[Paul Plots]

Angled blade makes for a better cutting action than the Dutch hoe, cuts on the "back stroke as well.

Combined with the angled side blade it means you can get into awkward places.

Some of us have a real knack for getting into awkward places!! 

[DD.]

As has been said, you can get it for far less than £35, you're looking in the wrong places! I can't recall exactly what I paid for mine, but I can assure you that it wouldn't have been £35!

I think there was an offer on at the time and it's like everything else you buy - shop around.

[Gwiz]

I bought mine from Focus (as was) in Weybridge. It most certainly wasn't £35 or it would have stayed on the shelf.

[lacewing]

Lucky I already had the handle,  I got the swoe head  for £10.99.  When I first took on my allotment I invested in a set of tools with an interchange handle. That initial outlay has saved me money over the years as I only have to buy the head of any further tools I require.

[DD.]

Try this - £22.29 including postage. This is identical to mine, (Joseph Bentley brand), and is really well crafted & put together.

Joesph Bentley swoe

Note that JB don't refer to it as a "swoe".

[Higster]

I know this is not a swoe in the real sense a tenner for the two was a good buy, from my local Garden Centre which is right next to the allotment

[Aunt Sally]

Very handy to have a garden centre next to the allotment.  At that price you can pop in there for new tools anytime

[Higster]

It's great because I also get points on my loyalty card, I can just wheel stuff next door to the lotty it's 100 yds. away

[Paul Plots]

Try this - £22.29 including postage. This is identical to mine, (Joseph Bentley brand), and is really well crafted & put together.

Joesph Bentley swoe

Note that JB don't refer to it as a "swoe".

That looks a very good deal DD!

[DD.]

I can't see a better one.

I think it worth spending a little more for quality - you only have to buy once and the quality of Joesph Bentley tools is evident when you see them alongside others.

This is another one of theirs that I bought, (I've not researched the cheapest deal on this). It saves my aging and aching back from having to bend down too much when planting.

Stainless steel long handled trowel

I was fortunate in finding a good deal on this at the time.

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=78697.0

[Paul Plots]

I can't see a better one.

I think it worth spending a little more for quality - you only have to buy once and the quality of Joesph Bentley tools is evident when you see them alongside others.

This is another one of theirs that I bought, (I've not researched the cheapest deal on this). It saves my aging and aching back from having to bend down too much when planting.

Stainless steel long handled trowel

I was fortunate in finding a good deal on this at the time.

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=78697.0

Looks useful!

I, occasionally, use a three-pronged long-handled something or other (cultivator?). It's great for gently breaking up the surface soil between rows when it has been compacted by rain but there are no weeds to swoe through.

It's an old tool of my dad's - I'm not sure it'd be on my essential list but useful nevertheless. 

[Kleftiwallah]

The S.W.O. is the one telling you to "Get your 'air CAT".   

My most usefull tool is a cutter (home made) the same size as the inside of a plastic coffee cup. I take out a plug of soil and pop in a seedling grown in the same sized cup with minimal root disturbance.     Cheers,     Tony.

[Growster...]

Got to be a Swoe. I still use Elder Growster's which he bought years ago - they last for ages!

Also a 'Growster wheel hoe', and a 'Growstada'...

(But chums here would know I'd say the last two wouldn't they...;0))

[Mr Rotavator]

At this time of year and still getting my plot in order (starting my third year in May) it is my spade and fork. I got a swoe for Christamas this year and I will predict it will be most used tool this season. It is great for weeding and preparing soil for sowing seed.