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REVIEW – If you’re like me, garden spades need to be replaced yearly, assuming they last a single season. Maybe it’s something in Idaho dirt or user error, but while they’re useful, they seem to bend in half or crack before too long. Enter The Original Hori Hori Namibagata Japanese Stainless Steel Weeding Knife! I saw one at my dad’s house last year and had to get one.
What is it?
The Original Hori Hori Namibagata Japanese Stainless Steel Weeding Knife is much different than your average garden trowel.
Hori Hori in Japanese literally translates to “dig dig”. It’s basically a stout double-edged knife that you can dig holes and all sorts of garden work with.
What’s in the box?
- One weeding knife with a faux leather sheath
Product specs
- Make/Model: Nisaku NJP650
- 7.25’’ Stainless Steel blade
- Wood handle
- 4 oz
- Faux leather sheath
- Dimensions: 13 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches
Design and features
The Original Hori Hori Namibagata Japanese Stainless Steel Weeding Knife consists of a 7.25 inch stainless steel concave blade that is serrated on one side and straight on the other. There has been no issue with rust so far, so the stainless is holding up pretty well. For ease in planting depths, the blade has inch and millimeter marks. It was originally created to dig up root veggies and bulbs in addition to cutting stems and brush. Additional applications extend to slicing open bags of mulch, popping dandelion roots, cutting irrigation tubing, etc.
The concave blade is strong enough to easily handle a fair amount of prying and force. It easily handles transplanting seedlings, prepping holes, and cutting roots. I haven’t had any issues with bending so far, which is more than any garden trowel I’ve ever used can say. I’m sure I’ll get overambitious one of these days and use it as a pry bar or something I shouldn’t, so I’ll update if things significantly change.
What I like
This gardening knife is extremely handy and comes in handy over and over. The blade cuts through the soil and can take a beating. I love using it for planting flowers. It works great for popping dandelion roots and cuts through sod like a dream. The sheath is well-made and has held up to a fair amount of abuse. It has a handy belt loop and also fits well in the pockets of regular men’s jeans.
What I’d change
The Original Hori Hori Namibagata Japanese Stainless Steel Weeding Knife handle doesn’t have a full tang, so that would be a nice addition. Doesn’t seem to affect performance, though.
Final thoughts
The Original Hori Hori Namibagata Japanese Stainless Steel Weeding Knife is an awesome addition to getting stuff done out in the yard. It literally carves holes out and is great for transplanting. Persistent roots and dandelions don’t stand a chance with a little encouragement from this tool. I highly recommend this tool and use it all the time when I’m working outside. One word of caution, treat this tool like you would any other blade. It is sharp and will cut you just like a kitchen knife, so take care.
Price: $17.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was purchased with my own funds.
