Lately I’ve been disappointed that all the garden tools I see in garden centers and big box stores are foreign made, most of them coming from China. Not only that, but the quality of many of them seems to be lacking. I’m all about saving money, but I learned a long time ago it doesn’t really pay to skimp when it comes to tools. And since I spend a lot of time with my garden tools, it really makes sense to buy sturdy ones that will last.
So, last year I went on a search to find some American made garden hoes. I’ve had my favorite ones for many years, and some of them are starting to get a little worn. It was time to find replacements before they all broke on me. The local stores were no help, so I started searching online. And I quickly came upon a company that not only made hoes in the U.S., but they were located not that far away from here in the Missouri Ozarks.
old swan hoe
I’m not sure how long Rogue Hoe has been in business, but they might well have one of the most interesting selection of hoes I have ever seen. The business end of each hoe (the head) is made from recycled farm disc blades – you know, the implements that are mounted behind a tractor and break up the soil and crop stubble before planting. Oh my, recycled and made in the U.S.? That was good enough for me to want to give them a try.
closeup of Rogue 65G hoe
Their online catalog has a lot of different kinds and styles of hoes. I was torn between the models 75G, 65G and the 55G. The prudent part of me said to order only one, at least until I saw how well they were made. But the garden fanatic side of me said to order all three. Finally, I just split the difference and ordered the 65G and the 55G.
Rogue 55g hoe
I was impressed with the hoes when they arrived. They were very well made, with sturdy ash handles and a nice balanced feel to them. And the cutting edges were razor sharp. One year later, I am still impressed. They’ve seen a lot of use in that time, and they’re still in great shape. They have quickly become some of my favorite tools.
the label says it all
And for the record, I am not being compensated in any way to review these tools favorably, or otherwise. I paid full retail price for them. I just thought they were worthy of sharing with other gardeners who are searching for quality garden tools.
Rogue 55G hoe in action weeding the garlic bed
So, do any of you have favorite sources for garden tools? If so, I’d love to hear about them!
great post! and how wonderful, Made in the US!! i will be checking them out. one favorite of mine is the hula hoe or styrup hoe.
That looks like a fantastic hoe. We have a favorite tool called the lady gardener it’s a 3 prong, long handled cultivating tool and it works great. I don’t know if it is made in the USA but it’s lasted several seasons. My husband and I have to fight over who gets to use it.
Nice to know that quality implements are still made in the US. I just returned from visiting family in Texas and drove across Missouri on the trip out and back. I must say that I really liked the area – very hilly, mostly forested. I stayed in Rolla on the edge of Mark Twain National Forest and the people I talked to were quite decent. I believe that Baker Creek Seeds is also in the Missouri Ozarks.
It has been years since I used a hoe to, well, hoe. I like to hand weed. I find it relaxing. I do use my hoe, but for making furrows and breaking clods and such.
A hoe is one of the most used garden tools in my garden.
I have to admit that in the past I have been a bit stingy when it comes to buying garden tools and as you rightly say it doesn;t pay – the fork tines bend, the handles come off or worse the blades break. Next time I’m definitely going to spend the money and buy something decent.
I’ve broken and bent so many forks over the years. This time I sprung for a one with a fiberglass handle and stainless steel tines, which hopefully will last longer.
I cracked my hoe handle killing a black snake that was after my bluebirds. I now use my hoe with duct tape around the handle, but it is not completely satisfactory. I have been looking for a replacement, but I never like the heft of the ones I find in the stores around here.
Did the Rogue hoes have contoured handles? I do like the feel of the contoured handle better, but I guess that does make it weaker when whacking snakes.
The ones I got have straight handles.
My favorite gardening tools were my grandfather’s. I think they are older then me and I haven’t broken one yet! I always break my newer tools. I’m going to have to check out that site and see what they have.
They definitely don’t make them like they used to!
I have an excellent hoe, garden fork, and broadfork. I think I ended up with all three from Johnny’s Select Seeds – but honestly cannot remember because I have had them for a while now. The rest of my tools are rather ancient and the rake in particular is about on it’s last legs. I like to buy well engineered tools, care for them, and use them forever. 🙂 Does this company make rakes in addition to hoes?
They have a few rakes. I would prefer a rake that was wider though.
I definitely agree with you on the tools…go with the highest quality you can find. Those look like excellent hoes!
Rouge hoes come with a veriety of handle options, I have one that is about 5″ across the wide edge with a 3/4″ wide pick on the opposite end 1/4″ thick and sharpened on 3 sides. I use it for a combination of weed control and trail building but I have split wood with it in a pinch!