Joshua Roth 1515 Hori Hori Digging Tool

I bought several brand to compare. Misaku is the most popular stainless steel Weight 8.3 oz. This one is shorter but weight 9.9 oz. Carbon steel seems heated treated and hand made by a family small operation (my guess work) primary use Japanese traditional way mostly. In modern society high labor costs impossible to it the old way. But compromised a bit. I have not use it yet. But my observation told me as long as I take care of it.

My favorite garden hand tool. I always have it on me when I am planting, weeding or any other task that involves me being on my hands and knees in the garden. It chops through the hardest clay soil without a problem. I'll admit I don't take the best care of it, but it has held up without issues dispute the abuse. I have had the same one going on 4 years. I usually don't get a year our of hand trowels. My only complaint is the sheath is pretty flimsy and I haven't bothered to using it.

I originally posted a review back in 9/07, after purchasing this tool for a friend. (I have added it below just for your information because Amazon used to list this tool under the heading, "Knife Digging Hand 6 1/2 Inch", but is no longer available.) I purchased several of these tools over recent years as gifts for gardening friends, and I am generally still pleased with my own. The hefty hunk of steel is excellent for removing weeds, planting, and prying up large rocks from the soil. Now, five years later, I have discovered two flaws in the design: 1-The wooden handle of the tool is made of unfinished wood, so I recommend oiling it (I use mineral oil.) before use and then, every once in awhile. If your climate is rainy, it will split, unless oiled. 2-The two rivets that hold the handle to the tool are set only two thirds into the handle from one side. After a few years, the rivets can loosen and come out. I just drilled the hole completely through the handle, and repaired it by securing it with a small bolt and nut. There is also a longer handled version of this tool, (still available on the internet), that address that problem buy seating the rivets completely through the handle, so they won't come out. Finally, I think the sheath is pretty inadequate and cheaply made. I just throw my tool in the garden bucket and never use the sheath.Previous Review (9/07): I bought this Sentora tool to replace a similar digging knife that my friend, who works as a landscaper, had lost and could not find in local stores in our area. The Sentora hand tool, (unlike my friend's original one), has a tough, black coating to resist rust and the steel has excellent weight and heft to perform weeding, planting and other general garden chores. My friend is highly pleased with this tool.

Now in my third season using this tool. It is the most versatile gardening hand tool I have used. It digs, cuts and transplants, and it is well made. There is something very satisfying with simplicity when it does the job and holds up to hard use. I did buy a leather sheath from A M. Leonard however, as the sheath that comes with this tool is worthless. The tool is Highly recommended.

My husband read about this tool in a gardening article listing it as the "must have" for the serious gardener so he ordered it for me as a gift. At first I didn't think I would use it, but now I am in love. It's me and my hori hori against the world of weeds (damn you Dandelions) and those tough patches of soil. I think I even scared off some of my neighbors when they saw me roaming around my yard with it...they'll never forget to pick up after their dog again. It is the ultimate tool and a great addition to any gardener's tool shed.

The construction is great and it's got a nice heft, but the serrated edge is on the right side of the blade, making this an appropriate tool for a left-handed gardener. Wish I'd known that before I ordered it. It works, but not as well or as ergonomically as if the serration was on the left.

A professional landscape friend recommended this tool. It's a sturdy,simple,well designed tool that saves my hands, back,and time. To use, you just insert the blade deep in the ground at the base of the weed, loosen the soil, and pull... out it comes roots and all. The jagged edge of the tool can slice away tougher weeds and roots. I don't need to lug around all those other weeding tools. My neighbor asked where she could get one after only a half an hour of using mine.

Tool came with three rust spots. I take care of my tools and would never allow rust to take hold of any of them! I can't believe that I had to pay for a "new" tool that came with rust does not make me happy!