For dividing perennials, I would start with the Fiskars Hori Hori Garden Knife with Sheath if you want one tool for splitting, digging, planting, and weeding. The Keyfit Tools Spartan has a more division-focused profile, with an 8-inch double-sided serrated blade, while the PERWIN Hori Hori pairs a 7-inch blade with a full-tang walnut handle. Those strengths come with different compromises: the Fiskars offers depth markings and a sheath, the Keyfit’s blade is fully serrated rather than split between smooth and serrated edges, and the PERWIN requires hand washing.
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These four tools are not substitutes for a spade when a mature, dense root ball needs serious leverage. They suit more controlled jobs: teasing apart smaller perennial clumps, severing roots, and lifting divisions from garden soil. I rank them by how well their blade and grip support those tasks, then by useful extras and limitations. My top pick is the most balanced; the others make more sense for buyers who prioritize a division-oriented edge, a wood handle, or a large cushioned grip.
Key Takeaways
- Best all-around: Fiskars Hori Hori Garden Knife with Sheath combines a sharp edge, a serrated section, depth markings, and a protective carry sheath.
- Most division-focused blade: Keyfit Tools Spartan offers an 8-inch double-sided serrated blade suited to slicing through fibrous roots and plant material.
- Wood-handle choice: PERWIN pairs a 7-inch stainless steel blade with a full-tang walnut handle, but its care instructions call for hand washing.
- Grip-first option: Fiskars Big Grip puts an oversized Softgrip handle ahead of extras; it does not include a sheath.
- Match the tool to the root ball: These knives suit smaller, controlled divisions, while large or woody clumps may call for a spade or heavier dividing tool.
| Fiskars Hori Hori Garden Knife with Sheath |  | Best Overall | Brand: Fiskars | Model: Hori Hori Garden Knife | Blade material: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Keyfit Tools Spartan Hori Hori Garden Knife with Serrated Stainless Steel Blade |  | Best for Root-Slicing Divisions | Blade material: Stainless steel | Blade length: 8 inches | Blade edge: Double-sided serrated | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| PERWIN Hori Hori Garden Knife with Sheath |  | Best Wood-Handle Option | Blade material: Stainless steel | Handle material: Walnut wood | Blade length: 7 inches | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Fiskars Big Grip Multi-Purpose Garden Knife |  | Best for a Large, Cushioned Grip | Brand: Fiskars | Model: Big Grip Garden Knife | Recommended uses: Gardening, digging, weeding, planting, and transplanting | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| garden plant division tool | Blade material | Brand | Model | Blade features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiskars Hori Hori Garden Knife | Corrosion-resistant stainless steel | Fiskars | Hori Hori Garden Knife | Dual-edged, serrated edge, forked tip, English and metric depth markings |
| Keyfit Tools Spartan Hori Hori | Stainless steel | — | — | — |
| PERWIN Hori Hori Garden Knife | Stainless steel | — | — | — |
| Fiskars Big Grip Multi-Purpose | — | Fiskars | Big Grip Garden Knife | Sharpened edge, serrated edge, and forked tip |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Fiskars Hori Hori Garden Knife with Sheath
I rank this first because it balances the tasks that tend to come together during a small perennial division. Its dual-edged stainless steel blade offers a sharp side for controlled cuts and a serrated section for tougher roots or fibrous growth. The forked tip supports digging and loosening around a plant, while English and metric depth markings help when setting divisions or bulbs at a consistent depth. Compared with the Keyfit Spartan’s all-serrated edge, this layout covers a wider mix of cutting and planting jobs.
The included hard plastic sheath with belt loop gives this model a practical advantage over the Fiskars Big Grip, which is supplied as a knife only. Its SoftGrip handle is intended to make handling more comfortable, an appealing feature when a job involves repeated digging and cutting. The combination makes this the strongest general-purpose choice in the group rather than the most specialized root-cutting blade.
That versatility has limits. The provided details do not specify blade length, weight, or a dedicated heavy-duty construction for forcing through large root balls. I would use it for smaller clumps and controlled cuts, not treat it as a replacement for a spade when a mature plant needs substantial leverage. The knife’s extra planting and weeding functions may also be less useful to someone who wants a blade devoted mainly to slicing divisions. A full lifetime warranty is listed, but the product still needs ordinary care and safe sheath storage.
