Felco 441 Hori Hori – Swiss Garden Knife 16 cm Blade

The Hori Hori is a tool of Japanese origin — its name is onomatopoeic, echoing the sound of digging into the earth. Originally developed to extract root vegetables and mountain vegetation, it has become the world's go-to multi-purpose garden knife.

The Felco 441 is a Swiss interpretation: a 16 cm slightly concave steel blade, sharpened on two distinct edges for cleanly cutting leaves, stems and fine roots on one side, and tough, woody roots on the other — effortlessly.

Weighing just 190 g with a total length of 34 cm, it is used one-handed for all precision tasks: row planting, extracting dandelions and docks, loosening clumps, cutting root balls. Its slightly curved profile makes it easy to scoop and turn soil around roots without disturbing neighbouring plants.

ADVANTAGES

✅ 16 cm steel blade — resistant, durable and easy to maintain;

✅ Concave profile — makes digging, scooping and soil handling easier;

✅ 190 g weight, 34 cm total length — manoeuvrable, precise, fatigue-free;

✅ Felco brand — Swiss reference manufacturer for precision garden and pruning tools.

USE

• Extracting tap-rooted weeds (dandelion, dock, thistle): drive the blade around the root and lever it out whole;
• Planting bulbs, plug plants and seedlings: use the graduation to set depth without measuring;
• Row transplanting: score the furrow, plant, backfill in a single motion;
• Dividing and relocating clumps of perennials;
• Cutting through tough, woody roots with the serrated edge;
• Use a levering motion rather than brute force on very compacted ground to avoid bending the blade.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

• Rinse the blade after every use, especially on acidic or wet soil;
• Wipe dry before storing to preserve the steel;
• Hone with a small whetstone or honing steel when the cut becomes less clean;
• Store in a dry place — a leather or nylon sheath is recommended to protect both blade and user.

FAQ

What is a Hori Hori and what is it used for?

The Hori Hori is a Japanese garden knife whose name literally means "dig dig". Its wide, thick blade is sharpened on one side, serrated on the other and slightly curved — making it a universal tool for planting, weeding, dividing clumps, cutting roots, drawing furrows and even mixing compost. The Felco 441 brings this design to life with a 16 cm forged Swiss steel blade.

Is the Felco 441 blade sharpened on both sides?

No. The blade has a straight cutting edge on one side and a serrated edge on the other. The straight edge is used for clean cuts (roots, stems, dividing clumps); the serration for sawing through thicker roots or cutting ties and twine. Both edges are functional and complementary.

Can the Felco 441 replace a pruning shear?

For some tasks, yes — cuttings, small stems or ties. But it does not replace a pruning shear for the precise pruning of woody or semi-woody plants, where a clean cut and protection of plant tissue are essential. The Felco 441 and a Felco pruning shear are complementary, not interchangeable.

How do you maintain the Felco 441 blade?

Rinse after each use and dry to prevent rust. Sharpen the straight edge with a fine-grit stone (Felco 902 or 903) on the existing bevel. The serrated edge cannot be sharpened with a flat stone — use a fine triangular sharpening rod or have it done by a professional. Apply a light coat of oil to the blade if storing for an extended period.