[mattwragg94]

Well you've got weeks until you need to start using them, get going 

im using them now - ive decided to tackle the neighbours jungle/garden!

[JayG]

Going back to the swoe mentioned on another thread, it's had a year's use on two full sized plots and the home garden.

I feel no need to sharpen it, it's as keen as the day I brought it home.

My hoe got blunt as it kept bashing against the stones in the ground. Things are a little better now so it might last a while before needing a sharpen again 

The business end of my "quality" stainless steel dutch hoe had next to no edge on it when bought, but a few minutes work with first a coarse then a finer file put a good sharp bevelled edge on it which only needs a little "tickle" from time to time to keep sharp now.

The manufacturers didn't make even a token effort to sharpen the rear, internal edge which is also supposed to do some of the work when the hoe is pulled towards you - I shall be trying to sharpen that edge too although it's a bit more tricky to get at than the leading edge.

[DD.]

That's a good price, depending on their make. Do you know whose they are?

[wighty]

Referring to JayG's comment about his hoe not having a sharp edge on it when purchased, there are regulations about selling axes etc which meant that we had to sell them 'blunt' so that they could not be used as a 'weapon' on their way home.  I don't know the position on hoes but they may well come under this regulation as well.

[JayG]

Referring to JayG's comment about his hoe not having a sharp edge on it when purchased, there are regulations about selling axes etc which meant that we had to sell them 'blunt' so that they could not be used as a 'weapon' on their way home.  I don't know the position on hoes but they may well come under this regulation as well.

Hmmm.......would I rather be assaulted by a deranged person wielding a sharp hoe or a blunt axe? Tricky question (I think the answer is neither!)   

[shoozie]

DD... my local garden centre has swoes in their 'sale' section for £12.99. Good investment?

I got the one recommended by DD on another thread - used twice now and it's the bees knees.  Cost me £24 locally. 

[vegypete]

hi ya  any one got a picture of a swoe,  so i no what were talking about ..........pete

[mattwragg94]

here you go: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wilkinson-Sword-Stainless-Steel-Swoe/dp/B000297U3Y

[DD.]

I think my own photo gives a better idea:

[mattwragg94]

yeh DD yours does - but it was the best i could find!

i might have to invest in a swoe!

[DD.]

It was discussed in this thread & had a few other accolades.

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=89334.0

[vegypete]

hi ya thanks for the picture of a swoe, looks a good tool, a golf iron comes to mind i will look out for one of those next time i am at a garden center...........pete

[lacewing]

The instructions that came with my hoe said  'self sharpning'  I bought it five years ago and it still wizzes through the weeds with little effort.

[Diddy Gardener]

DD I think it's a Wilkinson Sword one - going to go back at the weekend and snaffle one up!

[DD.]

They're a reputable make, mine's a Joseph Bentley.