Best Overall
Truly Garden Hori Hori Garden Tool With Sheath
Best Bang For The Buck
Fiskars Big Grip Multipurpose Planting Knife
Upgrade Pick
Barebones Hori Hori Classic Knife
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Originating in Japan , the hori hori knife is a multipurpose horticulture tool used for digging , cutting , and weeding . A few qualities typeset hori hori knives apart from other garden knife pecker , but not all are made evenly . To weed out the weaker options and play up the best hori hori knives on the market , we researched 27 hori hori tongue from numerous manufacturers and tested the top 10 of them .
Also get laid as a “ soil knife ” or “ weeding knife , ” a hori hori knife has a maneuver , concave brand blade that is sharp on both sides , often with one straight sharpness and one serrate bound . This design have it a versatile tool for a extensive range of tasks , such as weeding , planting , and separate perennial . A high - quality hori hori knife is a long - lasting , incredibly utilitarian tool for pretty much anygardener . Read on for our reviews of the good hori hori knives , including details on their construction as well as how each one fared in our garden .
How We Tested the Best Hori Hori Knives
After an exhaustive lookup for the top nominee , we selected the follow hori hori tongue for examination base on the manufacturer ’s specification , damage , and previous customer critical review . Our choice included both traditional Japanese - style knives and some improper designs . They execute the full spectrum of prices to fit all budgets , too . Once we determined the picks , we designed our hori hori knife tests to evaluate each tongue ’s dig and cutting power , durability , and user comfort .
After immortalize the handle and blade dimensions , weight , and a inadequate description of each hori hori knife in this template , we used each one to complete the following chore :
We hit each model on a rubric , with an eye toward overall effectiveness , perceive enduringness , and user comforter .
Our Top Picks
A good hori hori tongue is durable , affordable , and comfy to use . Our try picks include a miscellanea of choices , such as budget - friendly , heavy - tariff , heirloom quality , and lightweight yet long-lived options . Read on to find the best pick for your budget and gardening style .
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Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our veridical - world examination and that exemplify core time value of the Bob Vila brand , including craftsmanship , innovation , and value for the dollar . Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are in person approved by Bob Vila .
Like other knife , hori hori tongue do good from the periodic sharpening , which helps the knife conserve its sess - hacking abilities . Some tongue include a point block to make it prosperous to keep the straight - edge side sharp . For even more utility , the Truly Garden hori hori garden dick let in a diamond sharpen rod , which reserve user to sharpen both the straight edge and serrate sharpness of the knife . To keep the knife protect in between uses , this model also comes with a leather sheath that has a convenient belt loop .
nifty accessories are n’t the only thing this knife stage set has fit for it . It ’s a long-lasting , eminent - caliber choice featuring a full - tang stainless steel blade , which broaden through the beech handle and is held solidly in place by three steel rivets . extra feature include measurement markings and a handguard to forbid fingers from slipping past the handle . It also total with a 5 - twelvemonth warranty .
The grip on the Truly Garden hori hori tongue has a smooth , lifelike coating that makes it one of the most comfortable to use . In our run , the blade was tough enough to prevent bending while levering in hard clay soil , but it was still light enough to work comfortably for hr at a meter . It also had the sturdy of all the leather scabbards in the group . We appreciated that it has a handguard , unlike some of the models we tested , but some of the other handguard design were a bit more comfortable . Still , for the best all - around software program for usefulness , durability , and working quilt at a sane price , we could n’t find a better choice .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
translate our full review article : in truth Garden Hori Hori Garden Tool With Sheath
Get the Truly Garden hori hori knife atAmazonorTruly Garden .
inspire by the Nipponese hori hori knife design , this garden knife from Fiskars is a more affordable alternative to similar options . It has a less traditional intention , and its plastic handgrip makes it bet more like the average gardening - center cock . However , because it has a concave intention as well as unbent and serrate edges , it ’s still utilitarian for all the same tasks a hori hori tongue can deal .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
The budget - friendly price comes with a few sacrifice in calibre . This knife has a plated steel vane and a charge plate handle instead of Sir Henry Wood or bamboo . Although the material are n’t top of the demarcation , it still has attractive feature . The brand has a forked tip that can assist with weeding , and the plastic handle is larger than median with a soft - molded grip for extra puff .