Pros:- Mixed sharp and serrated edges handle both controlled cuts and tougher roots.
- Depth markings help with consistent planting and transplanting.
- SoftGrip handle and included belt-loop sheath support comfortable handling and protected carry.
- Forked tip adds digging and loosening utility beyond root cutting.
Cons:- The available specifications do not state blade length or weight, making reach harder to compare.
- A multipurpose mixed edge is less specialized for sustained sawing than the Keyfit’s double-sided serrated blade.
- Not presented as a heavy-duty substitute for a spade on large, dense root balls.
Best for: Gardeners who want one division-capable hori hori for smaller perennial clumps, planting, weeding, and digging, with depth marks and an included sheath.
Not ideal for: Anyone dividing very large, woody root balls or seeking a tool with a specified long blade for deeper reach; a spade or heavier dividing tool is a better fit.
- Brand:Fiskars
- Model:Hori Hori Garden Knife
- Blade material:Corrosion-resistant stainless steel
- Blade features:Dual-edged, serrated edge, forked tip, English and metric depth markings
- Handle:SoftGrip
- Included components:Knife and hard plastic sheath with belt loop
- Recommended uses:Weeding, planting, digging, splitting, and transplanting
- Warranty:Full lifetime warranty
Our verdict“I recommend this as the most balanced choice for gardeners who want a sheath-equipped division knife that can also handle common planting and weeding jobs.”
Keyfit Tools Spartan Hori Hori Garden Knife with Serrated Stainless Steel Blade
The Keyfit Spartan is the most division-oriented option here on the strength of its 8-inch double-sided serrated stainless steel blade. That long, toothed edge is a clear fit for sawing through fibrous roots and cutting back plant material. Compared with the Fiskars Hori Hori’s combination of smooth and serrated edges, the Keyfit puts more of its blade to work in a sawing motion. If the main task is separating plants rather than switching frequently between precision cuts and planting, that emphasis may suit you.
Its 5-inch ergonomic rubber handle and listed 4-ounce weight keep the stated design comparatively light, while the ambidextrous orientation avoids specifying a left- or right-handed fit. A sheath is included, as with the two sheath-equipped hori hori models, so it has an advantage over the Fiskars Big Grip for protected storage. The round point differs from the forked tips listed on both Fiskars models; buyers wanting a forked tip for loosening or prying should favor one of those instead.
The tradeoff is specialization. A fully serrated blade does not provide the same smooth cutting edge as the Fiskars Hori Hori or PERWIN, and the supplied information does not list depth markings. Its division-friendly blade also does not make it a lever for forcing apart a massive root ball. I would choose it for controlled work on moderate clumps and fibrous roots, then reach for a spade if the plant is large or tightly packed. The supplied specs do not state a warranty or blade-care instructions, so I would not assume either.
Pros:- Eight-inch, double-sided serrated blade is tailored to sawing through plant material.
- Rubber handle is described as ergonomic and resistant to rot.
- Four-ounce listed weight and ambidextrous design suit varied handling preferences.
- Included sheath helps protect the blade during storage and carry.
Cons:- Fully serrated edges offer less smooth-cut versatility than the mixed-edge Fiskars and PERWIN blades.
- No depth markings are listed.
- The round point lacks the forked tip specified on both Fiskars models.
Best for: Gardeners who prioritize an extended serrated edge for slicing through fibrous roots and cutting plant material during smaller to moderate divisions.
Not ideal for: Buyers who want depth markings, a smooth edge for cleaner slicing, or a forked point for loosening soil around the crown.
- Blade material:Stainless steel
- Blade length:8 inches
- Blade edge:Double-sided serrated
- Handle material:Rubber
- Handle length:5 inches
- Item weight:4 ounces
- Point style:Round point
- Hand orientation:Ambidextrous
- Included component:Sheath
Our verdict“I would pick the Keyfit Spartan when serrated root-cutting capacity matters more than a mixed edge, depth marks, or a forked tip.”
PERWIN Hori Hori Garden Knife with Sheath
PERWIN makes the most sense for gardeners who specifically want a full-tang walnut wood handle without giving up a mixed-edge blade. Its 7-inch stainless steel blade has both sharp and serrated edges, so it occupies a middle ground between the Fiskars Hori Hori’s broader planting-oriented feature set and the Keyfit Spartan’s fully serrated division focus. The stated full-tang construction and riveted handle offer a concrete distinction for buyers who prefer a wood grip over the SoftGrip or rubber handles elsewhere in this lineup.
