Japanese digging and weeding tools

Hori Hori knives, sickles and hand hoes for Australian gardens.

Our Japanese digging and weeding tools are made for hard soil, roots and garden prep. Each piece is hand forged from high carbon steel so it cuts cleanly, bites into compacted soil and stands up to regular use.

For day to day work, reach for a compact hand hoe or weeding sickle for tight beds and borders, a Hori Hori knife for planting and root work, and a heavier field hoe when you need power. Tools are made in Japan and shipped fast from Perth to gardens across Australia, with local support if you need advice.

Japanese digging and weeding tools for Australian gardens


Japanese digging and weeding tools are built to bite into hard soil, cut roots cleanly, and last through many seasons. High carbon steel and simple forged shapes give you sharp edges that are easy to maintain at home. All tools here are made in Japan and shipped fast from our Perth workshop to gardens across Australia.

When to choose a Hori Hori knife


A Hori Hori knife is the all rounder in this range. It works as a narrow trowel, a planting knife, and a root cutter. Use it to open planting holes in compacted soil, slice through roots, and lever out weeds with deep taproots. To see how it works in practice, read our
Hori Hori knife guide.

When a sickle works better


Japanese weeding sickles shine when you need to skim off growth at or just below the surface. The hooked blade lets you pull through soil with little effort, cutting stems and fine roots in one pass. Choose a lighter pattern for borders and raised beds, and a heavier sickle when you are clearing rough patches or older grass. For background on where these tools come from, see our history of the sickle.

Hoes and field tools


Hand hoes and field hoes put more steel on the ground for heavier work. A compact hand hoe suits tight beds and edging, while a field hoe gives you reach and weight for breaking up hard soil. Pick a head size that matches your bed width so you are not overworking on each stroke.

Care and maintenance


After use, knock off soil, wipe the blade dry, and touch up the edge as needed. A few light strokes on a stone keep the bevel sharp and ready for the next job. A thin coat of oil on steel and timber handles helps prevent rust and swelling, especially in coastal areas.

At a glance

  • Hori Hori knives for planting, root work, and general digging.
  • Weeding sickles for fast surface weeding and bed clean up.
  • Hand hoes and field hoes for breaking up hard soil and shaping beds.


If you are building a full tool kit, browse our Japanese garden tools collection to see secateurs, shears, and maintenance tools that pair with these digging and weeding tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these handle tough Australian soils and invasive grasses?

Yes. The forged high-carbon steel edges bite into clay and fibrous grasses when kept sharp. For couch or kikuyu runners, use short, controlled chops with a field hoe or a sharpened weeding sickle, then lift with a soil knife. Avoid striking rocks; let the tool’s weight and edge do the work.

Which tool should I choose for weeds, roots, and soil prep?

Use a hand weeder / nejiri-gama for shallow weeds and tight beds. A soil knife (hori-hori) excels at lifting taproots, dividing clumps, and planting. For compacted soil, turf edges, and small roots, reach for a field hoe / kuwa. Choose a narrower blade for precision; a heavier head for clay or rooty ground.

How do I maintain and sharpen digging and weeding tools?

Knock off soil, rinse, and dry after use. Wipe steel with a light oil (e.g., camellia) to prevent rust. Remove sap or light rust with a rust eraser. Touch up the bevel with a medium water stone (1000–1200 grit) or a fine mill file, keep the original angle and avoid power grinders. Store dry; oil wooden handles periodically.

Tools that sharpen, not replace

Built for longevity. Proper care reduces waste and improves performance over time.

Care guide

Crafted in Japan

Forged by skilled makers using time-honoured techniques. We buy direct from small workshops.

Fast dispatch from Perth

Orders placed before 12pm ship same day from Perth. Delivery times vary by location.

Shipping policy

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