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What is the best garden knife

Last post 04-11-2009 8:28 PM by Always Diggin. 4 replies.

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  • 02/11/2009 08:17 PM
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    I'm writing my letter to Father Christmas and am going to ask for a garden knife, I know there are different types but as I am going to be mainly taking cuttings so I am thinking a general purpose one will be most appropriate.

     But which is the best make? Can anyone give me any pointers? Confused
  • 03/11/2009 08:10 AM
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    Professionals use carbon steel but it rusts and is pesky nuisance unless you use them everyday, not to mention the cost: http://www.harrodhorticultural.com/HarrodSite/pages/product/product.asp?prod=GGT-323&AffiliateCode=CBSW 

    I make do with a Victorinox cutting knife, cheap and cheerful and as good as stainless steel gets: http://www.garden4less.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=39050 

    However, whatever knife you get you will need an oilstone to keep it properly sharp: http://www.screwfix.com/prods/12048/Hand-Tools/Knives/Sharpening-Stones/Oil-Stone-and-Box-200mm 

    Boggy

    Beware the bat-eared bogweevil
  • 03/11/2009 07:38 PM
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    • jon jon
    • stratford on avon
    • 18 Sep 2009
    • 7
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    j have used for several years a florist knife for cutting, costs about a £,small knife like a kitchen paring knife,very sharp.  
  • 04/11/2009 02:51 PM
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    • miranda
    • Oxfordshire
    • 17 Nov 2004
    • 2,977
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    I have a folding, carbon steel Opinel knife which is very handy for trimming roots and foliage and odd jobs about the garden. The steel doesn't stay clean, but it does hold a sharp edge and they're cheap as well. I like this one because I'm left-handed and many gardening knives are ground for right-handers.

    If you want to ask for something fancy, rather than a stocking filler, Tina knives are very good. They're not cheap, but they're beautifully made and should last you. 

  • 04/11/2009 08:28 PM
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    Thanks for the advice I've just had a look at Gardening Which and lo and behold they are reviewing Garden Knives next month which should help me.

    Thinking about it my choice would have to have a brightly coloured handle so when I put it down I can find it again, really the amout of stuff I lose is frightening, I usually find it  a couple of months later a bit worse for ware. Actually a pice of string tied to my jacket may be a better idea.