. However the cutting edge did bend in a couple of places. I would pound them fairly straight and it still would work ok. Overall ok but it could be maid stronger.
I brought this knife for the shearing of christmas trees. I found the lightweight to be less tiring and the blade maintained it's sharpness. The knife provided effortless trimming and very clean cuts.
Good price on a hard to find product.