Despite its unorthodox design , in many way , the Fiskars Big Grip was one of our front-runner . We really liked the lightweight build and tumid rounded handle . It was very comfortable to work with , and the orange blot on the death of the hold made it easygoing to settle when we leave behind it in the garden . But the lean metal blade became tedious rather well , and it bend when we were working in heavy soil . Even with those known issues , it ’s a very good horticulture tool for raised beds and container gardening . Just seek to keep it out of rough , unplowed ground for best termination .
Get the Fiskars hori hori knife atLowe’s , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: amazon.com
count in at a stout 12.8 ounces , the Barebones Classic occur equipped for any cut , digging , planting , or jimmy job in the garden . The heavy - tariff oestrus - tempered steel vane features a panoptic lance - shaped tip that do work every bit well for transplanting and seminal fluid drilling . The compressed leaf blade include a establish - in string cutter at its base that can double as a bottle opener in a exigency . diametrical the flat blade is perhaps the sharpest and most capable serrate blade we tested . The walnut handle absolutely wrapping around the full tang , with a slightly incurved profile before flare out near the hilt .
Another standout feature of speech is the grueling - duty nylon cocktail dress . Unlike the clunky leather and charge card good example in our test chemical group , this one is molded into an arc profile so that the blade can be smoothly put in and withdrawn without snagging . And it came with both a belt loop and a belt clipping for whatever carry method work considerably on a given day .
It was expensive and punishing , and it might be a bit exhausting for lengthened use in some context , but we really enjoy using this knife yet . We never felt as though we needed to be specially measured to keep off damage it because it was so sturdily make . It did n’t bend under the heaviest snoopiness , and the blade continue its edge surprisingly well given the gravelly soil in some domain . The string cutter work like a charm , even after some serious transplant , and it even helped us pop open a couple of cold beverages at the end of the day .
Photo: lowes.com
Get the Barebones Classic hori hori knife atAmazonorBarebones Living .
Best Traditional
Nisaku NJP650 Hori Hori Stainless Steel Weeding Knife
Hailing from the hori hori knife ’s country of origin , the Nisaku NJP650 is the best option for those looking for an reliable hori hori knife . Forged in Japan by artisans , the NJP650 feature high - quality stainless blade and a traditional wooden handle .
Like most hori hori knives uncommitted today , this one feature both a straight and serrated edge to undertake an assortment of gardening labor , whether it ’s planting bulbs or chopping through roots . Measurement markings on the sword make it simple to monitor depth while digging . A faux - leather sheath with a convenient belt loop is included to protect the knife when it ’s not in use . With the various , no - gimcrackery design and gamey - quality materials , the Nisaku NJP650 brings it back to traditional bedrock in the salutary way .
The NJP650 offered an excellent balance between lightweight lightness and durable functionality . It weighs 10 ounces , take a crap it the third lightest among our test group , but it measured 12.5 inches long , which tied for the fourth longest hori hori knife . We liked the feel of the chunky handle , even though the finish was a bit less tasteful than our top cream . We used this tongue somewhat cautiously in the most demanding study options because of its partial - tang grammatical construction . On top of that , the blade flexed with operose leverage , so we did n’t want it to bend permanently . Even so , we really like the flavour and purpose of this manakin , which we think would make an ideal filling for veggie , herb , and flower gardener .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Nisaku NJP650 hori hori knife atAmazon , The Home Depot , orNisaku .
Best Ergonomic
Radius Garden Root Slayer Soil Knife
Some of us experience hand and wrist tiredness when grip a cock handle that is too short , minute , oddly shaped , or slippery . The Radius Garden Root Slayer render the perfect antidote with its round , grippy , and liberally proportion handle . The contemporary soil knife intent put to work much like a traditional hori hori knife , yet it look anything but .
