A Hori‑Hori knife is a traditional Japanese gardening tool designed to handle a wide range of outdoor tasks. Often described as a hybrid between a trowel and a knife, it features a strong, blade that is sharp on one side and serrated on the other.
This dual‑edge design makes it incredibly versatile, allowing gardeners to dig, cut, saw, divide plants, and even measure soil depth. Originally used by Japanese farmers for foraging and root‑cutting, the Hori‑Hori has become a favourite among gardeners worldwide thanks to its strength, precision, and multi‑purpose functionality.
How to use a Hori‑Hori knife
Using a Hori‑Hori knife is intuitive once you understand its features. The sharp edge is ideal for slicing through roots, cutting twine, dividing perennials, and harvesting vegetables. The serrated edge works like a small saw, perfect for tackling woody stems or stubborn roots. The pointed tip allows for accurate digging, whether you’re planting bulbs, removing weeds, or loosening compacted soil.
Many Hori‑Hori knives also include depth markings on the blade, enabling you to plant bulbs or seedlings at the correct depth without needing a separate tool. The curved blade shape helps scoop soil like a trowel, making it excellent for transplanting. With a comfortable handle and strong construction, it’s a tool that quickly becomes indispensable in the garden.
What does Hori‑Hori mean?
The term Hori‑Hori comes from the Japanese verb horu, meaning “to dig.” The repeated form “hori‑hori” mimics the sound of digging in soil, making it an onomatopoeic name.
In Japan, the Hori-Hori knife is sometimes referred to as a “soil knife” or “mountain vegetable knife,” reflecting its origins in harvesting wild plants and roots. Today, the name remains a nod to its cultural heritage and its primary purpose: digging.
Why is a Hori‑Hori knife good for gardening?
Gardeners value the Hori‑Hori knife for its exceptional versatility. Instead of switching between multiple tools, you can use a single knife for digging, cutting, sawing, planting, and weeding. Its robust construction, often full‑tang with a wooden handle, makes it strong enough for demanding tasks while still being comfortable to use.
The blade shape allows for efficient soil movement, while the dual edges mean you can cut through roots or stems without needing secateurs or a pruning saw. Depth markings add precision to planting, and the pointed tip makes it ideal for working in tight spaces or rocky soil. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, a Hori‑Hori knife streamlines your toolkit and improves efficiency.
Can a Hori‑Hori knife be used for weeding?
A Hori‑Hori knife is excellent for weeding. Its sharp tip can be pushed deep into the soil to loosen taproots, while the serrated edge helps saw through tough or woody weeds. The flat blade can also be used to slice weeds off at the base, and the curved shape allows you to lever out entire root systems with ease.
For deep‑rooted weeds like dandelions, the Hori‑Hori is often more effective than a standard hand weeder. It allows you to remove the entire root, reducing the chance of regrowth. Because it’s strong and precise, it’s particularly useful in densely planted borders where you need to weed without disturbing nearby plants.
How do I care for a Hori‑Hori knife?
Caring for a Hori‑Hori knife ensures it remains sharp, rust‑free, and long‑lasting. After each use, wipe the blade clean to remove soil and moisture. If the blade is stainless steel, it will resist rust, but drying it thoroughly is still recommended. For carbon steel blades, apply a light coat of oil to prevent corrosion.
Sharpen the straight edge regularly using a sharpening stone or file, and use a small file to maintain the serrated edge. Store the knife in its sheath when not in use to protect both the blade and your hands. Avoid leaving it outdoors or in damp conditions, as this can damage the handle and blade over time.
Featuring the Hori‑Hori Gardening Knife from Norman & Vera
For gardeners looking to invest in a high‑quality Hori‑Hori knife, the Hori Hori Gardening Knife with Sheath Case from Norman & Vera is an excellent choice. Inspired by traditional Japanese design, this tool is built for durability and versatility.
It features a dual‑edge stainless steel blade, with one sharp side for slicing and the other serrated for sawing. Depth markings in both inches and millimetres make planting more accurate, while the full‑tang construction and smooth wooden handle provide strength and comfort during use. The knife measures approximately 17cm in blade length, with a total length designed for easy handling.
The set includes a green fabric sheath with a belt loop, allowing for safe storage and convenient carrying around the garden. At £19.99, it offers exceptional value for a tool that can replace several others in your gardening kit.
Whether you’re digging, cutting, weeding, or planting, the Norman & Vera Hori‑Hori knife is a reliable, beautifully crafted tool that brings traditional Japanese practicality to modern gardening.