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. :'(
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
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.
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. :'(
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
... more likelihood of spiking your tatties when digging up tho', Roy. ;)
Ouch! :o
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...
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.
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