Hori Hori Mes 16,5 cm | Gladiator-serie | NSF-gecertificeerd | Dalstrong ©

The D3 diamond sharpening

The LionShield treatment on this blade is no joke—it handled roots and rocks in my garden without a single chip. Out of the box, the sharpness was impressive, and it feels solid in the hand for precision digging or slicing through tough soil. Definitely a step up from my old trowel.

The German X50CRMOV15 steel took an edge like nothing I’ve used before after the D3 sharpening process—cuts through roots in my garden without any resistance. It’s hefty but well-balanced in hand.

The LionShield heat treatment really shows; this blade holds its sharpness through tough roots and soil without needing a touch-up mid-job. Feels solid in the hand, and the edge came out of the box razor-sharp.

The German steel took a fantastic edge right out of the box and has held it through a few heavy pruning sessions. It’s sturdy enough to dig roots without flexing, yet comfortable for detailed weeding.

I’m no knife expert, but this blade’s German steel held an edge after slicing through root-bound soil and plastic pots all afternoon. The sub-zero heat treatment seems to make a real difference in durability.

The LionShield treatment truly makes a difference—this blade feels incredibly sturdy and held its edge after cutting through tough roots and compacted soil all afternoon. The diamond-detailed sharpening is no joke; it sliced through thick twine without any snagging. Exactly what I needed for serious yard work.

The blade’s X50CRMOV15 steel took a great edge right out of the box, and the D3 sharpening process definitely shows. It cuts through heavy garden roots with surprising ease, and the LionShield treatment seems to keep the edge from rolling. A solid, no-nonsense digging knife.

Actually used it for its intended purpose—digging out stubborn dandelion roots—and the 6.5" blade handled the job without bending. The sub-zero tempered steel feels solid in the hand, and the diamond-detailed edge is still sharp after a full afternoon of gardening.

The German steel has held its edge through digging in rocky soil, which I didn't expect. The sub-zero treatment seems legit, and the blade thickness feels reassuringly solid.