The protective sheath with belt loop is a useful inclusion for storage and carrying, matching the convenience of the two other sheath-equipped knives and improving on the bare-tool presentation of the Fiskars Big Grip. The blade length is specified, unlike the provided details for either Fiskars knife, giving shoppers a clearer point of comparison against the Keyfit’s 8-inch blade. Its 7-inch length may appeal to someone who wants a substantial working edge without choosing the longest blade listed here.
The main ownership drawback is explicit: hand wash only. That asks for more care than a quick rinse and put-away routine, particularly after dirty garden work. The listed details do not mention depth markings or a forked tip, both of which separate it from the Fiskars Hori Hori. I would choose PERWIN for its wood handle and mixed edge, not because it has the most complete set of division-specific features. As with the other knives, its role is controlled cutting on manageable clumps, not prying apart large, woody roots.
Pros:- Seven-inch stainless steel blade combines sharp and serrated edges.
- Full-tang walnut handle with riveted construction distinguishes it from synthetic-grip options.
- Protective sheath with belt loop is included.
- Rust-resistant feature is listed for the blade.
Cons:- Hand wash only care instructions add cleanup effort after garden work.
- Depth markings and a forked tip are not listed, unlike the Fiskars Hori Hori.
- Its serrated section is less specialized for sawing than the Keyfit’s double-sided serrated blade.
Best for: Gardeners who prefer a full-tang walnut handle, want a stated 7-inch blade, and need a mixed edge plus a sheath for general garden division work.
Not ideal for: People who want low-effort cleanup, depth markings, or a forked tip; the product calls for hand washing and does not list those features.
- Blade material:Stainless steel
- Handle material:Walnut wood
- Blade length:7 inches
- Item length:12.1 inches
- Blade edges:Sharp and serrated
- Special feature:Rust resistant
- Included component:Protective sheath with belt loop
- Care instructions:Hand wash only
Our verdict“I recommend PERWIN for buyers who value a full-tang wood handle and a specified 7-inch mixed-edge blade more than easy-care ownership.”
Fiskars Big Grip Multi-Purpose Garden Knife
This Fiskars is the grip-first pick. Its oversized Softgrip handle is the standout feature for gardeners who want a substantial hold while digging, weeding, planting, or removing roots. The rust-resistant steel head combines a sharpened edge, a serrated edge, and a forked tip, giving it a familiar mixed-purpose shape that overlaps with the Fiskars Hori Hori. Where the Hori Hori has the advantage in this roundup is its depth markings and included sheath; the Big Grip keeps the tool simpler and centers the handle instead.
For dividing plants, its blend of edges can handle a range of smaller jobs, from cutting roots to loosening soil around a clump. The hang hole provides a straightforward storage option, and the full lifetime warranty is listed. Compared with the Keyfit Spartan, it trades an extended, fully serrated blade profile for the forked tip and mixed edge. That makes it a better match for gardeners who want one familiar digging-and-cutting implement than for someone seeking a blade built around sawing roots.
The biggest practical limitation is that it is sold as the garden knife only. There is no sheath listed, unlike the other three products, so safe carrying and blade protection require a separate solution. The provided details also do not state blade length or weight, which makes reach and handling harder to compare. I would favor it if handle comfort is the deciding factor and storage is already sorted. For a first division knife where sheath and planting details matter, the Fiskars Hori Hori is the more complete package.
Pros:- Oversized Softgrip handle is designed for comfort and control.
- Sharpened and serrated edges plus a forked tip cover varied garden tasks.
- Rust-resistant steel head is suited to routine garden use.
- Hang hole supports simple storage, and a full lifetime warranty is listed.
Cons:- No sheath is included, unlike the other three knives in this comparison.
- Blade length and item weight are not specified in the supplied details.
- Less specialized for root sawing than the Keyfit Spartan’s double-sided serrated blade.
Best for: Gardeners who put a large, cushioned Softgrip handle first and want a mixed-edge knife for digging, weeding, planting, transplanting, and smaller divisions.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a sheath in the box, want stated blade dimensions, or prioritize an extended serrated blade for root sawing.
