Hori Hori knives are fantastic multi-use tools that can help you dig, cut, plant, weed, prune, and more! These versatile garden tools will significantly improve your well being while working in the garden.
Best Hori Hori Knife
Out of all of the products reviewed in this article, the best hori hori knife is the MB HANA by Nisaku. THE MB HANA by Nisaku is the sturdiest of the knives reviewed on this list and also has the best customer service and manufacturer warranty.
The knife is easy to hold and use, resists dirt, and comes with a high-quality sheath that doesn’t wear out. For all of these reasons, it definitely edges out the competition.
Last update on 2024-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To find out more about the MB HANA knives, head down to the Product Reviews section below.Runner Up: Best Garden Knife
Coming in second place in this review is the Hedge Hunter Hori Hori Garden Knife. It is similar to the MB HANA by Nisaku and just barely misses out on first place because of the reputation and quality customer service of Nisaku.
Its sheath is weatherproof and lasts a long time, and the knife itself is easy to hold and can be cleaned with ease.
Last update on 2024-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
To learn more about the Hedge Hunter Hori Hori Knives, see the Product Reviews area below.
Budget Choice: Garden Digging Knives
For people on a budget, a good product is the Nisaku NJP650 Hori-Hori Weeding & Digging Knife. It’s less expensive than most of the other knives on the market but bears the signature Nisaku quality. For people who would like a reasonable investment but don’t want to spend too much, this is the knife for them.
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For further details on the Nisaku NJP650 knife, see the Product Reviews area below.
Hori-Hori Garden Knives Buyer’s Tips
Hori Hori knives are a popular gardening tool use to dig and cut through roots and thick stems. They go by many names, including soil knives, garden knives, digging knives, and, of course, hori-hori knives.
The name of the Hori Hori knife is Japanese. The sound is an onomatopoeia for digging, or the audible way speakers of the Japanese language would make a digging sound with their mouths.
The single word “hori” means “to dig.”
In this section, we’ll look at the various features of hori hori knives, and their use cases.
Country of Origin
As we mentioned, Hori-hori knives are of Japanese origin, and it is fair to say that authentic soil knives will be of Japanese origin. Several of the products on the market advertise themselves as Japanese style knives, or Japanese inspired, but most of these knives are made in China.
If you are looking for an authentic knife, stick to the Japanese-made knives.
Common Features of Hori Hori Soil Knives
Multi-purpose blades
Perhaps the most significant aspect that make hori hori knives unique garden tools are the blade designs. Depending on the type of blade, there are several different edges, each designed for different tasks. Most knives combine multiple edges throughout the knife, in order to accomplish multiple garden tasks in one tool.
These edges are:
Concave
The edges of the blade curve inwards, as in the curve of a garden shovel.
Convex
The edges of the blade curve outwards, as in the curve of a garden shovel flipped over.
Beveled
The blade has sloping edges. Beveled edges narrow toward the blade tips.
Serrated
The blade has a spiked edge similar to a bread knife.
How to Use a Soil Knife
Hori hori knives can be used in a similar way to typical garden hand tools, but the addition of the somewhat sharp knife blades make certain tasks significantly easier (you just need to be careful with these tools!)
Hiking and Wilderness Survival
While most users will be primarily using their hori hori knife for gardening tasks, it can be quite a useful knife to have around while on long hikes, camping trips, and in wilderness survival situations. It is a knife, which is both a tool and a weapon, and hikers
Weeding
You can dig out weeds pretty easily with a soil knife, in the same way you can dig with a garden spade. By sticking the blade in the ground and then pulling it, you can cut the soil and extract the weed by the root, ensuring that the pesky weeds won’t be back to bother you again.
Cutting
You can cut small branches with a hori hori knife, which can be quite helpful for quick pruning and garden care. Of course, you’re not going to cut through a blade like a pruning saw would, and a hori hori knife won’t reach up high like a pole saw might, but for quick and easily-accessible pruning, a hori-hori knife will do the job.
It’s similar to the question of which is the best camera — the answer being the one you have in your pocket when you need to take an important picture! The best garden knife is the one you have on you while working in the garden, not the fancy pruning saw in the shed.
The searated blade present on most hori hori knives works very well for pruning small branches.
Planting
You can easily plant seeds and seedlings with a hori hori knife, without the need for a trowel or garden spade. Simply jab the knife in the ground where you intend to plant, and pull the knife toward you a bit, opening up a channel. Place the seed in or seedling in, and reset the soil around the plant or seed. You’re good to go!
