Are grafting knives necessary?

[RodneyS]

Will a knife purchased from a sporting goods store work just as fine?

[adiel]

No, grafting knives are beveled on only one side.  You only need one good knife, a cheap place to get one online is oesco.  Here is the link:

http://www.oescoinc.com

You might have to call them to place the order.

The knife is called:

Felco 39-050 Victorinox Knife Straight Blade (FEL 39-050)

While you are getting the knife, you can get the parafilm tape:

Parafilm Nursery Grafting Tape (COO 4220)

Hope that helps,
Adiel

[fruitlovers]

You want to get a knife with thin blade and that is easily sharpened, so better to get a knife made specifically for grafting. Some people also like to use exacto knives with disposable blades.
Oscar

[Squam256]

I've successfully grafted with a wide variety of blades depending on what was available.....from razors to fishing knives. I do prefer to use the grafting knife (when it isn't missing/lost  ), but it's not absolutely necessary.

[FlyingFoxFruits]

Will a knife purchased from a sporting goods store work just as fine?

The bevel on the blade is one sided as stated by other members...this allows for better surface to surface contact when  putting scion onto rootstock, making a flatter cut.

You can use whatever blade you want, but i"ve been told by wise men, that whatever knife you use, should only be used for grafting (otherwise disease and funky stuff can happen).

I use a grafting knife, but others hate them...just depends on u...

[TropicalFruitHunters]

I use X-acto blades but, while incredibly sharp, don't always give me straight, smooth cuts.

[dnt72800]

Rodney,
if you ever at home depot, go to the carpet section normally by the big carpet rolls. Look for a blade/knife with red handle.....the darn thing is very sharp and thin....
DT

[gabodymod]

I have used all types of knives for grafting,  for the past 4 years I used my trusty Leatherman knife  (I have grafted a few trees ). If you are new at grafting use the recommended grafting knife. Dont forget to clean your knife every time you graft a tree, I use a chlorine solution.


Guillermo

[Ethan]

Disposable utility razor and a small wood plane, probably $5 for both from Harbor Freight.  Clean between trees, tools and hands, I have a bottle of isopropyl alcohol w/a sprayer screwed on top.

-Ethan

[Greg1029]

Ethan,

What's the wood plane used for?  Greg

[Ethan]

I use a small wood plane to help insure smooth straight cuts.  I usually do most of the shaping w/the razor the finish w/the plane.  Dont forget to sterilize and sharpen the plane.

-Ethan

[Greg1029]

Ethan,

I never thought of using a plane but thats a really good idea.  I just bought a micro plane at harbor freight and plan on using it for veneer cuts.  The problem I sometimes have with my grafting knife is sometimes I go to deep on the rootstock or scion and i don't get both cambium layers to match up..

Greg