Opinions on Grafting Kits.

[Tropicalgrower89]

I have my eye on a couple of grafting kits on ebay. Which one seems to be a good kit?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-Nursery-Grafting-Tool-Pruner-Knife-With-2-Extra-Blades-Tape-Black-/140976388481?pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item20d2d8f981


http://www.ebay.com/itm/GRAFTING-BUDDING-ROSEWOOD-KNIFE-w-BARK-LIFTER-NURSERY-TYING-TAPE-GRAFTING-TAPE-/271011262593?pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item3f1987b081

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Grafting-Kit-TreeKote-Complete-Tape-Knife-Wax-Instructions-/371006629483?pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item5661b7e66b


Thanks.

[wslau]

Alexi,

It probably depends on what you are grafting.
1 looks like it is better for harder scion wood.
2 is what I use...good for mangos and avocados (softer scion wood).  Although the nursery tie tape and grafting tape that comes with it is not so great.  I prefer clear nursery tie tape and parafilm grafting tape.
3 looks fine.  Nice knife, but is a little more old school with the wax.

[Tropicalgrower89]

Alexi,

It probably depends on what you are grafting.
1 looks like it is better for harder scion wood.
2 is what I use...good for mangos and avocados (softer scion wood).  Although the nursery tie tape and grafting tape that comes with it is not so great.  I prefer clear nursery tie tape and parafilm grafting tape.
3 looks fine.  Nice knife, but is a little more old school with the wax.

Thanks! I'll keep looking. I can also buy the stuff I need separately.

[tropfruit]

I just purchase these:

knife:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058WEGN2/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

parafilm: (Cheaper for 4", you can split it into 2x2")
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095K87QU/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

nursery tape: you can get it from local nursery for $2, i got it from local nursery, not from amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Vine-Nursery-Tree-Plant-Tie/dp/B002RT4HJ2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399493056&sr=8-3&keywords=nursery+tape

[Tropicalgrower89]

^Thanks

[fyliu]

I just purchase these:

knife:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058WEGN2/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

parafilm: (Cheaper for 4", you can split it into 2x2")
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095K87QU/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

nursery tape: you can get it from local nursery for $2, i got it from local nursery, not from amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Vine-Nursery-Tree-Plant-Tie/dp/B002RT4HJ2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1399493056&sr=8-3&keywords=nursery+tape

The knife might not hold its edge as well as a grafting knife.
Nursery tape is available at the 99cents store.

[strkpr00]

I have my eye on a couple of grafting kits on ebay. Which one seems to be a good kit?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Professional-Nursery-Grafting-Tool-Pruner-Knife-With-2-Extra-Blades-Tape-Black-/140976388481?pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item20d2d8f981


http://www.ebay.com/itm/GRAFTING-BUDDING-ROSEWOOD-KNIFE-w-BARK-LIFTER-NURSERY-TYING-TAPE-GRAFTING-TAPE-/271011262593?pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item3f1987b081

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Grafting-Kit-TreeKote-Complete-Tape-Knife-Wax-Instructions-/371006629483?pt=US_Garden_Tools&hash=item5661b7e66b


Thanks.

I bought #2 its real sharp out of the box, My first graft and I had one live out of 3.

[Cookie Monster]

I agree with tropfruit, with the exception that instead of the victorinox knife, I'd get schick injector blades and an xacto knife handle. I forget the model of the xacto handle that fits the schick blades, but CTMIAMI has a post around here somewhere in which he shows the setup. The regular grafting knives like the victorinox are a pain in the neck to sharpen, and they need to be literally razor sharp to do a good graft. It takes a lot of practice and effort to get the blade sharp enough. With the schick injectors, you just toss the blade when it's dull, and a single blade will get you a couple hundred grafts (you can use each blade twice by turning it upside down). Just be careful, cause you can do some serious damage with one of them babies (they're sharp!!).

[ricshaw]

#2 Xacto handle.

[socal10b]

I cut my pinky with #2 that sucker was sharp be careful

[Tropicalgrower89]

I've made a successful graft with a plain ole' razor blade. I'm careful.  

[Tropicalgrower89]

I agree with tropfruit, with the exception that instead of the victorinox knife, I'd get schick injector blades and an xacto knife handle. I forget the model of the xacto handle that fits the schick blades, but CTMIAMI has a post around here somewhere in which he shows the setup. The regular grafting knives like the victorinox are a pain in the neck to sharpen, and they need to be literally razor sharp to do a good graft. It takes a lot of practice and effort to get the blade sharp enough. With the schick injectors, you just toss the blade when it's dull, and a single blade will get you a couple hundred grafts (you can use each blade twice by turning it upside down). Just be careful, cause you can do some serious damage with one of them babies (they're sharp!!).

I'll watch Carlos' video again. Looks like I'm going with the xacto handle with the schick blade option. I'll also buy parafilm and grafting tape. Thanks guys.

[Bush2Beach]

Check these Japanese made grafting knives, some handmade & lots of different ones. I ordered one recently from peaceful valley farm supply .

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=ikeuti.co.jp%0A

[Tropicalgrower89]

^Thanks.

I'm going with the Excel handle with the schlick injector blade. Keeping your grafting knives sharp. Using a leather strop

[mangomike]

I have used the Xacto/Schick combo for many years. One trick that I learned to avoid bloodshed... when making the cuts on the stock, hold the handle in your right ( or dominant ) hand and grip the end of the blade between your thumb and forefinger of the other hand. This helps to guide and control the cut, and also serves to keep both hands behind the blade, in case of any slip-ups.

Once you get the feel of it, you can do some very precise grafts this way.

[edself65]

I recommend an utility knife from Home Depot or Lowes with a roll of Buddy Tape. That's the perfect grafting kit for me!

Good Luck!

Ed