Lee Valley

Quality tools that last a lifetime for the gardener and the woodworker. They do have some purposely inexpensive or disposable tools but these are clearly labelled and described as such. Have never had a bad tool from them.

I really enjoy Lee Valley's Garden Tools.

About 20 years ago we bought a little hand trowel from them. It had a lifetime guarantee not to bend. About a year later, a gravel truck (full of gravely) drove over it and it bent. Clearly our fault, but they replaced it anyway. Funny, I don't see it in the catalogue anymore.

They are also the only place that sell a fork and spade set that is long enough not to hurt my back. I can simply put it in the soil, bend at the knees and use it as a lever, then one hand as a fulcrum, one hand on the end of the handle, and unbend my knees. Minimal back involvement means I can dig for an hour or more without needing a rest. However, they are hugely heavy for most people to use, especially city people who wish to help out on the farm.

I've been happy with the Lee Valley digging spade and fork. Unimpressed with the mulch/compost fork, as the tines bent badly out of shape while moving a couple dozen yards of wood chips, though I haven't taken it back to see if it is covered for life.