Hori Hori knife/digger

[Roland58]

My Chinese knock-off Lesche digging tool/knife was starting to bend when I would pry out a plug. Knowing it would not last very much longer, I went to the web to find a good deal on a Lesche digger. In the process, I spotted a Japanese Hori Hori knife (not Hari Kari, ) used for gardening, bonzai plants, digging and metal detecting accessory......thought I would give it a try for $26. It came today, the blade is very stout and 'hurt yourself' sharp! Haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but, it seems to be just what I wanted for digging plugs. Will let everyone know how it works out.....if it doesn't work out, may have to buy the Lesche anyway:

Tool/knife in sheath (sheath is not leather, it is heavy vinyl backed with cloth):

Concave side of blade, note serrated edge on one side and straight edge on the other (VERY sharp!):

Convex side of blade:

This thing should be ideal for cutting a plug, especially, after I wrap the handle with grip tape. I am using the sheath that came with my Kellyco cheapo, the sheath that comes with the knife does not have a large enough hole to accommodate my tool belt. Of course, I could have 'rigged' something to carry it and will eventually have to, as I am sure this knife will cut through the nylon sheath before long.

 

[jmaryt]

looks nasty!..hope ya don't get mad at anybody!
sure looks like it will do the job!

(h.h!)
j.t.

 

[rick in mi]

Wow Roland, I would feel real safe with that in some of the parks I hunt!!!!!!!

 

[WV62]

Well Roland, this looks like an item I would like to add to hunting equipment, I have been using a butcher knife and other tools. Just wondering if you could pass on a link or something where I could order one. I got one of those Lesche like tools that came free with new F75, I took it out one time and it went to my extra stuff box.

Thanks Ron

 

[jjaddict]

Nice, you'll have to let us know how it performs. I've been checking those out on amazon and really wanting to try one. I've used a lesche and they are awesome, but for half the price the hori hori might be a nice buy.

 

[Elton]

A hunting friend of mine bought that knife, or one very close to it. Trying to dig hard, hard ground his hand slipped went right down over the blade.. A very Nasty cut.... See if you can't fashion some type of Guard on that Baby..might save you the same fate.

 

[Roland58]

A hunting friend of mine bought that knife, or one very close to it. Trying to dig hard, hard ground his hand slipped went right down over the blade.. A very Nasty cut.... See if you can't fashion some type of Guard on that Baby..might save you the same fate.

Thanks for the concerned warning, Elton. I have thought about that and very well may fashion a guard. Thinking about what would happen to fingers or a palm sliding down either side of that blade is not a pretty thought! I have an idea in mind for a guard, we'll see.


WV62, do a search on Amazon.com for "Hori Hori" knife, then check around for the best price. I got this one for $27 and free shipping:

"Joshua Roth 1516 Japanese Hori Hori Garden Landscaping Digging Tool With Stainless Steel Blade & Sheath" Lawn & Patio; $26.99

The freebie from Kellyco that came with my F75 was worth just what I paid for it. This thing feels exceptionally stout. Will let everyone know how it works out, as soon as I can get away from playing 'Nurse Betty.' I even have two spots picked out that look promising, can't wait!!

 

[shooter]

This digger is by True temper made of Stainless Steel, with a serrated edge on one side and a full 11 3/4" long, the blade is 5.5"long and marked in inches, the handle is 6" and marked to 11" and 1 more inch to the end, very, very strong and doesn't bend when prying up plugs. handle hefty plastic with wide base and same wide end. Its an awesome digger and is only 12-14 dollars without a sheath, I think you can get it with the sheath also not sure though. I got mine a Home Depot,It's called " Ames

 

[Roland58]

That one looks good, shooter, and a very good price. I forgot to post the measurements on the one I got......the blade is 7 1/4" and the handle is 5 1/4", so, 12 1/2" total.

 

[Roland58]

I got out with the "knife" today for a couple of hours. First off, the handle leaves a lot to be desired. That may be because I have a badly bruised palm, but, the handle could use some good padding. I have a roll or two of 'live rubber' tape that makes for a very good tool grip, will try wrapping it before my next outing. On the good side, cutting a plug was almost effortless, probably due to the sharp edges and the blade penetrated fairly hard dirt easily. Rocking the handle side-to-side, severed any small roots and larger ones were easily dispatched with a little sawing motion using the serrated edge. There was never any feeling of slipping my hand down to the blade, however, I may fashion a guard just to be on the safe side.

Overall rating, 7 out of 10 and this because of the handle. Once that is fixed, the rating will go up. I just wish I had a Lesche to give everyone and myself, a true comparison.

 

[zaxfire69]

Well I have both the Lesche and the Hori. I will tell you a funny story.

