Folks,
I've now bought this hoe.
Although I've not had a lot of opportunity to use it, here's my review to date.
Pro's
It has a long handle which improves reach and allows a more upright posture. It is a nice diameter to hold.
The "open" stainless steel design means it doesn't get clogged especially in my clay soil - easy to clean.
The grain on all the handles in the shop was correctly aligned and they were all straight.
Lifetime guarantee
Con's
It's a bit pricey, BUT it is the only one of this design I could find!
Welds are ok, they have been dressed and polished (essential when you weld stainless) but could be better finished - rivets too.
Cutting edge is chamfered but not very sharp - easy to sort out though.
Some of the blades weren't very 'square' - I looked at all of them to choose the best.
There is a hole for the leather thong strap, but the hole hasn't been chamfered so I suspect, if left, the thong would soon wear through - easy to sort though. The Joseph Bentley tools are all nicely chamfered.
I'm not keen on varnished handles - I'll sort this with some cabinet paper and linseed oil.
The Con's are minor and shouldn't detract from what is a nice piece of kit.
A very good friend is going to make a new, slightly longer, ash handle for my spade in his lathe, so I will look forward to using that again.
Make do.