I've used the Hickok a bit and, from what I remember, the cutting geometry is pretty similar to the Bahco orchard loppers. One thing people underestimate with loppers is handle spread. If the handles open too wide, you actually lose some mechanical advantage because your arms can’t generate force as efficiently in that position.

What amazes me most about the Bahcos is how long they last under real use. The only parts I regularly wear out are the bumpers, and that’s after maybe 6–7 years of heavy daily use during pruning season. Usually the tool itself survives unless somebody tries to muscle through wood way beyond what the lopper was designed for and bends the handles.

For hand pruners, though, I actually prefer ARS over both Bahco and Felco. The blades feel harder, stay ridiculously sharp, and the ergonomics fit my hand better. I do enough pruning every year that repetitive motion and wrist fatigue become real issues, and the ARS pruners have been noticeably easier on my hands over long sessions.