Measuring
Most hori-hori knives have an inch marker on the knife, essentially acting as a ruler as well as a knife. This can be quite helfpul as a guide to planting. Most plants give recommended depths for digging, and by having the ruler on the digging tool, you can avoid having to go get a ruler to check your depths.
Harvesting
Sometimes certain crops like root crops, eggplants, and the like can be difficult to extract from the ground, or from the branches. Having a knife to help separate the plants from their medium can significantly speed up your gardening harvest tasks.
Care and Sharpening of Soil Knives
Carrying Cases
All of the products on our list include some sort of sheath or carrying case, and some of them actually include two carrying cases. Many offer both nylon and leather cases for hori hori knives, and typically the nylon cases are more water-resistant, while the leather ones look nicer.
Sharpening Hori Hori Knives
Most of the knives on our list include some sort of sharpening tool, whether it be a whetstone, diamond sharpener, or other styles of sharpener.
Jabbing a knife blade into rough, rocky soil on a regular basis will quickly dull your knife, so you should stay on top of the maintenance of your blade. After each heavy use, spend a little time sharpening your blade to get it prepped for the next use.
Of course, there’s no need for the blade to be kitchen-knife sharp. You do, however, want to keep a good edge on the blade, regardless.
Hori Hori Knife Reviews
Hori Hori knives spread around the world after being perfected in Japan, but not every manufacturer produces products of the same quality. How can buyers know that they’re getting a superior product?
This is what this review hopes to find out!
In this section, we’ll start with a comparison table to get oriented, and then move into individual product reviews. We’ll conclude with our favorites.
![Black Iron Hori Hori Garden Knife [7 Inches, Japanese Stainless Steel] Durable Gardening Tool for Weeding, Digging, Cutting & Planting with Leather Sheath and Sharpening Stone](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51MDK+nqozL._SL160_.jpg)
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Nisaku NJP650 Hori-Hori Weeding & Digging Knife
Key Points at a Glance
- Concave Blade
- One Beveled Edge
- One Serrated Edge
- Made of Japanese Steel
- Durable
- Includes Inch Markers on Blade
- Easy to Clean
- Made in Japan
- Warranty Available from Manufacturer
Dimensions and Specs
- Blade Length: 7.25 in.
- Handle Length: 5.25 in.
- Weighs 10 oz.
- Product Dimensions: 13 x 2.8 x 1.5 in.
The Details
Like most Hori Hori knives, the Nisaku NJP650 Hori-Hori Weeding & Digging Knife (Nisaku NJP650 Knife) possesses a concave blade with one beveled edge and one serrated edge.
The blade itself is made of genuine Japanese steel and is designed to be durable.
There are inch markers on the blade and the material is easy to clean.
Unlike most Hori Hori knives on the market, the Nisaku NJP650 is actually made from Japan. A warranty is available from the manufacturer but not included upon purchase.
Each product has a blade length of 7.25 in. and a handle length of 5.25 in. The full product dimensions are 13 x 2.8 x 1.5 in. The entire knife weighs 10 oz. and comes with a sheath for safekeeping and easy transportation.
The Bottom Line
The Nisaku NJP650 is a reliable, durable hori hori knife positioned at a reasonable price point, but will last for years. This is also one of the only blades that is easy to clean because there are no niches for dirt to be trapped in.
Some people report the knife is heavy or that the square wooden handle can be difficult to hold for extended periods of time, but this depends on the size of the user’s hand and their strength.
So, because of its durability, inexpensive cost, and authentic Japanese origin, the Nisaku NJP650 comes in second place in this review.
- QUALITY: Made in Japan with the finest stainless steel.
- EASY MEASUREMENT: Inch markings on the blade will ensure your plants...
- MULTI-USE: Both serrated and straight edge blades, and is a fantastic...
- DURABILITY: The blade is rust and scratch resistant, and stays razor...
- ERGONOMIC: Blade Size: 7.25 inches; Handle Size: wood, 5.25 inches;...
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Truly Garden Hori Hori Garden Knife with Diamond Sharpening Rod
Key Points at a Glance
- Includes Diamond Sharpening Rod
- Concave Blade
- One Serrated Edge
- One Beveled Edge
- Features Inch Markers on Blade
- Includes Leather Holder
- FSC Certified
- Includes a 5 Year Warranty
- Made in China
Dimensions and Specs
- Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 3 x 1.8 in.
- Weighs 1.3 lbs.
- Blade Length: 7 in.
- Handle Length: 6.5 in.
The Details
The Truly Garden Hori Hori Garden Knife with Diamond Sharpening Rod is a reliable Hori Hori knife that comes with a diamond sharpening rod. Like other Hori Hori rods, it features a concave blade, one serrated edge, and one beveled edge.
