I bought this for a friend who had never had one before. She's a "piddler" in her yard...not a professional landscaper...and she piddles with lots of different flowers, both annuals and perennials, big and small, and I thought she might enjoy using a hori hori. I didn't go "top of the line" or 'expensive" because it was a "might/might not like it" kind of gift. We were piddling in my yard when it was delivered today and I was really impressed when we opened it. Very sturdy looking, nice heft...she immediately recognized things she could do with it and liked the whole idea. She took it home and used it while replanting things we'd dug up here. She liked it a lot! I think it will serve her well. It will at least let her know what all a hori hori can help with and whether she wants a bigger/longer one or a more expensive one. I think this one will serve her well for quite a long while, though! It seems to be well-made and of a much higher quality than the price suggests. We are both very pleased!