- Brand:Fiskars
- Model:Big Grip Garden Knife
- Recommended uses:Gardening, digging, weeding, planting, and transplanting
- Head material:Rust-resistant steel
- Handle:Oversized Softgrip
- Blade features:Sharpened edge, serrated edge, and forked tip
- Included components:Garden knife only
- Warranty:Full lifetime warranty
Our verdict“I would choose the Big Grip when a large Softgrip handle is the priority and I do not need an included sheath.”
How We Picked
I ranked these tools around the job in the title: dividing garden plants. A useful division knife needs to reach into soil, cut roots cleanly enough to separate a clump, and give the gardener control near stems and crowns. Since the supplied details do not include hands-on testing, I base the order on stated blade design, handle characteristics, included protection, and the limits each product description makes clear.
Blade shape mattered most. A smooth edge can make a controlled slice, while serrations can grip and saw through tougher roots or fibrous growth. A mixed edge adds flexibility across planting and weeding tasks, but it is not identical to a blade that is serrated on both sides. Blade length also affects reach, though length alone does not establish how much leverage a tool can safely handle.
I also weighed grip and practical handling. Division often requires controlled pressure, so handle material and size matter alongside blade details. A sheath can protect the edge and make carrying more practical; a hang hole helps storage but is not a substitute for a sheath. I treated care instructions as a real ownership tradeoff and did not infer unlisted features such as blade thickness, sharpening ease, or soil performance.
The ranking favors balanced usefulness over the longest feature list. Fiskars takes the lead for combining a dual-edged blade, depth markings, a comfortable handle, and a sheath. Keyfit follows for a longer, fully serrated blade aimed squarely at division and plant cutting. PERWIN stands out for its full-tang walnut handle and mixed edges, while the Fiskars Big Grip is a straightforward grip-led alternative. Each can help with smaller divisions, but none should be mistaken for a heavy-duty spade.
| garden plant division tool | Model | Blade material | Blade features | Handle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiskars Hori Hori Garden Knife | Hori Hori Garden Knife | Corrosion-resistant stainless steel | Dual-edged, serrated edge, forked tip, English and metric depth markings | SoftGrip |
| Keyfit Tools Spartan Hori Hori | — | Stainless steel | — | — |
| PERWIN Hori Hori Garden Knife | — | Stainless steel | — | — |
| Fiskars Big Grip Multi-Purpose | Big Grip Garden Knife | — | Sharpened edge, serrated edge, and forked tip | Oversized Softgrip |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Garden Plant Division Tools
For plant division, I would choose by the root system and the way you expect to cut, not by the word “hori hori” alone. The blade, handle, and storage details separate these four options more clearly than their shared garden-knife format.
Match the edge to the roots
A mixed sharp-and-serrated edge gives you more than one cutting style in a single tool. It suits gardeners who divide small clumps but also use the knife for planting, weeding, and general garden work. Fiskars Hori Hori and PERWIN use this approach, although Fiskars adds depth markings and a forked tip while PERWIN specifies a 7-inch blade and walnut handle.
The Keyfit Spartan takes a more focused route with a double-sided serrated blade. Serrations can help grip fibrous material during a sawing cut, but the listed design does not provide a separate smooth edge. Think about the plants you actually divide: fine, manageable roots can suit a mixed-purpose knife, while dense or woody crowns may call for a heavier spade or purpose-built dividing tool instead of more pressure on a garden knife.
Think about reach and control
Blade length helps describe reach, but it does not tell the whole story about control or cutting power. Of these four, the Keyfit has an 8-inch blade and PERWIN has a 7-inch blade. The two Fiskars listings supplied here do not give blade lengths, so I would not assume they are shorter or longer. A longer edge may cover more material during a cut, while a shorter or less specified format may be easier to handle in a crowded planting bed; the details provided do not establish a universal winner.
For dividing, work around the crown and cut only where the plant can be separated cleanly. Do not use blade length as a proxy for leverage, and avoid twisting a knife hard to split a stubborn root ball. If the clump resists controlled cutting, pause and use a spade or a more substantial tool. That protects the tool and gives you better control over the plant.
