The stainless steel Hori Hori has a little bit longer blade than the carbon Hori Hori. The advantage has to do with the slippery blade. Mud and dirt slide off which makes it easier to clean. The blade also has measurements on it for successful bulb planting or measuring between transplants. It comes with a sheath and does the same great work as the carbon one, i.e., just about every gardening chore. Well made in Japan.