I've killed my third pair of imitations, the first two were nonames, the last shimano. I think in one case the cutting jaw snapped off, the other two snapped at the bolt that makes the cutting jaw move.
The Saltwater Edge has a video on their site that shows them having a race cutting VMC hooks and using Manleys, that is what killed all my imitations.
Here's the 25$ question.
Will Manleys hold up better?
The Shimanos did last for two years, I think.

I dont see an advantage to those short little things.They are good for nuts and bolts because of the parallel jaws but I'd rather have long nose for fishing. I got an 8 dollar pair of Lakers on their second season. They have crimpers, tuning slots and you can reach the hook in a bluefish's mouth without getting bit. Granted, you get what you pay for with the cutters on them but If I'm cutting a hook it's probably cause it's stuck in my skin and at that point they only have to work once to satisfy me. Unless your going to carry a couple different pairs, why go with the short ones?

The Shimano and all other copies that I know of use bypass cutters. The Manleys use anvil cutters. BIG difference in usefulness for cutting hooks, especially big or x-strong hooks. I keep a pair of Manleys in my shop and on my boat. The parallel jaws give you a mechanical advantage for cutting hooks. Van Staal uses anvil cutters also, but without the mechanical advantage I can't cut hooks with them for squat. My shop pliers will last 5 years or so. On the boat I get 2-3 years. When I used them in the surf I got 2 pairs for the year, even washed and oiled. I like Van Staal for the surf.

Pete,get your self a pair of 8inch sargents.

Get Manleys or Sargents they work great... just keep them oiled and they will last. The last thing you want is your pliers to fail while trying to cut a hook out of someone.

I carry a pair of 6 in sargents with me all the time and more then once I've had to loan them to somebody because their $200 vanstall wouldn't cut a hook to get it out of someones hand. They are worth the $30 (Sargents or Manely's). I do carry 2 pair of pliers with me a long nose SS to remove hooks from fish and the sargent. Neither of them cut braid so I use a $2 kids scissor for that.