What is the Best Grafting Knife in 2024?

Grafting knives may seem a bit unusual at first. Most of them are compact and similar to Swiss pocket knives. You probably ask yourself, why would you need a specialized tool? The truth is classic Swiss knives are suitable for everything, but a grafting knife is specifically developed for gardening activities.

Now, choosing the best grafting knife could be a bit tricky with so many options out there. Some grafting knives come as a combo of classic knives and Swiss knives, while others feature a few extras for other gardening aspects. Having a decent idea about these knives can point you in the right direction. At the same time, it pays off researching the top-rated options on the market. If a knife is well-reviewed by thousands of people, chances are it will work for you as well.

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What is a Grafting Knife?

Grafting knives often go in the same category as budding knives and sometimes come together. There are, indeed, a few similarities between these two different knives. Plus, you may find grafting knives designed like multi-blade pocket knives and some of the blades are used for budding, such as the famous Tina grafting knife.

Generally speaking, grafting knives come in many types, based on the design, the blades, and quality standards. As a general rule of thumb, they must have a super sharp edge. They are usually sharp out of the box. Hard steel is also recommended, as you will use these knives for wooden parts. In other words, you do not want them to go dull after a few uses only.

There are also some differences between grafting knives and budding knives. The grafting knife usually comes with a straight edge. The budding one is slightly curved. Plus, it has a blunt end to open the bark and insert the bud.

Double-bladed knives with multiple purposes are just as common. At the end of the day, it depends on what you need the knife for.

Based on what you use the grafting knife for, you may find it under different names too. For instance, the Japanese use such knives for bonsai, rather than in agriculture. Therefore, you can find a grafting knife advertised as a bonsai knife.

Now that you have an idea about grafting knives, what are the best options available in the market, and what makes them so special?

5 Best Grafting Knives in 2024

Victorinox Budding & Grafting Knife

Multipurpose tool – This Victorinox grafting knife is designed like a pocket knife. It carries high Swiss quality standards and it is likely to last for ages. It is a multipurpose tool, so you can use it for both grafting and budding. It is only available in a dark red color and it provides excellent value for money – after all, you get two tools hidden in one handle only.

Superior blade – The knife is more commonly used for grafting, yet it is designed with budding purposes too. Practically, the blade is straight. Budding requires a bit of curve, but it can be easily done. You have a 2.25-inch bark lifter, as well as a four-inch blade. The blade is based on stainless steel, so it is less likely to corrode or rust over time.

Durable handle – The handle is just as good. There are three rivets to keep all the mechanisms in place. While smooth, it is less likely to slip out of your hands anyway. There are no mechanisms to open it quickly – you will have to use your fingernail and pull the blade out. The system ensures the knife will not accidentally open up in your pocket, so it adds to your safety standards.

Care and maintenance – There is not much to do to look after this Victorinox grafting knife. Most importantly, never clean it in a dishwasher. Simply wipe it clean after each use and let it dry before storing it. Since the blade is made of stainless steel, you do not have to oil it when the knife is not in use for long periods of time.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Suitable for both grafting and budding
• Nonslip surface
• Easy to look after
• Safe to keep in the pocket

Cons

• Expensive compared to others in the list

Naye Grafting Gardening Knife

Value for money – Naye does not fool around when it comes to quality and value for money. Its best grafting knife is a proper gardening tool with multiple purposes and various applications. Apart from the actual multipurpose knife, the package also includes grafting tape, which is mandatory in grafting. Plus, you can use it to label your plants as well, so it basically saves you some money. 

Double blades – Since the knife is used for both grafting and budding, Naye has brought in a double blade to ensure a smooth and efficient operation. You have a perfectly straight blade for grafting, as well as a slightly curved hawkbill knife. They are both made of stainless steel for durability and great edge retention.

Beautiful handle – The handle is both functional and beautiful. It is based on natural wood. It features three rivets, so the system is well put together. Each knife has a different pattern and colors may vary slightly, but the natural wood is normally brown. Other than that, you will love the nonslip surface, which ensures a stable operation even if your hands are sweaty.

Care and maintenance – The good news about stainless steel is that it never corrodes or rusts, so you do not have to oil it if you fail to use the knife for long periods of time. However, blades could go dull if you fail to clean them properly. Avoid doing it in a dishwasher – always clean it manually and make sure the blades are dry before storing the knife.

Pros

• Suitable for both budding and grafting
• Grafting tape and metallic labels
• Nonslip handle
• Good value for money

Cons

• Blades are not sharp enough

Funteck Grafting Tools Pruner Kit

Full package and great value for money – Funteck’s kit might bring in the best grafting knife out there if you want everything in one package. There is no need to purchase any additional accessories, while the overall cost could be smaller than for single knives. All in all, this kit brings in a grafting knife, tapes, replacement blades, U, V, and omega grafting tools. Simply put, value for money is almost impossible to beat.

