NisakuNJP800 Yamagatana Hori Weeding & Digging Knife, Japanese Stainless Steel 7.25-Inch Blade, 5.5-Inch Ergonomic Black Plastic Handle

I've always had an appreciation for the pragmatic design of Japanese tools - especially the saws and chisels used in traditional Japanese carpentry. This 'hori' is no different and the quality is immediately evident in the blade's stainless steel finish. The blade itself is 1/8" thick (3.24mm), and the width is nearly 2". It feels nice and sturdy in my hands, and is neither too heavy nor too light. The embossed ruler on the concave side of the hori is fairly accurate for both inch and millimetre scales, which surprised me because I've come to expect the addition of this sort of feature to be done poorly.The only thing that I consider to be a potential issue with it is the polymer handle. I don't know exactly what kind of plastic it is and the description for the listing does not specify; but living in Arizona, the ever-present UV light can cause plastics to deteriorate and fail (if you leave it sitting outside). Though you can always opt for the version with a wooden handle, but that would mean sacrificing the hilt (which on a double-edged blade made for stabbing into the ground, I wouldn't want my hand to accidentally slide down the blade when it suddenly and forcefully encounters a rock). The partial-tang is also a little "meh" because it means the hori isn't balanced - but since it's technically not a knife, I feel like I'm probably being a little too picky.Finally, the plastic sheath that comes with it seems reasonable enough, especially if you're only using it for gardening. I bought this to carry in my rucksack on hikes or for occasions such as metal-detecting/hobby-geology. With that in mind, I don't feel as though the sheath will stand up to a whole lot of abuse over time, so I plan to make one from leather.Overall, I appreciate the craftsmanship - it's pleasing both aesthetically and ergonomically, even if it is just a tool for digging the weeds or whatever it is you choose to do.*It worked well digging up a few weeds in my yard, and the ground is quite solid here. If it doesn't hold up to actual use or I encounter any issues, then I'll update my review accordingly.

country of origin: JapanAfter field testing the product on some gardening work, with realistic expectation, you also might be satisfied with this tool just like I am.Few weeks ago, using serrated edge with some elbow grease , I saw through some 1/2 inch wet (living) roots to remove an unwanted bush.It took me around 15 mintues to do the job.Today, using serrated edge again, I went through some badly over grown sod. Including roots, I sliced through, "over foot in length of vegetation" to fully stuff a 33 gallon garbage bag with it.This job also took me around 15 minutes of actual work.Thanks to effectiveness of this tool, Both times It felt like just a light workout to me.Without it, both job would have been much harder and took lot longer.Although I can't say it's like hot knife going through butter, it makes garden work easier and even fun enough for average strength healthy adult..I just have to remember to put my weight with the blade and against roots I'm slicing and sawing through.It's great at sawing and slicing light to medium duty at your garden.Pros:I really appreciate the extra large hand rest which will effectively prevent injuries when working in wet condition.This item is made in Japan, made by Japanese at a company based in Japan. I urge more US and European companies like Apple and Fiskar to do the same.It's made of stainless steel to prevent rusting.It looks just great with very military or tactical appearance.Con;it doesn't feel like it's fully tanged...Thus, it's not as balanced as some people like myself might like. So I took one star off.EDIT: 11/26/2011I been using this tool to extract dandilions and it works perfectly and quite easily. I love how I can groom my lawn without poisoning EVERYTHING with toxic weed spray.It's a great multi purpose tool. I really love mine now.Edit: 3/3/2012So far I removed over two 33gal bag worth of dandilions, just with this one tool!Just by observing my yard work, my neighbor wants me to order one for her hubby.

I'm in the garden most days of the week and this is tool is hands down the best thing I use. It helps with weeds, digging, planting, trimming and everything in between. It comes very sharp so be careful working with it.

This tool is more than up to the job of lawn care. No weed is safe from me now, quick, clean, and effortless. My initial purpose in purchasing this tool was to assist me recovering targets while metal detecting. It works wonders in this fashion however, I think the looks are a bit too aggressive to be weilding in a public park. Kids think its cool parents do not. The tool works well enough in watered lawns and I have not had to use it as a pry, I do not feel it would standup to this since the tang appears to only go halfway into the handle. Fourtunatly, it is so sharp I do not have to use it in this fashion. The sheath is another story, it broke at the rivet point of the belt loop due to the cheap construction. This has no refection on the tool it seems to be a quality product.

This Hori knife is awesome! I've been using it for over a year as a replacement for one I had before that broke. This one has been nothing short of amazing! I use it all the time to expand my garden and dig up rather large, deep rocks! I honestly prefer it to my trowel when setting out new plants. It's also super handy for digging up plantain and other large weeds in my lawn. Unfortunately I've dulled down the serrated blade but that feature was really useful for sawing through roots. I would highly recommend buying this knife!