We all have one or two all-time favorite tools. (You know, the ones you don’t loan to the neighbors because you know you’ll never get them back.) As we all burst into spring gardening chores, we’d like to know your favorite tools, brands, best price, why they are your favorites, etc. For starters, what are people’s choices for bypass pruners?
I remember Jennie showing us her scuffle hoe in a master gardener class. The closest I’ve found to it is the Flexrake CLA110 Classic Triangle Weeding Hoe that I found on Amazon for about $30. It seems very well made, has a nice feeling wooden handle, and works well. I just bought it last year so I can’t endorse it yet for longevity. I’ve also heard people raving about the Hori-Hori knives, but I’ve never seen one. I found a youtube video comparing them to a similar, less expensive tool.
What are your favorite tools? What are are your likes and dislikes? How expensive are they? Where can we find them?
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 
I purchased a Japanese hori-hori landscaping/digging tool – item #1516 – from Amazon ($26.95 so no shipping charges or tax) recently and really like it! It has a 6 1/2″ stainless steel, hardened blade which is slightly concave in the center with a smooth knife blade on one side and a serrated blade on the opposite side. It also has inches marked off on the blade so you don’t have to guess about planting depth and comes with a heavy vinyl sheath with a belt loop. This is going to be one of my favorite tools and I have used it for transplant spring bulbs, dividing perennials and especially for lifting those dang weeds that want to grow right next to or in your perennials. I even cut a few small tree roots with it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars!
Also this year I had to purchase new by-pass pruners (anyone come across mine at extension? or I may have left them at any of several gardens I worked in in the Milan area last year. I decided to go with Felco F-2 classic as they have proven to be very reliable for me and hold their sharpness well. Again, these were purchased at Amazon, price $51.99. I have a large hand but these have a very wide grip and if I ever have to buy another pair I think I would be happier with the F-6 which is for smaller hands.
I received a scuffle hoe as a gift late last year but haven’t had a chance to use it yet so stay tuned….would love to hear what tools other folks have and love!