Japanese trowel, all-around weeder, bulb-planter extraordinaire, and general subterranean rummager. The carbon steel blade runs right into the handle, so it's tough and strong. Brilliant for planting bulbs, weeding, and all sorts of garden stuff - but whatever you do, don't take it as carry on luggage and remember: strong as it is, it's not indestructible. Comes with a touch canvas sheath.
Tips: Although considerably stronger than a regular trowel, the mighty hori hori is not completely invincible. Don't stick it in to heavy soil and yank back hard... it's much more efficient used in an in-slice to the left-out action.
Most of our sharp tools are made from carbon steel - this means they may, through regular use, stain (and eventually rust) and gradually lose their edge. Caring for them involves three things…
1. Correct Use:
- Japanese steel is hard and sharp, and can be more brittle than some people are used to - it will chip if abused
- Do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material (even bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially knots and burrs, can damage steel edges)
- Do not twist or apply uneven pressure
- Cut diagonally across branches (not straight across) so you cut along the fibres
- Pay attention to our maximum cut dimensions, and don’t overdo it (shears are not loppers)
- Use the base of the blades, not the tips, for heavier cuts
2. Keeping Them Clean:
- Remove leaf resin, rust and gunk with a Clean Mate and water
- Dry, wipe over with Camellia oil and store in a dry place
New tools won’t need sharpening for some time, but after a while you’ll notice them gradually lose their edge, especially if you’re box clipping (you need REALLY sharp blades to get a good finish with box). Use the Niwaki Sharpening Stones for best results (#1000 grit is best for general sharpening).
3. Keeping Them Sharp:
- Sharpen Secateurs every couple of weeks
- Sharpen Shears and Topiary Clippers EVERY TIME you use them - the difference is amazing