There are inch markers on the blade and the entire product is FSC certified.
A 5-year warranty is available from the manufacturer but not always included with purchase, so potential buyers should check their options.
The full product dimensions make this knife one of average size, measuring 13.5 x 3 x 1.8 in. It weighs 1.3 lbs. The blade length is 7 in. and the handle length is 6.5 in.
The Bottom Line
The Truly Garden Hori Hori Garden Knife with Diamond Sharpening Rod is reliable and pleasing to look at. The blade cuts through roots and other plant-life easily and can be used to dig as well.
The leather holder is durable and the entire product is certified and comes with a 5-year warranty. In general, this is a good product. However, some users find that there are durability issues over time, and the blade can jiggle loose after about a year of use.
For this reason, it does not make the top of this list.
- EFFORTLESS WEED REMOVAL: Save time and energy with this heavy-duty...
- SHARP AND SAFE DESIGN: The blade is sharp enough to cut through roots...
- IMPROVED ROUNDED HANDLE FOR COMFORT: Experience a more comfortable...
- DURABLE LEATHER SHEATH: Protect your investment with our heavy, thick...
- QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP: Unlike competitors, our Hori Hori knife boasts...
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. BareBones Walnut Hori Hori Ultimate Tool
Key Points at a Glance
- Concave Blade
- One Serrated Edge
- One Beveled Edge
- Walnut Handle
- Comes with Bottle Opener
- Features Inch Markers on Blade
- Sheath not included, but is available
- Includes a 5 Year Warranty
- Heat Treated Stainless Steel
- Inspired Japanese Vintage Design
- Made in China
Dimensions and Specs
- Product Dimensions: 18.2 x 6 x 2.8 in.
- Weighs 1.9 lbs.
- Blade Length: 7.25″
The Details
The BareBones Walnut Hori Hori Ultimate Tool is a standard hori-hori knife with a concave blade, one serrated edge, and one beveled edge. The blade is made from stainless steel and the handle is carved from walnut.
The knife overall is reliable and durable, and the manufacturer decided to add a bottle opener to the knife for people who like to garden while enjoying bottled refreshments (that would be us!).
The blade does include the standard inch marker to help make garden planting tasks easy.
The BareBones Walnut Hori Hori Ultimate Tool hits all the right notes to be a hipster gardening tool, which sounds silly as we write it, but makes sense! The entire design is based off vintage Japanese blades… of course!
The manufacturer offers a 5-year warranty on the knife. The full product dimensions are 18.2 x 6 x 2.8 in. It weighs 1.9 lbs.
The Bottom Line
The BareBones Walnut Hori Hori Ultimate Tool is a powerful black blade capable of slicing through roots and other gardening material. It’s reliable and durable as well and made from easy to clean stainless steel.
Most find that the BareBones is quite satisfying to use, although some users have found that the glue will liquidize and separate if left in a hot place. Regardless, if that happens, the knife does not come apart from the handle. It’s more of an aesthetic problem, but a sticky one!
Because it lacks some of the features of other knives in this review, the BareBones Ultimate Tool does not top this list.
- STAINLESS STEEL | 4CR13 stainless steel double edged blade through...
- AMBIDEXTROUS USE | Walnut handle with a flat pommel base
- CONCAVE BLADE | With 1 inch markings for easy use and measuring
- ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Twine cutter and bottle opener
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Hedge Hunter Hori Hori Garden Knife
Key Points at a Glance
- Includes Diamond Sharpening Rod
- Concave Blade
- One Serrated Edge
- One Beveled Edge
- Stainless Steel
- Weatherproof
- Black Nylon Sheath
- Includes a Sharpening Stone
- Solid Beech Wood Handle
- Features Inch Markers on the Blade
- Made in China
Dimensions and Specs
- Weighs 1.2 lbs.
- Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 3.3 x 1.8 in.
- Blade Length: 7 in.
- Handle Length: 6.5 in.
The Details
The Hedge Hunter Hori Hori Garden Knife comes with a diamond sharpening rod and features the standard concave blade with one serrated and one beveled edge. The blade is made from stainless steel while the handle is solid beech wood.
There are inch markers on the blade so users can check how deep the holes they dig are.
A sharpening stone is also included so users can sharpen the knife on their own if the diamond sharpening rod does not work.
The Hedge Hunter Hori Hori Garden Knife is weatherproof and features a black nylon sheath for easy storage.
The knife weighs 1.2 lbs. and has full product dimensions of 13.5 x 3.3 x 1.8 in. The blade length is 7 in. and the handle length is 6.5 in.
