The “ hori hori ” is a Nipponese garden tongue with a unique blending of digging and cutting feature article .
Thanks to its human body and sizing , with it you could grasp , transplant , saw , cut , and even evaluate soil astuteness for planting bulb .
wondrous versatile , it ’s easy to apply and will quick become one of those“must have ” toolsfor your outfit bag .
Photo by Arthur Violy, Wikimedia Commons, viaCC BY-SA 4.0.
Recently , my faithful old garden tongue finally give up the ghost and I reluctantly had to bid it farewell .
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So I was in the market for a raw one , or two . Here are five of the best hori hori knives I ’ve arrive across .
The Best Hori Hori Knives for Your Garden Chores
I have also include a ready to hand buyer ’s guide with more data about this garden knife , and what to consider when select yours .
First up is our top choice , with four others to follow that all have slenderly dissimilar features that you may feel more suitable for your needs .
1. Top Pick Up Front: Nisaku NJP801 Weeding and Digging Knife
Our top pick comes straight from the land of its inception : Japan .
Made from top - quality untarnished steel infused with vanadium , and forged by skipper craftsmen , this model boasts an ergonomic handle for ease of use . It’savailable from Nisaku via Amazon .
Nisaku NJP801 Weeding and turn over Knife
The concave blade makes unforesightful work of the ruffianly garden problem . hone for weeding , transplanting , hacking away at overgrown shrubs , or dividing perennials , this multipurpose knife gets it all done .
The ergonomic handle may be slimly on the small side for those with big hands . I prize the protective hilt to prevent my hand from slipping down onto the blade when digging in compacted soil .
The topnotch - abrupt blade boast a chamfer bound for slicing and a serrate sharpness for cutting through tough roots . Depth measure in both mm and in make planting bulb a breeze .
It ’s half - nip , but do n’t get that discourage you . Using full - width design , the half tang allows for the blade to be reconstruct from thicker sword without make it wakeless and cumbersome .
An attractive leather case keep the blade – and your hands – good from hurt when not in habit and the swath clip is a handy addition .
See the Nisaku and hold in price now on Amazon .
If you want a handsome multi - functional garden knife directly out of Japan , you wo n’t go incorrect with this model .
If you ’ve got big hands , you may discover the hold a act thin and uncomfortable , in which case I ’d advocate you try the wooden handled interlingual rendition below .
And if you do n’t see a wooden hold but require something that fills the hand a bit more , try the Sensei model described below or else .
lead to Amazon to interpret client review and check prices now .
2. Nisaku NJP802 Hori Hori Weeding and Digging Knife
It really is a toss - up between this tongue and our top - rated one . The divergence between the two only comes down to the design of the handle . The Nisaku NJP802 isavailable via Amazon .
Nisaku NJP802 Hori Hori weed and Digging Knife
Made from the same Japanese stainless steel and forged in Japan , this blade is concave , with a serrated border on one side and a sharp beveled edge on the other . The conflict amount down to the pick of handgrip .
The wooden grip will please diehard and those who require a more “ reliable ” calculate Nipponese tongue . But it ’s not just look that count .
The wood makes the tongue a bite dense , and because it ’s wider than the pliant version , it has a strong spirit in the bridge player .
But because it has square edges and is not contoured , the hold can become uncomfortable with extended use . This is easily alleviatedby wearing gloves .
I appreciate the metal hilt between hold and blade , pay a bit of protection against hand slippage , particularly when tackling knotty roots or hard grime .
The half - flavor construction is definitely a osseous tissue of contention for some people . It ’s easy to see why it is not potential to craft a full - tang sword with the ergonomic plastic handgrip of the previous model – but with a full - breadth wooden version , it ’s middling baffling .
That tell , unless you are intrude heavy rock’n’roll out of the ground or using it for something other than garden duties , this pick mostly comes down to personal preference .
As an add up fillip , this model ships with a leather case that can be cut short to your belt .
See more client follow-up and check prices on Amazon .
Nisaku has create a tough , multipurpose tool with this poser . The minor compromise of the half - serrated wrack blueprint makes it a lightweight , well - balance implement that tackles the toughest garden chores , thanks to the top - quality stainless steel blade .
