Garden grafting cleft knife Opinel 08 — folding pruning grafting knife, wooden handle

Opinel 08 garden grafting cleft knife is a compact folding pruning and grafting tool designed for precise cleft and bark grafts. The knife combines a stainless steel blade sized for accuracy with a wooden handle shaped for a comfortable, secure grip. Lightweight and portable, this folding grafting knife is suitable for both hobby gardeners and professional tree-care tasks where controlled cuts and clean scion preparation are required.

Advantages

The stainless steel blade offers corrosion resistance and holds a fine edge for accurate slicing during graft preparation. The wooden handle provides tactile feedback and a stable grip for detailed work, while the folding design protects the blade when not in use and reduces storage space. The blade length and profile are optimized for cleft and bud graft operations, enabling clean cuts without excessive tissue damage.

Suitable for

• Bud grafting and T-budding
• Scion preparation and trimming
• Cleft and bark grafting on fruit trees and ornamentals
• General light pruning and hobby garden maintenance

Key specifications

• Blade material: stainless steel for corrosion resistance and edge retention
• Blade type: folding, narrow profile suitable for precise graft cuts
• Handle material: shaped wood for secure and ergonomic grip
• Design: compact and portable folding mechanism for safe storage

How to use

Open the folding grafting cleft knife carefully until the blade locks or is fully extended and hold it with a stable grip on the wooden handle. For scion preparation or bud grafting, make smooth, single-pass cuts to create matching surfaces between rootstock and scion, avoiding sawing motions that can crush tissue. Use the narrow blade tip for precise trimming and to remove any damaged bark before making the graft. After use, clean sap and debris from the blade, dry it thoroughly and fold it closed for safe storage.

Usage recommendations

Regularly sharpen the blade and keep it clean to ensure reliable cuts. Sterilize the blade between grafts when working with different plants to reduce disease transmission. Store the knife folded in a dry place and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture to maintain the wooden handle and steel blade.