A pair of pruning shears includes a handle, a first blade, a second blade, and a controlling unit. The first blade is pivotally connected to an upper end of the handle. The second blade is pivotally connected to the first blade and has a second cutting edge and a second hilt. The second hilt is connected to a lower end of the second cutting edge and has an abutting surface and a series of sockets located opposite to the abutting surface. The controlling unit has a gear and a pushing member. The gear is mounted on handle and meshes with the sockets of the second hilt of the second blade. The pushing member pushes upon the abutting surface of the second hilt of the second blade. Thereby, the first and second blades cut with improved smoothness, and the overall structural strength of the pruning shears is enhanced.