I've bought some gardening tools in a local hardware store in the last 2 years and I'm disappointed with the quality (durability and ergonomics). Looking for recommendations regarding brands. I've already come across Radius Garden, which seems great! I'm in Portugal, so some brands might be difficult/expensive to get here, but all suggestions are welcome. Thanks!!
It looks like Fiskars has the most reviews though there are others.
Invasive plants are Earth's way of insisting we notice her medicines. Stephen Herrod Buhner
Everyone learns what works by learning what doesn't work. Stephen Herrod Buhner
For Europe;
For hand tools, wolf-garten is a very good brand. Well designed and very durable. I would prefer them even if they were twice or 3 times more expensive. I have been using them for almost a decade without a single issue. One recommendation: buy a small diamond rasp to file blades or edges. It might be expensive, but will pay back in no time.
For other market garden equipment, please check product list of this website: smallfarmswork You might find some useful stuff over there.
Here are some loppers I bought from the local agriloja.
I took them back and, having failed to find anything that looked like it was really up to the job, finally sent off to amazon for some fiskars loppers which have been brilliant.
Having said that, the local aluminium scythes are brilliant and affordable.
Our feed store has better quality than hardware stores. Still not as good as stuff was made a few decades ago but not bad and not high dollar. Brands vary and they might have 2-3 levels of quality but the more expensive ones are still half way decent in price.
Yard sales, estate sales and auctions might be a place to find older stuff in good shape. The metal was thicker and of better quality and they put more thought into the design of things back in the day. New handles can be put on. Our feed store carries handles but they're junk. Quality handles are available online though.
I bought a forked spade several years ago and have been straightening the tongs ever since. I'm a small guy so I really shouldn't be able to bend a tool like that easily but..... and the handle's too short and I'm not even tall.
I was John Pollard aka poorboy but the system is broken so I had to start anew
Fiskars seems to be pretty good but I've had trouble with their hand pruners. I love their splitting axe.
I'd second Anne's referral to the review grid. Now that it's winter and we have more time , it would be awesome to enter a bunch of reviews of different pieces of gear so that the grid gets even more populated.