Do copper tools pay for themselves over time?

[Rhys]

Charles

I went to the website http://www.implementations.co.uk after reading about it in your ‘Moon’ section, to look at the copper tools referred to therein. I was well aware of the claims having read Viktor Schauberger’s books over 20 years ago.

When I looked at the prices, I was quite surprised by how expensive they all are.

Have you done any tests to compare productivity using copper tools vs old iron/steel ones and if so, how long would it take to recoup £150 – £200 if you had a 60 square metre growing area??

Appreciate that this may yield the answer ‘who knows?”, but thought I’d do some enquiring before delving straight into buying them…

Best regards for a productive 2014.

Rhys

[charles]

 Good question Rhys.

In 2004 I did some work for B&Q, was given four of their trowels, ordinary stainless. By 2008, all but one was broken, on the curved shaft, the piece which joins blade to handle, clean break.
In ten years of constant use I have had damage in a similar place to one copper trowel, but it is still usable with care. 

I have also needed to replace the blade of my Hydra hoe, but you can undo the (non-rusting) copper nuts to replace the blade only, no need to throw out the whole tool.

I don’t use my spade much, the odd hole for trees and parsnip removal, it slides into soil so easily that I am always grateful for its quality, the blade is amazingly thin, to save expensive copper I imagine.

Yes expensive. Value to me is good, everyone has to make their own call.

[Rhys]

That was my gut feeling too, but your experience has confirmed it.

Cheers.

[Ros]

Over 10 years ago when my mother died I inherited her trowel. The wooden handle is worn smooth with use and the blade is worn with many years use. I really enjoyed using it and thought about a copper one for a long time. 2 years ago I was given a copper trowel for Christmas. It slices through the ground so easily and gradually the handle is getting smoother with use. Half way through last summer I lost my copper trowel and had to go back to using my mother’s. Even taking out lettuces it didn’t slice through roots as easily as the copper one. I have now found my copper one where I thought if might be ….. and can confirm that it comes out of the compost heap after about 3 months just as good as it went in!!

[Stringfellow]

I agree with Ros regarding the copper trowel, having gratefully received one last Xmas as a gift. It feels well balanced and strong in the hand, slices through soil well and is generally a pleasure to use. Nice to know that they are compost heap proof too…

I’ll be adding to this with the Hydra Hoe in the next few weeks – bring those fresh weed seedlings on!!

[Charlie Armour]

Just been looking at the prices of these lovely looking and sounding tools. During my search a ‘copper finish’ trowel came up, much cheaper, and whilst one always has a niggling doubt that they will be as good I wondered whether anyone had any knowledge or opinions on the matter. I’m guessing for starters that perhaps it would lack the sharp edges.

[charles]

Charlie, check this link to make your own.
I think copper plating is a waste of time, it will soon wear off.
There is also the question of how iron tools interfere with soil’s magnetic energies, and the copper plated ones would, I think.
True copper/bronze is a sound investment, when you use the tools a fair amount.

[Rhys]

I bought from ur copper tools since this thread started:

1. Hydra hoe.
2. Rake.
3. Nunki weeder.
4. Hand fork.

Hydra hoe is very good at breaking up compost in spring to create a fine tilth and for removing young weeds prior to sowing. Nunki weeder is great for weeding between plants like onions, leeks, dwarf beans, beetroots etc. The hand fork works OK , but the middle prong is bending back slowly relative to the outside tool when harvesting leeks. The rake works like any other rake.

I may add a trowel and a hoe to create sowing beds for e.g. Carrots, parsnips etc,. I guess the spade may be valuable for harvesting parsnips, currently I loosen soil with a fork and then pull roots manually.

[Stringfellow]

Hi Charles, Rhys, Charlie Armour. Nice to revisit this old thread. I too have since bought and owned these copper tools and can whole heartedly recommend the trowel and hydra hoe; I use both regularly throughout the season. They are a pleasure to use and will continue to serve well into the future. Some linseed oil worked into the handles O/W helps to prolong their longevity. Enjoy.

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