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New Border Fork

KtycatKtycat Posts: 3
in Tools and techniques
Looking for recommendations of what to look for or which makes to look at for a new border fork. Ideally want one that will last for a good few years. For normal garden use.

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 10,351
    You'll find some good recommendations here
    http://www.fredshed.co.uk/forksandspades.htm

    I have a Bulldog border fork which I've had for about 10 years and been very pleased with it
    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • BrixtonGardenerBrixtonGardener Posts: 73
    The Bulldog one is amazing. Bought one last year and it’s taken a decent amount of abuse so far. 
  • KtycatKtycat Posts: 3
    Thank you for the recommendation, they look pretty reasonably priced as well.  
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,172
    The GW mag / web has reviews of forks and spades. Bulldog are good but heavy and expensive.  Check some others before you decide.  
    AB Still learning

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    I think it's quite important to get your hands on a fork and feel how it works for you - difficult just now. It's not a matter of quality, here, but weight and balance. It really makes a difference if you are tall or short, strong or not so strong. Also it matters if it will be just yours or other members of the family will use it. We have a big tough one that my husband wields with ease but I generally use a 'lady's' fork in our heavy clay. 
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 7,906
    Ditto @Posy ‘s comments. A fork suitable for use by a 6’ 22 year old chap with size 10 boots is unlikely to be comfortable for use by 5’ 60 something chappess with size 5 feet - and using the wrong fork will quickly strain muscles. 

    I also can’t get on with T handles...

    Strongly recommend trying to find a local garden centre with a good selection of tools (they’re still open) or waiting until lockdown is lifted
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • KtycatKtycat Posts: 3
    All valid points, thank you for the advice. I did look at the Alan Titchmarsh item on GW website. There seems to be some debate about Stainless Steel  as against Carbon/Forged.  However I do get what you are saying about weight and feel. I will keep looking for the moment. Thanks again for replies.

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 29,195
    I have a stainless steel "ladies'" border fork with a wooden handle bought in 1989 and in use ever since starting on Harrow clay then Belgian clay then Belgian loam and now French soil with bands of loam, clay, sand and volcanic schist which is like concrete.  I think it's Spear and Jackson.   

    Bought a stainless spade of similar dimensions at the same time but it had a resin/composite handle which OH managed to snap trying to dig out a slab hidden under about 6" of soil.

    The weight and length of the fork are ideal for me and OH now uses it too as his bigger ones have died - broken handles, splayed prongs etc.   I'm now looking for one for him with a longer handle as we often both need a fork when working in the garden on different tasks and beds.  No joy here as the handles are just poles with no T or other grip at the top end.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    I have a stainless steel border fork/spade set with wooden 'D' handles which I bought from Wilko at least 30 years ago.  I use them more than any other garden tools, with the exception of trowel and secateurs.
    The fork looks identical to this one:

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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