This model comes equipped with a powder - coated enameled carbon - sword vane paired with a mold charge card handle . It measures 13.5 inches long in total with a generous 6 - column inch handgrip , and it consider just over 10 apothecaries' ounce . The blade include an aggressive ripsaw bound on one side with a vapid blade and string cutter on the other . The blade peak culminates in a wide quintuplet - shaped notch project to push through tough beginning .
We had a real lovemaking - hate human relationship with the Radius Garden Root Slayer . On one hand , we truly appreciated the comfortable handgrip , which lead all others in our persuasion , and we liked the overall aim of the prick . On the other hand , the blade ’s coating was something of a nightmare . mighty out of the boxwood , the sharp edges were entirely gunpowder - coated , so they were as blunt as if there were no “ boundary ” whatsoever . In ordering to actually cut anything , we had to manually transfer the coating by using a submarine sandwich to reveal the edges . That cognitive process hire style more time and campaign than we liked , but afterwards , the brand was splendid .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Radius Garden hori hori knife atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orWalmart .
Best Heavy-Duty
Barebones Hori Hori Ultimate Knife
A hori hori knife is already a multipurpose cock , but the Barebones Hori Hori Ultimate add together even more useful features . Featuring a gamy - quality physique , this tongue has a stainless blade blade with one straight side and one serrated side . The concave brand admit measuring markings and is bestride in a beautiful walnut hold that not only looks rugged and flowing , but also has a contoured design to fit well in bridge player .
Some pattern perks lend more utility to this knife . At the base of the blade , there is a small notch section , which officiate as both a twine cutlery and a bottle opener . With so many uses , this tongue is a good pick for a range of outdoor activities , include horticulture , fishing , and camping . Some retailers sell the tongue and sheath separately , while others offer up it as a packet . We think it ’s deserving grabbing a sheath to keep this tongue well protected .
Another rugged offering from Barebones , the Hori Hori Ultimate prove nearly indestructible in our garden tests . We used the sword saddlebow treat to cock garden wager , and the second - sheer blade increased cutting power , produce it ideal for slice up through problematical etymon . We like the feel of the handle , which is more rounded than most , and we note that it had a flattened side so that it would fit in good order into a cocktail dress ( even though we did n’t get one with a cocktail dress ) . It was the heaviest model we tested at 16 ounces , but it could be the right leaf blade for those who tend to give their dick a whipping .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Barebones Ultimate hori hori knife atAmazon , Barebones Living , orKnife Works .
Best Lightweight
Nisaku NJP801 Yamagatana Japanese Knife
Those who spend lots of time in the garden can appreciate reliable cock that do n’t consider them down . The Nisaku NJP801 Yamagatana garden tongue is made with a durable stainless brand mid - tang blade and a molded plastic handle , and the result is undischarged durability and lightweight comfort .
The handle fit well in a wide kitchen stove of helping hand size , and it features a flared handguard that was much more comfortable than those with flavourless steel guards . The sword sport bland and serrated brand and a depth gauge marked in 1 - inch and 5 - millimeter increment . For secure and convenient carrying , the NJP801 come with a clayey - duty charge plate case .
We really relish lick with the Nisaku NJP801 . It feel well-situated in our helping hand , and the blade proved to be bad enough to keep back its sharp edge after comprehend in jolting soil and chop through tough roots . However , it was not as resistant to bend as some of the other knives we tested . The head where the blade link up to the handle is much narrower than the respite of the tongue , allowing it to bend while under strain in impenetrable dirt . This one is passing sharp and built to last , but it ’s not idealistic for the heaviest excavation tasks .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Nisaku NJP801 hori hori knife atAmazon , The Home Depot , orNisaku .
Best for Planting
Black Iron Hori Hori Garden Knife
When it comes to planting , the best hori hori knife holds up to heavy Lucius DuBignon Clay and gravelly dirt , resist twist under significant leverage , and offers an accurate and gentle - to - read depth gauge for reference . The Black Iron hori hori is a neat example .
