An old chap we know was clearing out the garage of a deceased friend and donated some tools. I've been trying them out and they are excellent. I used the Swan neck hoe to earth up the potatoes and it was a pleasure to use. Nice sharp blade, good weight and a long nicely shaped handle. I've tried another one today. One side has three tines and the other a push/pull hoe. It is only about 4 inches wide so perfect for going between rows. That has also got a really nice handle and I'm wondering if it is home made. I can't find any makers' names but I hadn't got my specs on so I'll have another look.
I've not seen anything in the shops to match them, and my new resolution is to do a lot more hoeing. I say that every year but now I've got tools that are enjoyable to use I might keep it up.
Second hand tools
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- oldherbaceous
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Dear Plumpudding, I always think most old tools are a lot better in design, than a lot of the modern ones. It probably was because they were being used all day, six days of the week, by full time gardeners then...completely different to the gimmicky items they come up with now....
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Hi PP!
My favourite tool which we think is an apprentice piece is a small but extremely sharp fork. It has initials carved into the handle but unfortunately they mean nothing except to the original owner. The tines are not very long but as it is so sharp is great for loosening compacted soil. Not practical on the allotment so keep it at home. Also being smaller if works among the beds as well. I bought it at a market in Lymington & a hoe which sharpens brilliantly. Unfortunately the man running the stall has died but he had so many unusual things & all interesting & well made.
My favourite tool which we think is an apprentice piece is a small but extremely sharp fork. It has initials carved into the handle but unfortunately they mean nothing except to the original owner. The tines are not very long but as it is so sharp is great for loosening compacted soil. Not practical on the allotment so keep it at home. Also being smaller if works among the beds as well. I bought it at a market in Lymington & a hoe which sharpens brilliantly. Unfortunately the man running the stall has died but he had so many unusual things & all interesting & well made.
Westi
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Hi Westi, you were lucky to have a stall like that. I can't think of any more round here, I suppose car boot sales are another source or those antique outlets.
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One side has three tines and the other a push/pull hoe. It is only about 4 inches wide so perfect for going between rows.
It sounds like a tool I use a lot. Yours would be original, I use the Wolf Garten copy from their multi-change range.
Last edited by Stephen on Fri Mar 15, 2019 4:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Yes that's what it looks like. I've got the Wolfgarten handle so might invest in the attachment. My antique one has come apart at one side and needs welding. It's a very useful tool.
I want one!
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I generally come across a "Tools for Self-Reliance" stall once a year, they sometimes have rather nice old traditional tools. I've acquired an old-school swan necked hoe with a long handle, it is great. The modern Wolf tools can be pretty good too though. The soil mill thingy can be good to make a clean tilth for sowing without digging.
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I use the Wolf Garten kit, I find it very well made, over the years each house move has seen me leaving some old tools behind, wish I'd kept my lawn roller though.
Been gardening for over 65 years and still learning.
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Welcome to the forum elway!
The good thing about having a hobby is people always buy you things related to it for presents. A couple of years ago I asked Santa for the basic Wolf Garten handle & one attachment which was the hoe. Then each birthday or Xmas I get a different attachment or other thing from their range & I bought this attachment myself after reading this thread. This year I am going to ask for the small handle & start building up my little hand tools collection, fork, troll, dibber etc.
The good thing about having a hobby is people always buy you things related to it for presents. A couple of years ago I asked Santa for the basic Wolf Garten handle & one attachment which was the hoe. Then each birthday or Xmas I get a different attachment or other thing from their range & I bought this attachment myself after reading this thread. This year I am going to ask for the small handle & start building up my little hand tools collection, fork, troll, dibber etc.
Westi