Most awesomest knife for digging roots

[Zulus]

The Bock?

Bock after full day of cutting roots only !

 

[Bob Denman]

Then "Bock's away!"

 

[Dergyll]

Might help to know just what sort of roots you'd be digging with a 4" blade...but something like a pruner or a carpet knife would work to cut roots.

Whatever is in season. Last week I went digging for some young dandelions and wild onions. The wild onions are a pain to dig as they have a mass of hair-like root. You literally have to carve a dirt cake around them.

In a few more months I'm gonna go for some ramp (so delicious!).

I understand a trowel works best, but I dont like carrying baggage when I'm out and about so I'm leaning towards a tough cheap fixed blade.

Thanks for all the responses my friends

 

[Alberta Ed]

Why?

 

[Dergyll]

I feel like I have to put the trowel in a bag or pack (unless they make a sheathed one?). I dont like carrying bags while I'm out and about...bad habit I guess lol.

 

[sgt1372]

Dergyll: Why would you dig up roots w/just a knife?

Whenever I have to do that, I use a shovel or spade which will get out all of the roots all at once and, when I have to uproot a small tree/bush, I use a 6 foot steel pry bar/digging pole like the one my gardener uses (that I found/bought at the flea market for cheap).

--------------------------

Never mind. I just saw your post above.

FWIW, I just saw a folding trowel available on AMZN that only costs around $12 and weighs only 4 oz, which comes w/a nylon sheath that can be attached to your belt. Seems like that might be the best tool for your use.

 

[KenHash]

Niwaki, a top Hori Hori maker in Japan offers a Mini Hori Hori with a 3.42 inch blade length.

Probably a better choice than any knife for roots. I say this after having stupidly dulled countless knives and stripped cerakotings over the years.

 

[sgt1372]

Niwaki, a top Hori Hori maker in Japan offers a Mini Hori Hori with a 3.42 inch blade length.

Probably a better choice than any knife for roots. I say this after having stupidly dulled countless knives and stripped cerakotings over the years.

Not as nice as the one pictured but they sell Hori Horis on AMZN for around $20 w/a belt sheath.

 

[tiguy7]

Check the $1 box at the thrift store. Grab some kitchen knives and have at it.

 

[Fixall]

That's a tough one with the 4" blade limit.

Maybe something like the Cold Steel Mini Tac Tanto? 3.75" modern tanto blade. I feel like the shape would be good for penetrating the ground, and cutting through roots on the way.

 

[gazz98]

My first thought ... 1095, easy to touch up in the field.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Condor-Terrasaur-Fixed-Blade-Knife--99730

I've never handled one. If you are digging, the lack of padding on the handle might make your hands hurt if you are really stabbing at the earth. Some handle mods of paracord or something might help.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/CS...ay-teflon-52100-carbon-steel-secure-ex-sheath

 

[davek14]

Doesn't take much time at all at yard sales or thrift stores to find beater/yard work knives. I used to find old carbon steel knives a-plenty. Nowadays, decent Henckels and Victorinox stainless knives are not too hard to find for a buck. Then there are your other run of the mill, everyday, hunks of mystery steel to buy for yard work/shovel knives if you happen to like the shape or heft. Don't pay over a quarter. Disposable item.

Or, you can get a better knife for a buck or so and use it for yard work. I'm still using a broken corn knife after many years.

Lottsa people get knives for gifts and don't know what they have.

 

[Mikel_24]

I think that no matter which steel you choose... anything is going to get dull inmediatelly as soon as you hit dirt, pebbles, rocks, etc. Given that edge retention is a non-issue, I wouldn't overthink it much. Stainless is nice and they are tough, in case you happen to pry a little with them. BUT I would definitely choose a serrated blade. The edge will take longer to dull as the crevases are somewhat protected, being the poins of the serrations taking most of the abuse. Also, once all the edge is gone, the shape of the blade will still allow to saw through roots and such.

I would choose a serration pattern similar to the Mini Hori Hori blade posted before as it seems more durable than, lets say, a Cold Steel serration pattern. The big serrations would allow to be sharpened with a diamond rat file once in a while.

I hope this helps!

Mikel

 

[000Robert]

Carothers DEK1 in D3V steel with G10 or Terotuf scales.

 

[Shorttime]

TOPS Knives Mini-Pry Knife.

 

[Drop bear]

Why?

The weirdest part is they make knives specifically for that. Like the hori hori that has been mentioned. I know prospecters use them. You could use a duct knife in a pinch probably as well.

But for some reason. No.

 

[Drop bear]

I feel like I have to put the trowel in a bag or pack (unless they make a sheathed one?). I dont like carrying bags while I'm out and about...bad habit I guess lol.

They make sheathed trowels.there are all sorts of ultralight versions.

 

[Drop bear]

TOPS Knives Mini-Pry Knife.

Having a look. Tops actually does a dedicated digging knife

 

[d762nato]

You beat me to it, Top's knives that's a digger now!

 

[Dergyll]

These are some pretty awesomest recommendations. I went from kind of knowing what I want back to not knowing what I want!

Bladeforums will do that to you. Too many cool options, too little money.