Having returned from his allotment and wearing tool belt with selection of gardening tools, Samuel Rowe found himself descended upon by officers, with weapons drawn, ordering him to drop what they believed was a knife. Though, Rowe – like many of us gardeners, had a selection of Niwaki garden tools on his belt, including the popular Hori Hori garden trowel (in canvas pouch) and bevelled sickle.
Speaking to the Guardian, Rowe said “I just heard shouting behind me, and then two armed officers shouting at me to drop the knife. They turned me around, pushed me up against my house, cuffed me, and then they arrested me.”
A spokesperson from the Greater Manchester Police explained that they acted on a call from a member of the public that a man was walking in public wearing khaki clothing, and in possession of a knife. Rowe was consequently arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and taken into custody. He was detained and, according to the Guardian, interrogated without legal representation after police were unable to locate an attorney.
His explanations that these were gardening tools, were reportedly unheeded and he was given a conditional caution for possession of a bladed article in public. Understandably Rowe wants the caution removed and the return of his tools.
Hori Hori
The hori hori, a very popular Japanese garden tool, is widely used for various tasks such as weeding, digging, planting, and hacking back plants. Crafted from stainless or carbon steel with a wooden handle, it is characterised by its sharp edged blade, sometimes serrated or combined. The Niwaki Hori Hori, for instance, is made from SK-5 carbon steel, featuring a blade measuring 17 cm long and 4 cm wide. Other brands, including Garrett Wade, Barebones, and Spear & Jackson (Kew Gardens), also offer them in their product ranges.
Though it does seem that the police acted in haste as Rowe was reportedly actively gardening, one must recognise that the hori hori is a digging knife and can resemble a dagger. Writing a review for Gardens Illustrated, commission content editor, Veronica Peerless wrote “I removed it from its sheath and brandished it to my companions, I drew startled breaths from passers-by. Which wasn’t surprising – it looks very much like a dagger, even though it is actually a Japanese trowel.”
Caution should be exercised when carrying a Hori Hori, or any other sharp tool in public, and do so in a manner that does not appear threatening, could cause alarm, or result in accusations of carrying an offensive weapon. When not in use sharp tools should be stored in a sheath, a designated tool bag, or a secure location to prevent accidental injury. When in public, Niwaki advises against carrying them on a tool belt.
On their website they state: “Please familiarise yourself with the Offensive Weapons Law before carrying this tool in public. Under Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953, it is an offence to have a weapon in a public place unless you have lawful authority or a reasonable excuse. This might include carrying tools for work or transporting gardening equipment. We strongly advise that you keep this tool concealed, sheathers and out of sight in public spaces – preferably in a gardening bag or toolbox rather than on your belt.”
