Dear Santa.....

What to ask Santa for or give your favourite gardener for the holidays.

The Japanese Hori-Hori, sometimes referred to as a "soil knife" or a "weeding knife", is a heavy serrated multi-purpose steel blade for gardening jobs such as digging or cutting. The blade is sharp on both sides and comes to a semi-sharp point at the end.

The size of the knife varies from eleven to fifteen inches in total length, depending on the size of the handle. The size of the blade can vary, but it is normally around 6⅞” × 1¾” and the stainless steel blade is often polished to a mirror-like finish and is usually paired with a scabbard.

The blade is razor sharp and is serrated for cutting through roots and tough soil. Functions include a knife, a saw, a digging tool, or as a measuring device for planting bulbs.

The Hori-Hori has uses in gardening such as weeding, cutting roots, transplanting, removing plants, sod cutting, and splitting perennials. The blade is made of thick and strong carbon steel or a much stronger stainless steel that is concave shaped to make it ideal for digging and prying. The blade has a large smooth wooden handle for comfortable use with one hand.

You can find Hori Hori knives at many retailers such as Williams Sonoma, Duluth Trading Co. and Garden Tool Company.