I have used the Lesche for at least 2 years now. Last Christmas I recieved the Hori for a gift. It is a very well crafted digger/knife. Well took it out instead of the Lesche digging one day. Our soil was hard as a rock. The first hole I dug I pulled the Hori out and Stuck it in the ground and forgot I didn't have the Metal guard that the Lesche has to keep my finger off of the blade...Yeah..Almost cut it off..I felt the blade hit the bone. Needless to say I put the Hori back in the sheath and walked bleeding back to my truck. NOW let me say this...IF you have the right soil..Meaning not hard as a rock like I have down here in Mississippi after we go without rain for a month or so..This Hori is a wicked digger. I have tried it on softer ground and yes it cut like butter. I usually take it with me now for personal protection..I use my Lesche most of the time. I will take it out now since reading this thread and see how it does and TRY not to cut any fingers off.

 

[Woodchuck]

I have the Nisaku digging knife stainless steel inch markings on it . I have no problems with handle, and believe me I have large hands. Its a stainless steel version of the (Hori Hori) bought it direct from the company in Japan alot cheaper than trying buy it here. Cutting yourself with it HUH ?

 

[zaxfire69]

Ground that was hard as concrete, and being careless. Bad combination with that sharp and I do mean sharp blade.

 

[Roland58]

Zaxfire, that story really didn't sound that funny! "To the bone" gave me a chill. I know it is a very sharp blade and I am taking due caution with it. Your knife appears to have a little better handle on it than mine.....I like the rounded butt (leave it alone). As soon as I find my tape or buy more, I will wrap the handle of mine and make a ridge next to the blade. Your sheath appears to have a larger belt loop than mine, as well. I am having to use my Kellyco sheath to accommodate the wide belt. BTW, the red clay we have around here does turn to concrete when dry and glue when wet......no happy medium.

It would make some dandy protection, even though I 'carry' all the time.

 

[Roland58]

After a number of hunts using the Hori Hori knife for a digger, I remain most impressed. I have not had to dig any bone dry, rock hard, red clay as yet, but, anything short of a backhoe has trouble with that! As much as I like this digger, the handle still left a lot to be desired. Today I went by one of the local motorcycle dealers and purchased a set of foam grips. I couldn't find the ones I had in mind, however, I thought I could make these work......and they did.

The foam grip is mounted on a plastic tube that is made to fit on a handlebar. I removed the foam portion by rolling it from one end to the other.....much like the reverse procedure for a 'prophylactic' device. (couldn't think of any other way of explaining it). Anyhow, with the foam grip rolled into a ring shape, apply some heavy dish soap/water mix as a lubricant to the exposed portion of the 'ring' and the end of the knife handle. CAUTION!: For the next step, the knife should be held in a vise, or inserted between the boards of a picnic table, or, at the very least, tightly wrap the blade with a number of layers of cloth and tape in place. You do NOT want your hand slipping down on the blade!!. With lubricant applied, begin pushing the foam 'ring' onto the end of the handle. This will be difficult, but, it can be done with some effort. I made sure to leave a little of the grip extending past the end of the knife handle to provide a pad when I am applying pressure with my palm. Once the foam ring is started in the right position, simply wrap your fingers/hand around the ring and push downward, unrolling the grip onto the handle of the knife. The end result is a wonderfully padded handle.

Bike Master grip kit with one grip already on the handle of the knife:

This pic shows the end of the plastic tubes, one with the foam still on and the other one with the foam removed:

This shows the end of the knife handle down inside the foam grip, providing some padding for applying pressure:

My application would have been much easier had I removed the grip tape from the knife handle before installation of the foam. In fact, with just the foam grip properly lubricated, it could probably be worked onto the handle with some pushing and twisting (WITH THE BLADE GUARDED!). I actually used a product called Ruglyde, which is a rubber lubricant used for mounting tires. It turns tacky after drying holding a tire bead, or, in this case, the foam grip in place. I didn't fashion a blade guard, even though I probably should have.....I'll just be careful in the meantime.

 

[jim tn]

Good idea and job, Roland. Without a guard, do be careful, though. HH jim tn

 

[WV62]

Guys found this at Harbor Freght, for under $10, I don't think you will bend it.

Ron

 

[Roland58]

Ron, I was at a Harbor Freight today and saw that knife, too! It looked to be a good buy, however, for digging, I would prefer the cupped blade and a padded handle. Does the butt of the handle unscrew giving access to a hollow handle? That would make a dandy place to stash some stuff.
(waiting to see who bites on that one!)

 

[shooter]

How about posting the Harbor Freight info.

 

[Roland58]

Dang Shooter, is your search feature broken? <g>

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-hunting-survival-knife-90714.html

Ron, I saw in the HF ad on the knife that it has a survival kit in the handle already.....includes a sewing kit (that's pretty critical to survival! <g>)