The Bottom Line
The Hedge Hunter Hori Hori Garden Knife is one of the best products on this list. It’s made of durable stainless steel and includes two sharpening methods so users can make sure their gardening knife is always ready for action.
The black nylon sheath is weatherproof and doesn’t experience the wear and tear of leather sheaths. For this reason, the Hedge Hunter Hori Hori Garden Knife is one of the best on this list and just barely misses out on first place.
- The SOLID, "do it all", Japanese style garden tool for planting,...
- "Full tang" a solid piece of HEAVY DUTY stainless steel runs from head...
- SHARP serrated blade cuts through sod, roots, stems, with ease and no...
- TOUGH maintenance-free weatherproof black nylon sheath doesn't dry out...
- Smooth beech handle with stainless steel hand guard is MADE TO LAST.
Last update on 2024-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. MB HANA Japanese Hori Hori Gardening Knife by Nisaku
Key Points at a Glance
- Made in Japan, of Japanese Steel
- Vegetable-Tanned Leather Sheath
- Black Vinyl Sheath Included
- One Serrated Edge
- One Beveled Edge
- Concave Blade
- Features Inch Markers on the Blade
- Durable
- Resists Rust and Dirt
- Warranty Available from the Manufacturer
Dimensions and Specs
- Blade Length: 7.25 in.
- Blade Thickness: 3 mm.
- Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 2.8 x 1.6 in.
- Weighs 7 oz.
The Details
The MB HANA Japanese Hori Hori Gardening Knife by Nisaku (MB HANA by Nisaku) is a strong hori-hori knife designed to be used on a regular basis. The blade is durable and consists of the standard concave blade with one serrated and one beveled edge as well as inch markers.
The blade itself is crafted from authentic Japanese stainless steel while the handle is made from average, potentially mixed, wood.
Two sheaths accompany the knife. One is made from vegetable-tanned leather and the other is black vinyl. Both should be waterproof and protect the knife from the hazards of the environment. The MB HANA by Nisaku resists rust and dirt, and should last for years.
The full product dimensions are 11.9 x 2.8 x 1.6 in. The blade length is 1.25 in. while the thickness is 3 mm. The entire knife weighs 7 oz.
The Bottom Line
Although all of the hori hori knives on this list are high quality and durable, the MB HANA by Nisaku is the best.
Users who spend time with these knives find that they are able to use them for years after the initial purchase. They describe the knife as strong and sharp.
The two sheaths allow users to keep the knife protected no matter the condition, and both are waterproof.
For these reasons, the MB HANA by Nisaku comes in first place.
Last update on 2024-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Black Iron Attican Hori Hori Garden Knife
Key Points at a Glance
- One Serrated Edge
- One Beveled Edge
- Concave Blade
- Durable
- Stainless Steel
- Leather Sheath
- Warranty Available from the Manufacturer
- Features Inch Markers on the Blade
- Made in China
Dimensions and Specs
- Product Dimensions: 3 x 1.9 x 13.5 in.
- Weighs 11 oz.
- Blade Length: 7.09″
The Details
The Black Iron Attican Hori Hori Garden Knife is a durable, stainless steel knife that features a concave blade with one serrated and one beveled edge.
Each product comes with a leather sheath and features inch markers on the blade to measure soil depth.
The product dimensions are 3 x 1.9 x 13.5 in., and the knife weighs 11 oz.
The Bottom Line
The Black Iron Attican Hori Hori Garden Knife is a durable knife with all of the standard features of a hori hori garden blade. The price is mid-range and there are no extra features or frills, which is why this particular knife did not make the top of this list.
Although it is durable and a reasonable buy, it doesn’t come with a sharpener or warranty like others and isn’t certified either. So, it loses out to products like the MB HANA by Nisaku.
- PREMIUM QUALITY & DESIGN. Take your gardening skills to the next level...
- DURABLE & MULTIPURPOSE. Accomplish a wide variety of gardening tasks...
- MEASURE SOIL WITH EASE with this gardening knife's easy to read depth...
- OPTIMAL COMFORT & SAFETY. Black Iron garden knife has become a...
- SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP. Crafted to top-notch standards, this Japanese...
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion: Best Digging Knives
Believe it or not, but not all knives are the same, especially hori hori ones. These products can range from the downright dangerous to use – none listed here – to spectacular.
Out of the five reliable options for buyers, the best is the MB HANA by Nisaku while the runner up is the Hedge Hunter Hori Hori Garden Knife.
For people on a budget, there is always the Nisaku NJP650 Hori-Hori Weeding & Digging Knife, which is durable without too much expense.
Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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