Did you know that in Japan a gardener needs over 20 years of experience before they can truly call themselves a pro? Take the shortcut and kit yourself out with the refined and updated Hori Hori Pro.

It’s almost impossible to list the many uses of a Hori Hori Pro, but at its most basic level it’s a Japanese trowel. As the converted soon discover, A Hori Hori Pro has more uses than there are slugs in the veg patch (see more below).

We’ve taken the same SK-5 carbon steel you’ll find in Niwaki Garden Shears and other tools to sharpen and strengthen the classic Hori Hori blade, plus we’ve added a more ergonomic FSC beech handle, which is more comfortable to use for longer periods of time in a variety of hand positions.

To set this tool apart from the crowd we’d added a flash of red to the canvas holster, which comes as standard, so everyone can spot your ‘pro’ credentials from a distance, but mostly because it looks nice. OK, it’s not going to make you a better gardener, but it will at least be up to the task if you decide to make gardening a full-time pursuit.

Hori Hori literally translates as dig dig. A multi-purpose Japanese gardening tool that has gained a cult following amongst those in the know, anytime you need to dig and rummage around in the ground, reach for the Hori Hori.

Because it’s sharp you can easily use it to cut through tough roots. Its narrow blade is great for getting in to tight spots without disturbing surrounding plants and, since we’ve upgraded the steel to stronger, sharper SK-5 carbon steel, you can use it with more confidence to prise stones and other undesirables from the ground.

A Hori Hori is the perfect shape for getting plants out of pots, is sharp enough to divide (and conquer) perennials, makes a perfect bulb-sized hole and, with a little practice, can launch a snail at least 20m.

It’s such a handy tool we include a canvas sheath as standard, to make sure you can keep it by your side at all times.