This tongue weighs just over 10 oz. , making it one of the heavier tools in our test . The full - savour stainless brand blade features smooth and twofold - serrated edge as well as a depth bore marked at 1 - column inch and 5 - millimeter increment . The hardwood handle is triple - pore to the blade for added durability . The outfit includes a heavy - duty leather case and a sharpen stone with fine- and medium - moxie surfaces .
While the overall construction of the Black Iron Hori Hori proved up to any garden labor , we especially liked using it like a trowel or transplanter . It cut into well , and leverage was not a problem . The handle was a second chunkier and not as well refined as a few of the others in the mathematical group , and it did n’t have a handguard between the blade and handle , so it was not quite double-dyed . But it was also one of the less expensive models we tested . In short , this is a rugged and adequate to creature offer at a time value price .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Black Iron hori hori knife atAmazonorAttican .
Best for Cutting
Hokuru Hori Hori Garden Knife
When it fall to pick out the right hori hori tongue , enduringness and simpleness of consumption are often top of psyche . Several features make Hokuru ’s hori hori garden knife an excellent choice for the medium gardener , commence with its heavy - duty stainless steel vane with two shrewd edge . Whether it ’s cut garden twine , opening bags of mulch , or slicing through tough roots , this blade is equipped to handle the job .
Made from eminent - lineament unstained steel that wo n’t rust or rust over time , the Hokuru hori hori knife is build up to last . The blade has a neat border and a serrated sharpness , and it extends into a full tang through the handle , harbor hard in place by three metal rivets — a leaf blade plan meant for heavy - duty digging and cut . measure marking add more service program to this sturdy knife .
This plectrum also features a wooden handgrip in the traditional design of Japanese hori hori knives . Besides the attractive look , the tongue ’s minuscule protective handguard enhances its safety . It also comes with a modest sharpening Harlan Fisk Stone and a thick leather sheath with a belt loop .
Photo: amazon.com
In our examination , the Hokuru hori hori sustain a sharp boundary while dividing cluster of genus Funka and daylilies . Then , after we used it to grok through tough clay soil in grooming for a new bed for transplant , the tongue cleanly slice reach the garden soil bags . Since it comes outfit with a sharpening Harlan F. Stone , it was gentle to hone it between project . We also appreciate the include leather case to protect both the sword and our hands , but we would have liked it even more had it been equipped with a storage sleeve for the sharpening stone .
Get the Hokuru hori hori knife atAmazonorWalmart .
Best for Weeding
Garden Guru Hori Hori Garden Knife
With a well-to-do and long - lasting material body , this hori hori knife from Garden Guru is another sympathetic option for all types of gardener . It features a rust - resistant untarnished steel steel with a full tanginess . Thanks to its serrate side and neat side , it can tackle heavy - duty activities like digging through theme or saw small branches without coggle . The markings on the blade make it prosperous to measure while do work , too .
The blade ’s full tang extends through the triple - riveted hard rosewood handle , which is as inflexible as it is beautiful . The handgrip has a easy grip and is radioactive decay - resistant for long - terminus enjoyment . This tongue includes a woven nylon sheath with a knock loop that protect the knife to some level , but it ’s usually well to upgrade to a leather cocktail dress .
This tongue weighed about 0.75 apothecaries' ounce less than several others in our test that were otherwise very similar in excogitation and materials . The difference in free weight came down to a slightly fragile blade and the lack of a steel handguard . This lighter - weight tool find better balanced for working with a horizontal grip , such as for shallow weeding and cultivation . The blade was just as baffling and sharp as the others , so shoppers need not be interested about durability . The only on-key weak point was the unconvincing nylon case , which is fine in the short full term but will likely take to be replaced at some period .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Garden Guru hori hori knife atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Hori Hori Knives
The best hori hori garden knives can make idle work out of a variety of gardening labor . Finding the best hori hori tongue is much less hard when the hunt abides by a few key standard . When buy at for a Japanese garden knife , consider the blade cloth and length , the grip , and any include accessories that can make it easier to expend and observe the tongue .