Get more information and turn back prices on Amazon now .
3. MLTools Hori Hori Digging Knife
With the MLTools garden tongue , you ’ll be master of your garden in no metre . And if the slender handle of the Nisaku feel a number dainty to you , then the modelfrom MLTools via Amazonis deserving a looking .
MLTools Hori Hori Digging Knife
With its sleek black handle contrasting with the glistening metal blade , this feel less “ gardening tool ” and more “ field knife . ”
Except , on closer review , it combines its good looks with the same concave savvy blade – with serrated and bevel edges – of the previous models .
It ’s receive the same convenient astuteness measurements for engraft yourcrocusbulbs , and a similarly firmly - wearing rust - proof untarnished blade blade .
The handle is made from non - slip plastic , and the way of life it ’s designed fit firmly in the hand . The contour where it joins the blade serves as an “ almost - hilt , ” preventing your hand from slip onto the blade .
It ’s slightly heavier than the previous two models , but not noticeably so .
To make things even better , it ship with a nylon sheath that fits onto your belt .
I would n’t walk around town with it on your belt though , as when the rugged , smutty handgrip sticks out of the sheath , it looks a bit like a sticker .
Check prices of the MLTools manikin on Amazon now .
With its very rugged feel , this garden creature tackle all those tough Job with ease . I care the handle on this one because it finger firm and is more comfortable to apply than the wooden models , so you do n’t necessitate to wear gloves if you do n’t want to .
See more client followup and hold back current prices on Amazon .
4. Truly Garden Hori Hori
The Truly Garden hori hori , available on Amazon , ship with a genuine leather case and a heighten tool .
Truly Garden Hori Hori
Crafted to top - notch standards , this model sport a high - gradation 420 unsullied steel leaf blade that extends into a full tang for superb strength .
And a better-looking , sustainable beechwood handgrip is securely attached with three rust fungus - proof rivet . It ’s a little bit heavier than some of the other models , but it makes up for this with its super - sharp edges .
The blade has a concave trowel configuration with depth measurement for easy digging and transplantation . And both the neat and serrated edges have been pre - sharpened for blank , efficient film editing .
This Nipponese garden knife arrives handsomely packaged in an attractive box , and comes with a racy leather sheath plus diamond sharpening rod – all of which make this agreat giftfor any nurseryman .
assure prices for the Truly Garden Hori Hori at Amazon now .
Truly Garden offers a 30 - mean solar day money back guarantee and a upstanding five - year warrant , delivering top quality and value for the price .
A tough workhorse of a tongue , this model attend the part . And we appreciate the alloy condom guard , which helps to prevent your hand from slip off the hold and onto the blade .
See more customer reviews and contain current price on Amazon now .
5. Budget Pick: Fiskars Big Grip Garden Knife
Now , for something a footling bit different . ground on the basic design of the Nipponese tongue , Fiskars has come up with something slightly creative . It ’s availableat Home Depot , andvia Amazon .
Fiskars Big Grip Garden Knife
It still has the concave blade with a serrated boundary on one side and a beveled edge on the other , but it tapers down with two points at the end or else of a single peak .
The two - pronged baksheesh works extremely well for weeding in cushy soil .
I would practice this pecker mostly for light - responsibility container or indoor gardening , as the cast Al blade is not especially sharp-worded , and it suffers from “ no tang . ”
The blade is welded onto the large , soft - molded clutches , which gives it a decrepit point if you ’re doing heavy obligation employment .
The steel is seven inches long with a five - and - a - half - in comfortable handgrip with an orange destruction , which make it easy to turn up . It does n’t come with a sheath and I ’ve not managed to find one that fits , so you ’ll call for to keep thisin your gardening pocketbook .
See more information and check prices at Home Depotorvia Amazon now .
If you ’re look for something budget - well-disposed , lightweight , and comfortable for all those transplanting , weeding , and light dig duties , this pick from Fiskars outfit the bill . Just do n’t expect it to be as racy or keen as the other products we ’ve discussed .
Ideal for patio horticulture , it hang on the wall for store and does a self-colored job of maintaining your pots and hanging basket .
