hori hori

American  

[hawr-ee hawr-ee] / ˈhɔr i ˈhɔr i /

Or hori-hori

noun

1. a sharp, sturdy gardening knife with a concave steel blade, usually with one serrated edge and one straight edge, whose multiple uses include digging, prying up plants, transplanting from pots, dividing perennials, sawing through roots, and cutting into compacted soil.

   Without this hori hori, I never would have attempted to dig up and divide the knotted mass of daylilies near the back steps.

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Etymology

Origin of hori hori

First recorded in 2000–05; from Japanese, reduplicated use of stem of horu “to dig”

Example Sentences

Weiner walked around the property, pointing out Clark’s work and showing off a hori hori knife tucked in a pocket of her overalls.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 18, 2023

Sharp pruners and snips and multipurpose weeding tools, such a hori hori knife, make garden chores easier.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 3, 2022

It is made in China, however, so if you prefer a Japanese-made hori hori, try Nisaku’s $22 knife, which includes a leather sheath for storage but not, alas, for wearing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2021

Why you want this: If you are in need of new gardening tools this spring but are trying to save shed space, look no further than the hori hori.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2021

For this purpose, as Pleasant told me, “many experienced gardeners would not be without a hori hori knife, but if you don’t have one, a stout kitchen knife will do.”

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2020