which fork

[teengrower]

im looking for a digging fork preferaly with a T-handle (dont know why but i prefer a T-handle) i know solid forged is the why to go but whats best i dont want stainless steel as i think stainless tools no matter how expensive are inferior. I know bulldog is a good fork but the shaft of the ones ive seen have a short shaft im not overly tall but i dont know if the shaft would be long enough

[Kristen]

I like the DeWit tools. The challenge is finding a picture of one

There is a USA site which has good pictures (but they won't sell to you)
Buy DeWit Tools

Crocus sell part of the range, so might be worth checking their site.

There is also a site for their Spade / Fork tool "Spork" - about which I have no knowledge at all (but would be interested to hear from anyone who has used it on heavy soil)

Spork Garden Tools | Cultivating your environment

The DeWit English site is here (but has very little marketing info)
Product pictures

plus an "electronic paper catalogue", in Dutch, but at least that has the full range - but you have to go page-by-page to find anything (forks are on page 22) - I get the impression these are craftsmen rather than businessmen!
Browchure

The other Dutch maker of possible interest is Sneeboer. Harrod Horticultural have a number of categories specially for Sneeboer tools, forks, muddled up with other things , are here

[TonyF]

If you can afford it (I know that sometimes people have budget restrictions) I'd go for Sneerboer. I've just bought one from Harrod Horticultural, was on offer, has a long T handle which suits me and my bad-ish back perfectly.

[teengrower]

im looking to spend around £40 i dont have a back problem but i reckon a longer shaft means more leverage so itll be easier on your back

[teengrower]

im looking to spend around £40 i dont have a back problem but i reckon a longer shaft means more leverage so itll be easier on your back

[Glutton4...]

Personally, I would go for Stainless steel every time, but everyone has their own preference. I would also choose a proper Ash handle. Having said that, my everyday tools have plastic/composit handles, but they were presents, and I've had them years.

The only way you'll know what you like is to go and play with them in the shop.

[teengrower]

i definately want an ash handle i dont want stainless cause i like tools to look used

[Two_Sheds]

i dont want stainless cause i like tools to look used

lol
so use it!
I love my stainless steel fork, it's always muddy and "used looking" because I can't be arrised to clean it like I should

[Kristen]

Personally, I would go for Stainless steel every time

I used to too. We have heavy clay, and I felt that stainless steel implements were more "self cleaning" when digging.

However, I have broken a couple (both of which I had had for years, so they weren't some light-weight model), and as I have got older I appreciate taking a break as I dig! and using a wallpaper stripper pallet knife to clear the blade gives me a break, and I now reckon the sharper/keener blade of the hand-forged (or drop-steel, or whatever the right term is!) is more efficient.

[teengrower]

thanks kristin thats what i thought apparently a fork needs to be made from one piece of solid steel which is very difficult to do with stainless steel thats why id prefer a forged steel fork

[Glutton4...]

thanks kristin thats what i thought apparently a fork needs to be made from one piece of solid steel which is very difficult to do with stainless steel ....

??? Mine's one piece. Personally, I prefer the no-dig method, so mine only gets light use. When I was doing commercial Landscaping, I used any old tools, but then we had to plant in soil that was harder than a runway.

[teengrower]

ive go by the saying the right tool will last a lifetime so i want to get the right fork first time round there are some stainless tools made from one piece but most are welded and that creates a weak point and will break

[Two_Sheds]

My power border spade has a lifetime guarantee: Fiskars Power Border Spade: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

They do a fork too: http://www.capitalgardens.co.uk/life...w-p-19926.html