When it comes to creating beautiful floral arrangements, it’s important to have the right tools at your disposal. One of those essential tools is a floral knife. But what exactly is a floral knife, and why is it so important for floral design? In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of floral knives and everything you need to know about using them.
What is a floral knife?
Floral knives, also commonly referred to as cut flower knives, are small, handheld knives with a blade length of about 2-3 inches. One side of the blade is sharpened, while the other side remains unsharpened and is designed to be held against the fingers for added protection while cutting.
These knives are specially designed for floral design work and are used to make precise, delicate cuts on flower stems and other plant materials. They are much sharper and more precise than regular kitchen knives or scissors, which can often crush or damage flower stems.
Why are floral knives important?
Floral knives are an essential tool for any florist or floral designer. Here are just a few reasons why they are so important:
- Precision: Floral knives are designed to make precise, clean cuts on flower stems and other plant material. This precision is essential for creating beautiful, visually appealing floral arrangements.
- Gentleness: Unlike regular kitchen knives or scissors, floral knives are designed to make gentle, delicate cuts that won’t damage flower stems or other plant material.
- Ease of use: Because of their small size and precision, floral knives are easy to use even in tight spaces or when working with delicate flowers.
- Longevity: With proper care, floral knives can last for years, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone who works with flowers on a regular basis.
How to use a floral knife
Using a floral knife is fairly straightforward, but it does take some practice to get the hang of it. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Hold the knife correctly: To use a floral knife, hold it like a pen, with your index finger on the unsharpened side of the blade and your thumb on the other side. This will give you better control over the knife and allow you to make more precise cuts.
- Use a cutting board: To protect your work surface and make it easier to make clean cuts, use a cutting board when cutting flower stems.
- Make diagonal cuts: When cutting flower stems, make sure to cut them at a diagonal angle. This will help the flowers absorb water more easily and extend their lifespan.
- Keep the knife sharp: To ensure that your floral knife is always ready to use, keep it sharp by honing the blade regularly or getting it professionally sharpened as needed.
Conclusion
Floral knives are an essential tool for anyone who works with flowers on a regular basis. They offer precision, gentleness, and ease of use that can make the difference between a beautiful floral arrangement and one that falls flat. By following the tips above, you can make the most out of your floral knife and create stunning floral arrangements that will impress anyone who sees them.
FAQ
What do florists stick flowers in?
Florists often use a special material called floral foam to stick flowers in when creating arrangements. Floral foam is a green-colored block of spongy foam that is also known as Oasis. It has become a popular material with florists as a base for flower arrangements, as it provides stability and hydrates the flowers while holding them in place.
Floral foam is made up of phenol-formaldehyde plastic and is designed to hold water and keep the stems of flowers hydrated for a long time. The foam comes in different shapes and sizes to suit various arrangements and can be cut to fit specific vases or containers.
Using floral foam allows florists to create beautiful arrangements without worrying about the flowers falling out of place. The foam provides a stable base to hold the flowers and keeps the arrangement looking fresh for longer periods.
However, it is important to note that floral foam is not environmentally friendly, as it is non-biodegradable. Many florists are now opting for more sustainable materials, such as chicken wire, moss, or water tubes to secure flowers in their arrangements. These materials do not harm the environment and can be easily disposed of after use.
While floral foam has long been a popular material with florists for creating arrangements, it is important to consider more sustainable options. Florists must be mindful of the environmental impact of their materials, and opt for products that can be reused or recycled to minimize their carbon footprint.
Is it better to cut flowers with a knife or scissors?
When it comes to cutting flowers, the right tool can make all the difference. While scissors may seem like the logical choice, it is actually recommended to use a knife when cutting flowers. A sharp locking blade knife will allow you to cleanly cut just about any flower stem.
One of the main reasons to choose a knife over scissors is precision. Scissors can be cumbersome and not as precise as a knife when it comes to cutting stems. A knife will give you more control, allowing you to make a clean cut at the exact angle and position you want. This is especially important when cutting delicate or fragile stems that could easily break or bend with the pressure of scissors.
Another reason to choose a knife is that scissors can crush the tiny vessels that transport water up through the stem to the bloom. This can restrict water flow and ultimately shorten the life of the flower. In contrast, a sharp knife will make a clean cut that will allow the flower to take in as much water as possible, keeping it fresh and healthy for longer.
It’s important to note that not all knives are created equal. Look for a locking blade knife with a sharp blade that is easy to handle. This will ensure that you can cut through thicker stems without damaging them or crushing the delicate vessels within.
While scissors may be more comfortable and easier to use, a knife is actually the better tool when it comes to cutting flowers. It allows for greater precision and control, and it won’t damage delicate stems like scissors can. So, next time you’re cutting flowers, reach for a sharp knife and see the difference for yourself.