Choose a handle you can control
Handle preference is personal, but it affects how confidently you can guide a blade near roots and stems. Fiskars offers SoftGrip on both of its knives, with the Big Grip specifying an oversized handle. PERWIN uses a full-tang walnut handle, and Keyfit specifies a rubber handle described as ergonomic and resistant to rot. These are different approaches rather than a simple ranking of comfort: a large cushioned grip may appeal to someone who wants a fuller hold, while wood may be the deciding factor for a gardener who prefers that material.
Prioritize a secure grip and controlled pressure over a handle label. The Keyfit’s ambidextrous specification is useful if handedness is part of your selection, while the PERWIN’s full-tang construction is a stated structural detail. The product descriptions do not provide handle measurements beyond Keyfit’s 5-inch handle, so shoppers with particular fit needs may want to confirm dimensions before choosing.
Decide whether you need a sheath
Three of these four tools include a sheath: both the Fiskars Hori Hori and PERWIN have a belt-loop sheath, and Keyfit includes one. The Fiskars Big Grip is supplied without a sheath; its hang hole supports storage but does not cover the blade. A sheath can help protect the edge and reduce the chance of accidental contact while carrying or storing a knife, so it is a practical distinction for gardeners who move between beds with tools in hand.
Depth markings also matter if you often use a knife for planting as well as dividing. Fiskars Hori Hori is the only listed option with English and metric depth markings. If consistent planting depth is useful to you, that detail favors it; if your knife is mostly for root cutting, the Keyfit’s longer serrated blade or PERWIN’s wood handle may matter more.
Plan for cleaning and the scale of the job
Garden knives collect soil and plant residue, so cleanup is part of ownership. PERWIN explicitly says hand wash only, a clear limitation for anyone who wants the simplest possible routine. The other product details do not provide equivalent care instructions, so I would not read their silence as permission for a particular cleaning method. Follow the maker’s guidance and dry the tool before storage.
Finally, size the tool to the plant. These knives are useful for controlled divisions and smaller root-cutting tasks; they are not described as heavy-duty spades. For a large, tightly bound, or woody perennial, choose a tool that offers suitable leverage and cutting capacity. A garden knife is most valuable when it can make a deliberate cut without being forced beyond its intended role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a hori hori knife divide perennials?
Yes, a hori hori can help separate smaller perennial clumps by cutting roots and loosening soil around the crown. For dense, woody, or oversized root balls, I would use a spade or a more substantial dividing tool rather than forcing a knife. Among these picks, the Keyfit is the most focused on serrated root cutting, while the mixed-edge Fiskars Hori Hori is the most versatile across dividing and planting.
Which of these tools has the best blade for cutting roots?
The Keyfit Spartan has the most division-focused listed blade: an 8-inch double-sided serrated stainless steel edge suited to sawing through plant material. If you want both a sharp edge and serrations for mixed garden jobs, the Fiskars Hori Hori or PERWIN may be a better match. The right choice depends on whether you value a dedicated serrated profile or a more general-purpose edge.
Which knife includes depth markings?
The Fiskars Hori Hori Garden Knife lists English and metric depth markings, which can help with planting at a consistent depth. None of the other supplied product details list markings. If you mostly divide plants rather than use the knife for planting, blade style and handle preference may matter more than this feature.
Which option is best if I want a sheath?
The Fiskars Hori Hori, PERWIN, and Keyfit Spartan all list an included sheath. The Fiskars Hori Hori and PERWIN specify a belt loop, while the Big Grip is supplied as a garden knife only and has a hang hole instead. If protected carry is part of your routine, the Big Grip is the one to rule out unless you already have a suitable storage solution.
Is the PERWIN knife easy to clean?
Its listed care instructions say hand wash only, so I would not choose it if you want to avoid hand cleaning after garden work. The product details for the other knives do not specify cleaning methods, so I cannot claim that they require less care. Regardless of model, follow the maker’s instructions and store a clean, dry tool safely.
Conclusion
For most gardeners choosing one tool for smaller divisions and everyday garden jobs, I recommend the Fiskars Hori Hori with Sheath for its mixed edge, depth markings, forked tip, and included protection. Choose the Keyfit Spartan if you want the longest specified blade and a double-sided serrated profile for root-slicing. Pick PERWIN if a full-tang walnut handle is your priority and hand washing suits your routine. The Fiskars Big Grip is the grip-led choice for gardeners who want an oversized Softgrip handle and can manage storage without a sheath. For large or woody root balls, I would skip all four as the primary dividing tool and use a spade or heavier option.
