Knife for in the garden

[Polliwog]

Hello!

I am looking to get a knife for my mother. She really enjoys gardening, and she has mentioned to me that she would like a knife for when she is tending her garden. It needs to be a folder, and I know that it won't have a pampered life so it will need to be fairly rust resistant and durable. Thanks for any help!

 

[jmgruber]

Opinel Garden Knife

 

[Korean Hog]

Any of the Spyderco Salt Series Hawkbills would probably be a good choice.
No rust at all and they're durable enough for me to run duct work and wire houses with.
I use a little Salt Hawkbill everyday at work doing AC and Electrical service calls.
They're all around $100 give or take and quite a few are less than $100
Plain edge example

Serrated example

One of these wouldn't be bad to go with either
It's called a "Hori-Hori"

 

[Smiling]

Folder and garden aren't 2 things I'd put together.

I would reccomend a Mora.

 

[PirateSeulb]

What does she use a knife in the garden for? What opening methods are suitable? What is the budget for this?

 

[lieferung]

A Spyderco Byrd hawkbill, I think it's a variation on the Meadowlark. Same functionality as the Salt models (sand corrison proof) and a lot less expensive. My grandmother uses one in the garden no problem.

 

[Getahl]

I've used a Mora Companion (? The colorful, stainless one) to kinda saw through grass and dirt when I need to fix or replace sprinkler risers, to good effect. I otherwise keep a Stanley knife with my garden tools for bags of soil and mulch. I otherwise don't use a knife outside.

 

[Korean Hog]

A Spyderco Byrd hawkbill, I think it's a variation on the Meadowlark. Same functionality as the Salt models (sand corrison proof) and a lot less expensive. My grandmother uses one in the garden no problem.

Oh yeah second that for sure, if you're not a big time knife nerd like us, Spydercos Byrd series should be just as good.
Not rust proof, and you may see a little staining, but nothing that should cause any problems.
In other words, if you don't geek out on knives, the Byrd series will be pretty much the same thing at a cheaper price.
Spyderco Salt series is made in Japan vs. Byrd is made in China, but they seem like really good knives for the money.

 

[Polliwog]

What does she use a knife in the garden for? What opening methods are suitable? What is the budget for this?

She would use it to open mulch and soil bags, harvesting tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and beans. She may even use it to cut open the plastic containers that the plants come in. I think something like a spidey hole or thumb stud would work fine or even a nail nick. As far as price range something about $100 or less. I hope this helps give more clarity.

 

[Korean Hog]

I've used a Mora Companion (? The colorful, stainless one) to kinda saw through grass and dirt when I need to fix or replace sprinkler risers, to good effect. I otherwise keep a Stanley knife with my garden tools for bags of soil and mulch. I otherwise don't use a knife outside.

You're missing out!! yard work creates so many opportunities to play with/ work with your knives more.
I don't care if I'm just finding excuses to use my knives because using my knives is a lot of fun and the work still gets done in the same amount of time and looks just as good.

 

[Cowboyfromhell666]

Byrd hawkbill is definitely great choice but will rust eventually if not cared for. Salt series are top notch but more money...I own both

 

[gazz98]

I'd get her a folder and fixed and stay well under your budget. Linked to BHQ for easy reference.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Cold-Steel-Tuff-Lite-Tri-Ad-Lock--51979
Should fit her hand well. Bright color. Solid lock.

https://www.bladehq.com/item--Mora-Companion-Heavy-Duty-Fixed--90413
My wife and I use a Mora stainless steel in our garden. Light, inexpensive, and comfortable in the hand.

You could even go with a https://www.bladehq.com/item--Morakniv-Pro-S-Knife-Blue-3-Satin--28084 and save more $.

 

[KenHash]

If you are talking about a garden knife that will be serving as an all-around tool including some dirt contact, I would suggest a Japanese Hori-Hori. Digging through dirt will dull a blade so fast it's not funny. And in most gardening environments the need for a folder does not exist. Nisaku are a well known brand.

If the garden knife is to be used strictly on the plants themselves, there are knives made for florists.
As an example these are Florist Knives from Tak Fukuta, Seki Japan.

 

[White Rhino]

Spyderco Pacific Salt serrated is my favorite knife for general yard work. Rustproof, lightweight, easy to clean. And the serrations work incredibly well to prune thin branches and stems with a "flick of the wrist", seems to kind of grab and cut them instead of batting them away.

 

[SW-EDC]

Anything serrated will do. I use a kitchen knife to trim my spinach.

 

[Bastler]

I prefer my Otter Anker Messer in the garden. They're available in stainless.

 

[MolokaiRider]

Hori-hori, a quality pair of carbon steel clippers with leather sheath, and a Swiss Army Knife.

 

[Eli Chaps]

I would avoid hawkbills and such. Yes, they are close to classic garden knife shapes but they are a bear to maintain.

I'd recommend a Leatherman Skeletool. Easy-open blade with a few additional tools, lightweight, pocket (or pouch) clip, etc.

 

[stevekolt]

Another Mora suggestion would be the Eldris necker, my wife loves hers...

 

[timberweasel]

Svord Peasant. Simple, tough, affordable. Stick to the plastic or wood handled ones though; the aluminum scales are complete garbage. Carbon steel, but fairly easy to maintain, IMO.