Where the crack weeder picks at joints, this one cuts. The Isojiro DK-696 is a compact Japanese weeding sickle with a gently curved 4-7/8-in stainless blade and a fine serrated edge. Draw it toward you along the ground and the curve follows the soil, taking weeds off at the root while the teeth grip stems instead of sliding past them.
The blade is stainless and hardened through, so wet grass and a night left outside don’t bother it. At 12-5/8 in overall, the handle gives a little extra reach into beds and borders, and the bright pink is hard to lose in the grass. A hang hole lets it live on a hook. Made by Doukan in Miki, Japan.