The original
NJP650 Original Hori Hori Weeding Knife
4.8(9,455)
$22.10
Nisaku hori hori knives
The Nisaku hori hori knife is a Japanese digging knife with a concave stainless steel blade, one straight edge and one serrated edge. Eight versions hang on this peg, from the NJP650 original to the full metal No. 6800.
8 tools on this peg
The original
HRC58 hardened
NJP651 Hardened HRC58 Hori Hori with Leather Sheath
4.7(460)
$32.60
Hard sheath
NJP6510 Namibagata Hori Knife with Hard Sheath
$36.50
All-weather grip
NJP801 Yamagatana S Hori Knife, Plastic Grip
4.5(104)
$19.99
Full tang
No. 6550 Full Tang Hori Hori with Black Leather Sheath
$65.00
Full metal
No. 6800 Full Metal Hori Hori with Leather Sheath
4.7(7)
$180.00
Short size
Yamakodachi No. 6200 Short Hori Hori Knife
4.4(8)
$22.10
Field grip
No. 8214 Field Hori Knife with Black Grip
4.2(22)
$43.36
Hori hori knives comparison
Eight hori knives hang on the wall. Here is how the steel, handle and sheath line up, so you can pick the one that fits your soil and your hand.
| Knife | Blade | Handle | Sheath | Price | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJP650 Original Hori Hori Weeding Knife | 7.25 in, Japanese stainless steel | Wood, 5.25 in | — | $22.10 | |
| NJP651 Hardened HRC58 Hori Hori with Leather Sheath | 7.25 in, HRC58 stainless steel | Wood with lanyard | Leather | $32.60 | |
| NJP6510 Namibagata Hori Knife with Hard Sheath | 7.25 in, stainless steel | Wood, 6 in | Hard plastic | $36.50 | |
| NJP801 Yamagatana S Hori Knife, Plastic Grip | 7.25 in, HRC58 stainless steel | Plastic, 5.5 in | — | $19.99 | |
| No. 6550 Full Tang Hori Hori with Black Leather Sheath | Full tang | Full tang | Black leather | $65.00 | |
| No. 6800 Full Metal Hori Hori with Leather Sheath | Stainless steel, serrated | Full metal, one piece | Genuine leather | $180.00 | |
| Yamakodachi No. 6200 Short Hori Hori Knife | Stainless steel | Wood | — | $22.10 |
How the hori hori works
The concave blade scoops soil like a narrow trowel, the straight edge slices twine and stems, and the serrated edge saws roots. Inch markings let you plant bulbs at the depth the packet asks for. The hori hori knife began with the Matagi hunters of Japan, who used it to dig mountain vegetables; Nisaku and Tomita kept the shape and refined the steel.
Which hori is yours
Choose the NJP650 for everyday gardening, the NJP651 with its leather sheath or the plastic-handled NJP801 when the soil is rocky and the edge must hold, the NJP6510 for a hard sheath that sheds rain, and the No. 6550 or No. 6800 if you pry and lever. The short Yamakodachi suits containers and smaller hands.
Keep the edge sharp
A hori hori garden knife is a gardening tool you keep for years. Rinse it, dry it, and sharpen it a few strokes at a time; with that little care the blade will cut cleanly through roots and dirt every season, whichever model, size or blade length you find fits your hand.
Hori hori questions
Do Nisaku hori hori knives come with a sheath?
Most do. The NJP651 and No. 6800 have leather sheaths, the NJP6510 a hard plastic sheath, the No. 6550 a black leather sheath. Check each listing for what is included.
What is the difference between the NJP650 and NJP651?
Both have a 7.25-inch blade. The NJP651 is hardened to HRC58, has a wrist lanyard and a premium leather sheath; the NJP650 is the original everyday version.
Can I sharpen a hori hori?
Yes. Sharpen the straight edge with a fine whetstone or diamond file, and the serrated edge with a tapered rod, tooth by tooth.
Nisaku NJP650 Original Hori Hori Weeding Knife · $22.10