 Grafting versatility – When it comes to grafting, you have three different types of grafts and each of them can be done with this kit – V, U, and omega grafts. Branch trimming is also doable. Grafting scissors bring in a perfect alignment, while the kit can tackle both rootstock and scion in diameter – 1/6 inches to half an inch.

Great blades – Blades are not that durable, but they are actually rated as consumables. They are razor-sharp out of the box, so they do not need any sharpening straight away. Regular maintenance is needed though. You have multiple types of grafting blades and replacement options. Replacing blades is fairly simple – no experience required. The knife is double-beveled unlike most grafting knives

Solid knife – The knife feels well put together as you hold it. You have a wooden handle and multiple rivets for a stable and safe operation. The wooden handle is ergonomic and follows the shape of your hand. Moreover, it has a nonslip surface. As for the overall maintenance, these tools must be cleaned manually and never in a dishwasher.

Pros

• Full grafting kit
• Razor-sharp blades
• Replacement blades included
• More types of grafts
• Carry case included
• Double bevel knife

Cons

• Blades are consumables

Comkit Grafting Knife – Cheap Grafting Knife

All-purpose gardening tool – Comkit’s best grafting knife is designed as a multipurpose tool and it costs less than other single tools, so value for money is excellent. It makes a great all-purpose gardening tool and it is built like a foldable knife. You can use it for grafting, budding, or pruning, but you can also use it to trim small branches and bushes. It is only available in light green.

Durable blades – There are not less than three blades and each of them has specific purposes. Each blade is strong and made of stainless steel. The main blades measure 2.4 inches. Stainless steel will never corrode or rust, so there is not much to worry about in terms of maintenance. Other than that, opening and closing blades is a manual operation.

Durable handle – The handle is based on PVC. It is extremely sturdy and durable. It also features a nonslip surface due to the slight textures. The handle is suitable for both small and large hands. There are a few rivets to keep the blades in place, so the unit feels solid when you use it. There are no thumb studs on it, hence the manual operation when in need of a particular blade.

Safety and maintenance – In terms of health and safety, the knife is less likely to open up accidentally while in your pocket, so you can carry it with no risks at all. The blades are super sharp though, so be careful. Looking after this grafting knife is fairly simple. Clean it manually, let it dry before closing the blades and never put it in a dishwasher.

Pros

• Designed with multiple purposes
• Durable stainless steel blades
• Safe to carry around
• Easy to look after
• Solid handle

Cons

• Not sharp enough

Pgcoko Garden Grafting Pruning Knife

All-purpose gardening – Pgcoko’s best grafting knife features a classic design for such tools. It comes with a couple of blades, a folding profile, and a durable design. It is only available in one color and style, but more importantly, performance is flawless. It is versatile and designed as a multipurpose tool, so it could become your most convenient gardening tool.

Excellent blades – There are two different blades to use in your gardening applications. One of them is straight and the other one is curved. They are designed for grafting and budding. Each blade measures about 2.7 inches. They are made of stainless steel, so they are durable, sturdy, and super hard.

Superior handle – What would a good blade be without an appropriate handle? You want the handle to be just as good. This unit features a wooden handle based on rosewood. It does not have any thumb studs, so you can use the knife whether you are left or right-handed. It has a few rivets to keep everything in place – after all, it is built like a pocket knife. It is ergonomic, comfortable, and less likely to slip.

Package and maintenance – The package brings in an extra that you would have to purchase anyway. You get a roll of grafting tape, which is mandatory in gardening. As for the actual maintenance, make sure you clean the blades manually and let them dry before closing the knife. Avoid cleaning the knife in a dishwasher though.

Pros

• Full package
• Ergonomic and comfortable handle
• Ambidextrous uses
• Great blades
• Durable and convenient

Cons

• Blades are not sharp enough

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need grafting tape and what does it do?

You might have noticed that many kits or plain knives come with some grafting tape as well. It is a way for manufacturers to add more value for money. The grafting tape is mandatory for successful grafting, so you would have to purchase it separately anyway.

Its main role is to reinforce the union between the scion and the rootstock. At the same time, it protects the new graft from water and air, which will inevitably lead to dehydration. When using wax, it replaces the paste normally applied later on. It has the same purpose – protection against dehydration.

Conclusion

There are a few things to pay attention to when trying to find the best grafting knife out there. Most importantly, you want a durable design, sharpness, edge retention, and strength. Grafting is not a soft operation, so you need a tool that you can rely on.

Any of the above-mentioned knives could be excellent for your applications. They come with multipurpose blades, so they can be used for other gardening activities too, such as budding. Moreover, these knives are affordable.