the worlds greatest tool!

[Mrs Ava]

Didn't know if this should be here or shed, but as it is about a tool...well anyhow.

I have inherited lots of old tools, all with wonderfully smooth well used wooden handles, which have all made their way to my allotment.  One of them was what I assume is a ladies fork.  A regular size shaft, but a small fork, about half the size of a regular fork.  It is wonderful!  I did so much work with it today, don't think I will ever use anything else again.  I don't get on with hoes, but I was able to use this little fork inbetween rows and gently oik out weeds and fork the ground over.  I am very happy with my inheritance, but sad for the loss of Maurice.  :'(

[Mrs Ava]

[tim]

A 'border' fork, no doubt? There's a nursery near here where, every day, all the tools are cleaned & oiled & hung in their places on the wall. Lustrous, silky shafts. More like you see in a swish antique shop than a shed.

I'm looking for a really light one for my wife - an ideas, anyone?

Carbon fibre?= Tim

[jo2]

I've a wilkinson sword hoe which is brilliant, light as a feather, sharp and a pleasure to use.  I expect they would do a really nice ladies border fork. The wilkinson sword stuff is dear(I've only got the hoe) but lovely to use.

[aquilegia]

My favourite tool is my 'new' fork. It's actually my late grandad's allotment fork, so even if I don't have green fingers, I have a green-fingered fork! It was too heavy for Gran, so she gave it to me for Mr Aqui to use, but it's lighter than my other fork! I also have grandad's spade, but Mr Aqui mainly uses that - shovelling is easier for him!

I love having grandad's old tools. He died 15 years ago, which is way before I was interested in gardening, but I can keep his spirit living on through my garden. :'(

[Roy Bham UK]

My hand me down fork has 5 spikes :o I thought the norm was 4, ??? perhaps I can dig over more quickly with it ;D

Roy ;D

[Jill]

... more likelihood of spiking your tatties when digging up tho', Roy.  ;)

[Roy Bham UK]

Ouch! :o

[tig]

i think 2nd hand or hand down tools are a godsend as they have already been (broken in) aswell as having a well worn but good handle i think the fork points or spade point etc. has or should have been well sharpened by many hours of work, leaving it a lot easier to use. give me tools like this any day.
on my dads farm we still use forks and spades etc. that are maybe 15 - 20 years old .
                    john...

[carrot-cruncher]

All my tools are second hand & they're much, much better than any of the brand new ones.  

My oldest tool was a gift to my grandfather when he got married back in 1919!!!!   It was originally a spud fork but with use the tines got shortened.   Grandpa got the local farrier to bend the remaining tines over at a ninety degree angle and turned it into a rake.

I now use it & it's brill, it the perfect weight and length for me & makes short work of my loamy soil.   I won't swap it for anything nor will I let anybody else anywhere near it.

CC