Available in both Left-Handed and Right-Handed options, this demon little one-handed weeding hoe is great for slicing through weeds in borders and veg beds, and like our friend the Hori Hori, provokes odd behaviour in people.
 
Also handy for preparing seed rows and drills.
 
Most of Niwaki's sharp tools are made from carbon steel - this means they may, through regular use, stain (and eventually rust) and gradually lose their edge. Caring for them involves three things…
 
1. Correct Use:
Japanese steel is hard and sharp, and can be more brittle than some people are used to - it will chip if abused
Do not cut wire, metal, stone, plastic or any other hard material (even bamboo fibres and some very hard woods, especially knots and burrs, can damage steel edges)
Do not twist or apply uneven pressure
Cut diagonally across branches (not straight across) so you cut along the fibres
Pay attention to our maximum cut dimensions, and don’t overdo it (shears are not loppers)
Use the base of the blades, not the tips, for heavier cuts
 
2. Keeping Them Clean:
Remove leaf resin, rust and gunk with a Crean Mate and waterDry, wipe over with Camellia oil and store in a dry place
 
3. Keeping Them Sharp:
New tools won’t need sharpening for some time, but after a while you’ll notice them gradually lose their edge, especially if you’re box clipping (you need REALLY sharp blades to get a good finish with box). Use the Niwaki Sharpening Stones for best results (#1000 grit is best for general sharpening)