skip to main content

Source for good machete, hoe

16 years ago

Can ya'll recommend a good source and brand for a quality machete? I'm also looking for a long-handled Korean hoe (these have various names and are usually found as a hand tool but I know they make long-handled versions too). Or just a really good hoe.

Thanks...

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

dmullen
16 years ago
I found one like mine on the internet a few minutes ago. The link is

http://cgi.ebay.com/WW2-USMC-Bolo-Machete-by-BRIDDELL_W0QQitemZ270122180386QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270122180386

I have owned mine for 50-60 years and it is still like new. Excellent quality of the machete and sheath.

I posted a few minutes ago but it looks like it did not take. Anyway, this machete is heavy but can be sharpened to a razor edge and it will cut anything within reason.

The top of the blade is probably 1/4 inch wide so it is heavy. Good as an axe for many uses.

The ones on that site seem expensive but after seeing what they look like, you might find a cheaper one.
maineman
16 years ago
Caroline,

The Bill Hook is a machete-like tool with a difference. A Collinear hoe is a good weeding tool, but not for moving dirt around. The Forestry Hoe is for some heavy chopping. The Rogue Prohoes have a reputation for good blades. For versatility, it's hard to beat the interchangeable handles and toolheads in the Interlocken line from WolfGarten. Their mounding hoe head is generally useful. I add something to my set of WolfGarten tools nearly every year.

MM
Related Discussions
Good Weeds
Q
Comments (12)
I've read some of the article and found pigweed, amaranthus, was helpful to potatoes. I bought red and green types of amaranthus and will plant them around my potato bins to see if they grow better, as companion plants. I'm already letting my clover go, picking my crab grass a little each day, but still sprouts are covering my garden area. Every day I pick a little here and there, not much, but every day I look across and see green everywhere accept the bald spots where nothing grew from the actual crop. One year I'll get brave and put one weed next to each plant. I almost did with yellowdock, but I changed my mind and saved them for winter cropping for this year. I guess I won't know until I try. Most of the things people consider weeds, sunflower, bachelor buttons, poppies, etc., those are flowers people buy. Well, it's something to think about anyways. I know when I plant my corn, to plant amaranthus with it, or was it ragweed? I can't remember, I'll have to read it over again. I only read 2 or 3 chapters and looked over a few others. That was a great read and very useful. If you trimmed the weeds, kept them neat looking, would anyone be able to tell the difference? It might be hard to hide a dandelion, but any of the rest would undetectable.
...See More
Roto-Hoe Mod # SR, Ser # 771-322 modification questions:
Q
Comments (4)
Thanks for the reply and info mla2ofus. You know the exact problem of having to take two links out vs one. We plan to look at elongating the adjustment slot. Plus, look into using a master-link with spacers (as a half-link) to adjust the chain. Any suggestions on a source of half links, master links and sprockets? This might not be that big of challenge in the Fort Worth, TX area. We have plenty Small and Large Gardening Shops, Northern Tools and Tractor Supply. The age of the tiller will probably send us to some of the oldest shops with surplus equipment (harder to find these days). loger
...See More
Hoeing vs. tilth
Q
Comments (13)
"None of us are completely no till. If you plant seeds you need to till soil to get them into the soil. If you plant seedlings you need to till the soil to get them in. If you pull a "weed" out by the roots you till that soil. Tilling means disturbing the soil whether by a trowel, hand cultivator, garden fork, garden spade, hoe, shovel, rototiller, or mouldboard plow." Finally we have you on record, Kimm, despite your refusal to respond to this very point made in your various "no-till" threads in the past. IOW, there is no such thing as no till. One wonders why you refused to acknowledge this obvious fact before, but oh well. Alison, the super-shallow assiduous cultivation that you are describing is best case scenario. Few gardeners are able to do it. Even in my home garden I don't stay on top of things quite to that extent. Though since I have much the same soil conditions that TX describes from MI, the weed problem is not severe. A four-foot tall dock can often be pulled by hand. Yesterday I was hilling potatoes in my remote garden a bit belatedly. Overwintered weeds are thick and high between the rows, I have to pull them before I can hill. I drilled the potatoes in rows rather than plowing the whole patch precisely to lessen impact on soil life and to conserve moisture which is a concern with the very light soil. The flip side is the problem later with well-established weeds which have said thank you very much. It's no big deal with a small garden but with four hundred-foot rows of potatoes I think next year I'll just have to let the soil be exposed.
...See More
Looking for a Scuffle Hoe
Q
Comments (18)
I think Lee Valley sells a collection of queer shaped hoes, and they are not trying to sell very functional hoes. I've been working as gardener for the last 35 years and have been using only hoes made by Sneeboer of Netherland for 33 years. I am still using the same set of hoes. I purchased them from Agrico Sales in Vancouver, 8206 Ontario Street V5X 3E3, 604 322 6652 for about $120 each. The company has been bought over by a US company and it's name is now Agrium Advanced Technologies. They don't carry Sneebore hoes at regular basis, however, I find them time to time. The last price I saw was $140, however, I would pay $250 for a hoe without any problem. http://www.sneeboer.com/d/Push-Hoe-20-cm-Article-No-2005-i39.html Sells for 62 Euro, so I now know why $140 in Vancouver. I weed with them, however, I also use for lawn edging. When I take care of beds I only carry a hoe. Here is a link that might be useful: Sound of Wind
...See More
computeruser
16 years ago
Not sure where to find a good hoe (I'm married so I can't really look into that issue anymore...ok, bad joke, nevermind), but Cold Steel makes a number of good machetes. They are inexpensive, durable, and the steel can take and hold a fine edge. I've had good luck with the Bolo-style, but they've got a number of different designs and the prices are gooe enough that you could easily get a couple and figure out which style works best for you.
maineman
16 years ago
Caroline,

