Yury Smirnov

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since Apr 10, 2016
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The Ploskorez (also known as the Fokin hoe or flat-cutter) is a versatile and efficient hand tool for gardening and farming. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Proper Grip & Posture
* Hold the handle firmly but not too tightly.
* Stand straight, keeping your back neutral to avoid strain.
* Use smooth, sweeping motions rather than heavy chopping.

2. Key Uses
✔ Weeding – Slides just under the soil to cut weeds at the roots.
✔ Loosening Soil – Aerates compacted earth without turning layers (good for no-till farming).
✔ Hilling & Furrowing – Shapes beds and creates shallow trenches for planting.
✔ Mulching – Covers soil with organic matter while lightly mixing it in.

3. Technique Tips
* Work in a pulling or pushing motion (like a Dutch hoe) rather than hacking.
* Adjust the angle for shallow weeding (5–10 cm deep) or deeper soil work.
* Keep the blade sharp for cleaner cuts and less effort.

4. Advantages Over Traditional Hoes
* Less strain on the back (ergonomic design).
* Faster work due to wide cutting edge.
* Multi-purpose (weeding, cultivating, hilling).

5. Maintenance
* Clean after use to prevent rust.
* Sharpen the blade occasionally with a file or grinder.
* Store in a dry place.

The Ploskorez is a favorite among organic gardeners and permaculturists for its efficiency and soil-friendly design. With proper technique, it can save time and effort while keeping your garden healthy!
2 weeks ago

Emilie McVey wrote:I looked at the website that sells the Fokin hoe.  They give pretty straightforward directions on how to make a handle for it.

As far as how often to sharpen it, it merely says to keep it sharp--not very helpful.  But given what the Fokin can do, and my experience with other types of hoes and tools that cut  into soil, I would have a sharpener/whetstone in my back pocket.

Hope that helps.

I would love to have one of these tools.  It would make quick(er) work of preparing a new bed, or getting an existing, somewhat overgrown bed back into shape, making furrows, and cutting all those weed that grow in the corners where my lawn mower can't reach.  I bet it could even help me edge my beds while standing up, instead of having to crawl on all fours with a pair of scissors.  Getting up from that position is the *real*  problem!



No problem, please place an order here: https://ecominded.net/garden-tools

You can also purchase the best option of Fokin hoe made of titan: https://ecominded.net/flat-cutter-titan - needs sharpening once a month/

3 weeks ago

Annie Collins wrote:Yury, I am wondering how often the Fokin hoe needs sharpening? If, for example, one were to use it for pretty much a full day when getting a plot of land ready for gardening, about how often does it need to be sharpened? Is it like a scythe that needs sharpening every few swings, or would you guess it would be once every couple of hours? I am trying to get a sense of whether one would just carry a sharpener with one like one does with a scythe?
Also, I gather that the handle does not come with the hoe when purchasing it from your site. Is there any information you can give as to how to make the handle, as far as the best wood to use, length, etc.
Thank you!



The Fokin hoe made of regular steel needs sharpening every day. However the Fokin hoe made of Titan needs sharpening every month: https://ecominded.net/flat-cutter-titan .
Also you can order a handle for Fokin hoe, if you wish: https://ecominded.net/handle-for-ploskorez
Otherwise you can make a handle yourself: https://ecominded.net/how-to-make-a-handle-for-ploskorez
3 weeks ago
The Ploskorez is a favorite among organic gardeners and permaculturists for its efficiency and soil-friendly design. With proper technique, it can save time and effort while keeping your garden healthy!

Would you like tips for specific tasks (e.g., preparing beds, weeding tough grasses)?




3 weeks ago
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3 weeks ago