Pruning Knives
&c. Of the several instruments in use for Pruning, the Knife is most generally in request, and, as it can be used for various other purposes, few things are more requisite. Pruning Knives are made in various shapes, some being nearly straight in the blade, while others are curved and carried to a point. Proper Pruning Knives are fixed into strong buckhorn handles, and are provided with a sheath to hold them when not in use; but those most extensively used for Pruning are made to shut up in the usual way, which renders them more portable. Buckhorn handles are best, as, having an irregular surface, they afford a grip for the hand. For small shoots, a straight-edged blade is preferred, but with a curved blade the operator has more command over a large branch.
Besides a Knife, most useful instruments are small Pruning Shears, or Secateurs, and a Pruning Saw. There are various sizes and makes of the first-named in use, according to the size of the branches that are to be cut. Some have a movable centre, which causes them to draw and cut like a knife; others, very strong and well adapted for pruning Gooseberries, Roses, &c., are riveted together, and answer for the purpose most effectually. Pruning Saws are often required for removing branches that are too strong for the Knife or Shears. The blades are narrow, and somewhat like those employed for turning, and for cutting circular holes in boards; they are carried very narrow at the point, and may be introduced to cut off one branch without injuring another.