Blade Material and Length
All hori hori knives have a concave steel for digging , but the tongue bound can vary . Most have one straight edge and one serrated edge , while some have two straightforward edge . The former is a more versatile option , allowing the tool to be used as a trowel , tongue , and little saw . Often , the blade also include measure markings to judge depth when labour or planting .
Blade material can vary , with higher - character materials propose safe rust fungus resistance and durability . High - timbre unstained steel is unremarkably the good pick , and that ’s usually what reputable trade name offer . Cheaper tongue sometimes apply crushed - character steel or aluminum that can eat and dull over meter .
Hori hori knives are rather short in terms of distance . The blade is usually around 7 inches long , and the intact tongue , including the handle , is typically between 11 and 13 inch long . Look for a length that suits the particular job requirement ; shorter knives are more nimble and easier to carry , while longer knife have a longer cutting surface .
Photo: amazon.com
Handle
A near hori hori knife handle has a long-lived , balanced feel . Traditionally , this Nipponese garden knife has a Ellen Price Wood or bamboo handle , but shaping handles are also useable . An ergonomic designing with a rounded visibility makes the handgrip more comfortable to grip and work with , especially during long horticulture school term .
Wood and bamboo handle are attractive , long lasting , and comfortable . tinny knives tend to come up with plastic handles , which can split down over time . For shoppers who opt for a plastic handle , a nonslip rubber grip can make the tongue safer and more comfortable to use .
A high - quality Nipponese weeding knife should come with a handle that is concentrate to the tang of the blade ( the part of the blade that extends into the handle ) . A full - tang blade extends to the butt of the hold , crap these knives the most durable selection , while fond - tang blades only strain partway into the handle . Some less expensive ( and less durable ) knife brand are weld to the handle and do n’t have any tang at all .
Photo: Mark Wolfe for Bob Vila
Many hori hori knives are designed with little to no bolster or finger guard . It ’s important to keep this in nous when using the tongue , use up care not to let any finger unexpectedly slip past the grip .
Accessories
A sheath is a useful accessory to have for both guard and storage . For even more utility , look for a sheath with a belt ammunition cartridge clip to make it safe to carry the tongue around the garden .
High - quality case are made from blockheaded leather , which keeps the blades protected and safely cross . Fake leather and plastic case wo n’t do much to protect the vane , and they tend to break down over prison term .
Like any tongue , hori hori tongue will need occasionalsharpening . Some model come with a whetstone or sharpening gat so that gardeners can sharpen the tongue themselves .
FAQs
A hori hori knife can be a utile peter for any gardener , peculiarly those looking for a low - exploit and low-cost tool . Because of its design , a Nipponese gardening tongue is extremely utile for a reach of tasks from tackling tough weeds to manage more accurate work . Read on for some answers to mutual questions about this hard-nosed gardening tool .
While a hori hori knife is not a necessary , most gardeners wo n’t rue adding one to their tool belt . A hori hori tongue can combine the subroutine of a trowel , knife , and small saw to deal multiple gardening chore with one affordable tool .
Hori hori knives are n’t as sharp as achef ’s knife , for exemplar , but they are still sharp enough to require care while working . substance abuser will want to avoid running their hand across the blades to forbid cuts .
Yes , hori hori knives are a safe garden tool to utilize . Just use common good sense — their blades are still tart .
A hori hori tongue is an passing versatile garden tongue tool . gardener can use it for digging , cutting , sawing , and weeding .
A well - made hori hori tongue can last up to a decade . High - quality blade and a riveted wood or bamboo handle are signs of good craftsmanship and are predictors that the tongue will probably last .
“ Hori hori ” is a Nipponese onomatopoeia that mime the sound of digging into stain , which is the main consumption of this tool .
Meet the Tester
Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a ground in the glasshouse and landscape gardening industries . For more than 20 years he mowed , edged , embed , pruned , cultivated , irrigated , and renovated beautiful landscape . Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest out-of-door big businessman equipment , hand tool , lawn care products , and other outdoor - hold up good .
extra research provided by Jasmine Harding .
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