Grafting bonds the scion with stocks of identical or approximately the same thickness. Here, the cut of the graft assumes a wedged shape similar to hafting. Beginners will find grafting knives with straight blades easiest to handle when applying this technique. But professional gardeners frequently prefer a slightly curved grafting knife, as the wider handles rest more easily in the hand. Moreover, the thicker blades in the grafting knives allow more strenuous cutting, for instance when »approach grafting« fir, spruce and pine.