Sakai BONSAI Stainless Hori Hori with Belt Sheath

Lower-maintenance Hori Hori for planting and wet soil

The Sakai BONSAI Stainless Hori Hori is a 300mm Japanese soil knife for planting, transplanting, dividing and cutting smaller roots. Its 170mm × 3mm stainless blade combines a straight edge, serrated edge and 15cm depth scale.

Choose it for wet soil or lower-maintenance ownership. It still needs cleaning and drying, but it is more forgiving than carbon steel. A synthetic-leather belt sheath is included.

Stainless vs carbon steel Hori Hori

• Choose stainless if you work in wet soil often or want easier rust resistance.
• Choose carbon steel if you prefer a more traditional tool feel and do not mind regular oiling.
• For a lighter value option, compare the Sakai BONSAI carbon steel Hori Hori; for a thicker, heavier carbon blade, compare the Gyokucho Hori Hori.

Best suited to

• Planting bulbs and seedlings
• Transplanting and dividing perennials
• Wet soil and general garden digging
• Measuring planting depth with the 15cm scale
• Gardeners who want lower maintenance than carbon steel

Who should not buy this

• Do not expect stainless steel to be maintenance-free; clean and dry it after use.
• Do not use it as a pry bar against rocks, concrete edges or substantial roots.
• Choose a trowel instead if your main job is scooping and moving soil.

Care expectations

Rinse or wipe off soil after use and dry thoroughly. Occasional light oiling is useful after wet work or before long storage. Keep the synthetic-leather sheath dry and do not store a damp blade inside it.

Browse related Japanese digging tools or Japanese tool care and sharpening.

Rinse or wipe off soil after use and dry thoroughly. Stainless steel is more forgiving than carbon steel, but it still benefits from occasional oiling if used in wet soil or stored for long periods.

For oil, cleaning and sharpening supplies, browse the Japanese tool care and sharpening range. Store dry with the sheath fitted.