Dating back to the late 1800s, Hori Hori knives were first manufactured when the katana was banned. With swordsmiths showcasing their expertise in the manufacturing of gardening tools like the elegant, multipurpose Hori Hori knife, more and more people moved towards different occupational domains within the agricultural space. Originating from the misty mountains of Japan, where the Hori Hori knife was used to harvest vegetables and bonsai trees, it is now regarded as a versatile tool across Western gardens.
A quality Hori Hori knife will help you perform a multitude of tasks with ease such as removing weeds, seeding, planting, and harvesting. And to help you navigate the vast online marketplace, we’ve curated a list of the finest Hori Hori knives of 2023.
Confused about where to start? Here is a buyer’s guide to the do’s and don’ts of Hori Hori knives.
Named after the onomatopoeia of a digging sound, the Hor Hori knife is a gardening knife with a sturdy, wooden handle and a beveled blade. The translation of Hori in Japanese is the word dig, and while it excels in its job there are various other functions this knife can offer.
You can use a Hori Hori knife to easily slice off weeds of all sizes plaguing your garden. Using the flat side of the blade, you can slice off the weeds in a lateral fashion. For larger weeds, it can be used as a chopping tool.
A Hori Hori knife can be used to loosen soil and make small rows of indentations to plant seeds or bulbs, like onions and garlic.
While you can use your hands to pull out saplings and smaller plants for transplantation, the roots of some saplings can be really stubborn. A Hori Hori knife can help you loosen the soil without causing too much disturbance.
Even though a digging fork usually does the job, a Hori Hori knife is a far better alternative for root crops that require comparatively more strength to harvest.
The blade of the Hori Hori knife is specialized so that it serves a variety of different purposes. Its beveled design results in a concave blade which assists in tasks that require scooping. The blade is also serrated at one end, making it ideal for sawing, chopping, and cutting.
With its average length being adequate enough to dig deep into both dry and wet soil, quality Hori Hori knives are typically fashioned from 440 grade or 420grade stainless steel to promote durability and corrosion-resistant properties.
Last but not least, the tang of a knife is very important to consider. A full tang blade continues all the way down the end of the knife. This prevents the blade from snapping at the handle junction.
Unlike what you might assume, the handle of the Hori Hori knife is equally important as the blade. A sharp, functional blade will not serve you well unless a quality handle at the end offers excellent ergonomics. Typically made of wood, the handle is polished and coated to prevent the wood from corroding and splintering.
With a rubberized coating offering a more secure grip, synthetic materials such as hard plastic are also sometimes used for the construction of the handle to add to its shape and comfort.
As a safety precaution, some Hori Hori knives feature a handle guard so your fingers or hand do not get injured.
As a gardening tool, you should expect your Hori Hori knife to be constantly exposed to water, dirt, and harsh UV rays. To promote durability, we recommend you go for materials that are both 100% corrosion and stain-resistant. Stainless steel blades are your best bet when it comes to the blade, and when it comes to the handle it must be polished and coated to prevent it from rotting.
Measurement markings, also known as numeric markings, are typically etched onto the concave side of the blade of a Hori Hori knife. This feature can come in handy when you need to determine the depth in which you’re digging.
While most traditional knives included a leather sheath, modern options tend to lean more towards nylon sheath and leather dupes. Some sheaths also feature a belt loop or a hanging loop for added convenience.
Incessant use can make a Hori Hori’s blade blunt. To make sure your knife is as good as new, you need to sharpen it on a regular basis. Hori Hori knives which include sharpening tools are far more economical, and when it comes to ease of use they make for a better option for beginners.
If there is a perfectly crafted Hori Hori Knife with all the necessary accessories, it has to be the Black Iron Hori Hori Knife. Championing the charts with its beveled blade, it is sourced from quality stainless steel and will not corrode or rust over time. A serrated edge on one side makes this knife suitable for a variety of tasks, and a full tang with three metal pins ensures the durability and effectiveness of the knife.
Measurements are engraved on the blade in both inches and millimeters for additional convenience, and with a solid hardwood handle, you can expect nothing but the best ergonomics. Adding to its functionality, this Hori Hori knife also comes with a set of accessories, including a sharpening stone and a leather sheath.
Vintage-inspired, the Barebones Hori Hori Knife is designed to be as multifunctional as possible. Dazzling the charts with its stainless steel blade, you can expect this Hori Hori knife to be your next best gardening companion. Featuring a hollow back that can aid in tasks that involve scooping and a twine cutter located at the end of the blade, it can also be repurposed as a bottle opener. With the blade featuring both a serrated and concave curve, its finished walnut handle hides the remaining blade for a full tang.
Made in Japan by highly skilled artisans, there is no question about the authenticity and quality of the Nikasu Hori Hori Knife. Made of thick stainless steel, the blade of this knife is extraordinarily sharp with a beveled edge. Featuring a full mid-tan, this knife is lightweight and features engraved measurements to help you make accurate measurements while seeding and planting.
Rust-proof and ergonomic, this Hori Hori knife also comes with a leather sheath and a snap loop.
A knife is only as good as it is maintained, and when you get a quality leather sheath and an exceptional sharpening tool, your knife will last for years to come. The Truly Garden Store Hori Hori Knife exhibits these properties, and because it comes in a nice gifting box you can easily gift this knife to the gardening enthusiast in your life. While the curved blade is sharp, the handle guard protects your hands from injuries. Made of 420 stainless steel, this Hori Hori blade also features measurement markings.
Another cool plus? This Hori Hori knife comes with a whopping five-year warranty!
Do you want a premium quality Hori Hori knife on a budget? If so, the HAUSHOF Hori Hori Knife offers you the best of both worlds. With exceptional features at a low price point, this Hori Hori knife also comes with a leather sheath, as well as a concave blade with measurement markings. Also featuring a strap, its polished exterior works to prevent it from corrosion and rust.
The wooden handle with three rivets showcases the knife’s full tang.
A: Like most knives, you need to be careful of getting cut by the blade. Because the blade of the Hori Hori knife is considerably larger and does not typically feature a hand or finger guard, its usage requires extra caution.
A: When taken care of properly, Hori Hori knives can last for a lifetime.
A: Unlike a full-tang blade, a half-tang blade does not extend to the bottom of the handle of the knife. While these knives are lightweight, they are not recommended for heavy-duty tasks.
