Legally you can't carry them in public without good reason and some designs come dangerously close to the 'Zombie knife' definition which classes them as an illegal weapon which you can't even own in private.
I have a Niwaki and love it for travelling about. I love the look of it too and enjoy handling it - it's lightness and design. But then I'm fascinated by archery, sword history, knife making and plus Japanese art and design.
The first time I saw one was at the Painswick Rococo Gardens and I chatted to one of the gardeners about it. They said it was the only tool they used for smaller jobs.
Another vote for Niwaki. I’m not a large person and it’s very easy to use. It’s not cheap but then the adage ‘buy cheap buy twice’ comes to mind. Their little garden snips are great too.
I'm at my volunteer garden job on Monday so I'll mention them to the head gardener and ask if his volunteers are worth a hori hori knife. I can imagine his reply, well actually, the look on his face
After this discussion I've had another look at my hori hori knife, given it a clean and decided to give it another go once the season starts! (The Niwaki folding pruning saw is excellent, I use it a lot.)
I should say, that I bought a hori-hori some years ago after recomms on the forum, and, like many other purchases based on the crew here, it's been a great buy. So, thanks to those who put plugged the trowel.
The first time I saw one was at the Painswick Rococo Gardens and I chatted to one of the gardeners about it. They said it was the only tool they used for smaller jobs.
Another vote for the japeto horihori, I have it and love it, it was so handy for the clay soil of my previous garden!
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