The Japanese Hori Hori Digging Tool

This amazing gardening tool is a real all-rounder and I wish I had come across it long ago. It comes from Japan, and there it was designed for Bonsai gardening when a sharp multi-purpose tool is really useful, especially for collecting specimens. Although it is not well known in Europe, it is a very popular tool with many gardeners in the United States. Oh, and Hori Hori means Dig Dig!

Interestingly, the art of Bonsai has produced quite a number of specialised and beautiful tools - more about these in another post.

The  Hori Hori is a bit like a trowel as the blade is slightly concave. Unlike a trowel, the stainless steel blade is very sharp, with a serrated edge and a plain edge. The tool has a sharp point too. You do need to treat it with respect as you would any sharp knife. There are markings on the blade to give accurate depth measurements. The tool comes with its own sheath. It has to be said that the sheath that came with mine is artificial leather and is not likely to last too long. The handle is usually of laquered wood but there are versions with polymer handles - see below. A proper Hori Hori is very sturdy and should not bend in use.

If you think that the Hori Hori looks rather like a weapon, this isn't surprising. There is a theory that in the sixteenth century, Japanese farmers needed tools that doubled as weapons.

One thing I haven't needed to do yet is sharpen it but I imagine it would not be difficult and there are many sharpeners available which could be used.

Well the Hori Hori really is amazingly versatile. it can be used for digging holes for bulbs and plants and for scraping soil away. It comes into its own when weeding as the sharp blade can slice and saw through root balls and underground stems. It can even saw through small branches. It's great to have one tool for so many tasks. If you hate weeding, use this digging tool and turn it into a pleasurable experience! I used mine recently to divide some pot-bound hostas.

Of course, not only gardeners will find the Hori Hori indispensable. Hunters and fishermen could find countless uses for it. You might even find buried treasure with it!

This is a must have gardening tool which will make your life easier. If you treat it with care it should last a long time and you will keep finding new uses for it long after you've bought it.