If you’re shopping for a gardener, or maybe even looking for an idea to put on your own wish list, you may be wondering about the absolute best gardening gift. There are a lot of options, to be sure. You may have considered curating items for gardening gift baskets, or else thought about getting them a plant subscription box. There’s a vast variety of tools and seeds and novelty T-shirts that any plant-devoted human may squeal about. But the one thing that stands out is a high-quality hori hori knife.
What is a hori hori knife?
Hori knives are special gardening knives that are often used for digging, weeding, and pruning. The word “hori” is the Japanese word for “to dig,” and hori hori is used to describe the sound of digging, so the name is something of a pun!
Although they’re called knives, hori hori knives are actually double bladed, meaning that both edges are sharp. This means that it is actually, technically, a dagger! There are some variations between makers, but it is typical to see blades that are marked with measurements, blades that have a smooth edge and a toothier, more saw-like edge, a fairly short blade, and a nice wooden handle.
Why is it a great gift?
Hori hori knives are multipurpose, meaning that one high-quality hori hori knife can replace several different garden tools and often do the job better than the original tools. They’re durable and long-lasting, meaning they give you a good return on your investment.
They also make a great gift because they’re something that many gardeners would love to have but won’t buy for themselves. They’re nice enough to warrant purchasing for a special occasion, but they’re still very useful and practical. It makes it even sweeter when a gardener who thinks they just can’t justify the purchase receives one as a gift!
Where can you get the best knife?
There are a wide range of hori hori knives on the market from a variety of manufacturers. There are also knives at different prices, so finding a knife within your personal price range isn’t an issue. Here are three great choices at different price points.
Truly Garden hori knife
The Truly Garden hori hori knife is comparatively inexpensive but still a very good quality. This is a good option if you’re looking to avoid the bells and whistles — it is just the knife and nothing else. It’s a lovely, standard blade, with everything you could expect from a hori hori knife.
HOKURU hori knife
One step up from there is the HOKURU hori hori knife. It’s also fairly standard, with the typical blade markings and the double bladed smooth and serrated edges. However, this knife also comes with a leather sheath for storing and carrying as well as a sharpening block. This is a nice midrange option, as it comes with a little extra but isn’t wildly expensive.
Barebones hori garden tool
At the very top is the Barebones hori hori knife. This is a fine, high-quality blade. The blade is tempered steel and the handle is walnut. Aside from being excellently made, this knife also has a very strong aesthetic appeal and sleek look.
No matter which knife you go with, any gardener would be thrilled beyond belief to receive one of these magnificent digging daggers! You’ll certainly be the favorite gift giver of the occasion, that’s for sure.
