Agaves

[palmsrgreat]

Anyone have experience with pruning the Shark Skin style agaves?Or any agaves for that matter. I would like to remove the lower leaves and give a little shape to the plant rather than the leaves lying on the ground. I'd like to remove a foot or so from the ground.

[Tad]

use a hawkbilled knife, linoleum knife etc... sharp, sharp, sharp, is the key!!! cut through the leaf in one swift motion, and dont get poked!! my guys can do it in one whack with a machete and one of them can do it with a shovel! I am not so talented...have to use the knife. mucho cuidado co los dedos!!

[STEVE IN SO CAL]

For safety reasons, I use a curved blade sod cutter (like a linoleum knife on steroids)...it's way bigger, and is serrated. A must have for succulents.

[palmsrgreat]

Are you all referring to something like this?

http://www.rainbowgardensbookshop.com/Pruning%20Tools.htm

If not, where can I find the knife so my job is easier.

I used a cordless reciprocating saw a few months ago on one leaf that was protruding too far, but I want to trim up further up. And boy does that stuff make you itch, I had red bumps for weeks!

[STEVE IN SO CAL]

No, more like this...

14" overall length...$3 at the local irrigation supply. Sharpest serrated knife I've ever seen...quidado

[Tad]

hey when you get done swing on down and trim mine, I'll buy ya a beer!!

try tying the other leaves up just a little so as to allow more room to work with. my guys use batting tape (flat, inch wide, the nurserys answer to duct tape)

[KatyTX]

For me, the knife isn't as important as the gloves you wear.  Rhinoceros hide is adequate  

I trim mine back once a year to allow space for pups to grow.  As long as you leave a few good leaves, they should be OK.  These plants are hard to kill...

The curved knife looks handy.

[palmsrgreat]

Looks good, thanks for the help and photos!

Now, I'll be looking to find one of these soon