My knife preference is to put a serrated steak knife in a vise and (very slo-ooo-ly) bend it until you have a nearly-right angle. If you bend it too fast, it will snap. You can do it with pliers, but a vise is easier.
This tool takes a bit of getting used to, but it makes it possible to cut off the weed root up to 3" underground, lift the weed out of the ground, toss it, and keep cutting - ALL WITHOUT PUTTING THE TOOL DOWN. It's a HUGE time saver!
You make the bend to the left if you are right-handed and to the right if you are left-handed. I make multiples every year and give them to each of my crew members. Nothing beats 'em for getting into tight spaces without damaging valued plants in the landscape.