Head over to Home Depotto check prices and client reviews . The Fiskars Big Grip isalso available via Amazon .
The Multifaceted Hori Hori
The multi - purpose Japanese hori hori knife features a large , concave brand with one straight , sharp edge and one serrated edge , and it usually has a ruler etched on the sword .
The two cutting edges are superb for sodomite film editing , edge , dividing perennials , slashing , pruning , harvesting , and saw . This tool is even useful as a small hired man axe .
The leaf blade is usually seven to eight inches long , small enough to carry around for a numeral of garden job .
What’s In a Name?
Originally design as abonsaigardening tool , the name “ hori hori ” comes from the Nipponese verb 掘る ( horu ) which means “ fag , ” and 掘り(hori ) which is a derived function .
When write in Japanese , ホリホリ is translate as “ archeological site - dig ” – the products themselves are called ホリホリナイフ ( Hori Hori Naifu ) , using the English word “ tongue . ”
For reader in New Zealand , these knives are sold at Mitre 10 and Bunnings as “ Japanese DigiDigi , ” for obvious reason .
Buying Considerations
When shopping around for your Nipponese hori hori tongue , there are a few things to keep in mind when comparing unlike models :
Tang
The tang is the part of the knife that extends from the hound of the vane into the hold , and is referred to as either full or fond .
A full Tang dynasty is formed in one continuous spell with the sword , and extend all the style to the butt of the handle . A partial tang extends only partway into the handgrip .
For heavy - responsibility use , a full tang provide maximal strength for nosiness and leveraging obligation .
A elementary fashion to determine if a tongue has a full tang is to take care for metal sandwiched between the handle sections all the mode to the hold butt .
Ergonomic Comfort
One of the most important aspect of a tool is well-fixed useableness .
You may use a gardening knife frequently , for everything from light to heavy duty . So , you take to be certain it can provide long - lasting , comfortable , tiredness - free use .
For well-off maneuverability , you need a well - balance blade and handle construction to minimize stress on the medal , wrist , and forearm .
Whether it ’s made from Sir Henry Joseph Wood or plastic , the hold design should provide a substantial , inviolable grip .
Many favor Grant Wood for its natural smell and light clasp .
Others prefer a more ergonomic handle for an especially secure grip , with less likelihood of palm and finger’s breadth stress .
Stain and Corrosion Resistance
As with any tool , underground to stain and corrosion are significant factors for a garden knife .
Stainless steel offers the best stain and corrosion protective cover .
Cleaning and Maintenance
houseclean your tongue after every usance to keep it in top condition .
dispatch sticky saphead and rosin with a drop cloth of mineral spirits . Before storing , wipe blades with an oiled rag .
polish off dirt from handgrip as ask . Two or three time a yr , give wooden ones a hitch with linseed oil , to keep them supple and prevent them from crack .
Gardening can be sturdy on blades , so focus the beveled edge regularly with a whetstone , or in the case of theTruly Garden good example , with the sharpening tool provided .
To taper the serrated edge , you might want to moot a sharpen shaft such asthis one , available from Speedy Sharp via Amazon . It sharpens any and all blades , and create a compact , durable add-on to your garden shed .
A Double-Edged Sword
choose the ripe garden tongue is loose when you sleep with what to look for , and now you ’re quick to choose one that ’s comfortable , durable , and ideal for your purposes .
The Nipponese hori hori knife is so versatile , you might make up one’s mind that it ’s the only gardening peter you require , specially if you have a belittled garden or grow mostly in containers .
Will it be thesleek design of the Nisakuwith the ergonomic handle that tempts you ? Or do you prefer the dagger - esquecontours of the MLTools ?
Just remember to keep it sporty and well - sharpened for yr of dependable Robert William Service in the garden .
And if you are looking to expand yourgarden tool collection , check out these guidebook next :
© call for the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more item . Originally published on February 8 , 2020 . Last updated April 9 , 2023 . Significantly revised and edited from an original clause by Lorna Kring , with additional editing by Allison Sidhu . Product Photos via Fiskars , Home Depot , Nisaku , Sensei Tools , and Truly Garden . Uncredited photo : Shutterstock .
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