Grafting knife recommendations

[Russ1962]

That looks like it fits very nicely in the hand

Yes, It is a totally different feel than my folding-blade grafting knives.
It feels like a good paring knife with a thinner handle. Nice and secure in the hand.
I also like the carbon steel blade.

 

[TorontoJoe]

Yes, It is a totally different feel than my folding-blade grafting knives.
It feels like a good paring knife with a thinner handle. Nice and secure in the hand.
I also like the carbon steel blade.

I really like carbon steel myself. I know it takes more maintenance but for me so much easier to keep a good edge on

 

[Russ1962]

I really like carbon steel myself. I know it takes more maintenance but for me so much easier to keep a good edge on

Exactly!
I just sharpened it. So much easier and better than stainless steel, in my opinion.

 

[Russ1962]

Just curious,
Do you prefer a single-edge or double-edged blade?
Why?

 

[TorontoJoe]

Just curious,
Do you prefer a single-edge or double-edged blade?
Why?

I don’t know that I’ve ever used a single bevel knife… maybe. I think it would matter what side was beveled… Is the single bevel not more common in Japanese steel?

 

[GIV]

Single bevel, provides a flatter cut, by using the flat side against the scion

 

[TorontoJoe]

View attachment 4663Single bevel, provides a flatter cut, by using the flat side against the scion

Is this limiting in that you need to work from one direction primarily? Are they typically beveled on one side or the other by default?

 

[GIV]

You can get bevels for either left or right side. I can use either hand but typically use my left for activities involving precision. For the scion with either whip and tongue or cleft graft, I cut away from my body. Which bevel side depends on your hand and perference for cutting toward or away from your body.

 

[PapaFig]

I did try a few from Amazon (cheap ones) but didn't care for them. I prefer the one I made from a 6" planer blade, HSS. I sharpened it down nice and thin (and wicked sharp). You can see it's single bevel (as described above) with a little hollow grind on the beveled side to reduce the resistance.

Only thing is it will rust, but that doesn't bother me. It's starting to get a little worn down like my grandma's old paring knives; I may have to make another one soon, maybe a little shorter to get into the tight places better.