Classical machetes can be dangerous to use, particularly if they glance off what you are swinging at. A mishap could be serious or life threatening. I wouldn't consider one as a gardening tool. Here is a link to a narrative on the hands-on use of the Barteaux machete. Here is a link with some more information. There are soil knives that are made specifically for gardening, if that is your intended use.

This Korean hoe is not the kind you are referring to. I think you might be thinking of something more along the line of the Farmer's Hoe.

MM
caroline1
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the feedback. Actually the Korean hoe is what I'm looking for. Seems like I saw it somewhere for cheaper... dunno. Those Rogue hoes look interesting too.
The machetes with the hook on the end of the blade are really interesting. The one source had them for $97 though! Any place a little cheaper? I want a good one but sheesh...

Thanks again!
maineman
16 years ago
Caroline,

Dick's Sporting Goods has a plain vanilla Coleman machete for about $10.

Several different inexpensive machetes are offered by Ambient Weather. Another inexpensive source is Trading Post Supply. Fern Knives also has a selection of inexpensive machetes.

The Gerber Brush Thinner is available at that source for $31.40, but you would probably want to get the sheath for an additional $11.50.

There are a mind-boggling number of machetes available. But not so many Korean hoes.

MM

Related Stories

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 13 Inspiring Ideas for Backyard Sheds

By Becky Harris

Whether you love an inspiring backyard retreat or just need a spot to stow a hoe, these great outdoor sheds have some ideas for you

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING How to Make a Pond

By Mitchell Parker

You can make an outdoor fish paradise of your own, for less than you might think. But you'll need this expert design wisdom

GARDENING GUIDES How to Stop Worrying and Start Loving Clay Soil

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Clay has many more benefits than you might imagine

EDIBLE GARDENS Natural Ways to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Garden

By Abundant City

Use these techniques to help prevent the spread of weeds and to learn about your soil

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Tomatoes

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant tomato seedlings in spring for one of the best tastes of summer, fresh from your backyard

GARDENING GUIDES New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

GARDENING GUIDES How to Get Your Prairie On

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Have a field day with your landscape, even if you've got just a few modern containers on a paved path

LIFE The Top 5 Ways to Save Water at Home

Get on the fast track to preserving a valuable resource and saving money too with these smart, effective strategies

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES 3 Ways Native Plants Make Gardening So Much Better

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

You probably know about the lower maintenance. But native plants' other benefits go far beyond a little less watering and weeding

BATHROOM DESIGN Powder Room Essentials to Keep Guests Happy

By Nicole White Designs Interiors LLC

Set out these bathroom necessities (hello, hand towels) to make your company comfortable and your parties run smoothly

Sponsored

More Discussions

How to build utility room on slab under piling house?

25

How long to grind each chainsaw link while sharpening?

12

drain valve for fuel

1

Question about TraxGarden hoe..........

2

chipper not starting

1