This little tool is small but mighty: the slightly sharpened hoe edge scrapes and cuts soil beautifully, and the whole thing is 13 in long, so it works close in beds and containers where a full hoe is clumsy. The head is high carbon steel with a fine cutting edge, ground for right-handed use, and its tang runs up into a Japanese White Oak handle secured with a pin and steel collar.

The blade can be resharpened if you nick a rock. It will rust if left out in the rain, so clean and dry it after use; we spray our garden tools with camellia oil, a non-toxic, edible oil that keeps them bright.

Specifications:

• Overall length: 13 in
• Handle: 10 in, Japanese White Oak, pinned with a steel collar
• Cutting edge: 4-1/2 in; blade depth 1-1/2 in
• Head: high carbon steel, right-handed grind, sharpenable; oil after use
• Made in: Japan