The details
Materials and Care
Materials and Care
Carbon steel
Used for our spade, fork, hoe and the forged trowel. It is harder than stainless and holds a sharper edge, but it will show surface rust if left wet. Scrape off soil, wipe dry, and rub a little oil (any light machine or vegetable oil) over the blade before storing. Sharpen with a flat file, working from the back of the bevel.
Stainless steel
Used for the trowel and fork set and the soil knife. It does not rust and clay slides off it. Rinse and dry; that is all.
Ash and oak handles
Kiln-dried ash is light, straight-grained and absorbs shock. Once a year, wipe the handle with boiled linseed oil, leave for twenty minutes and rub off the excess. Never leave a tool standing in wet ground, and store it indoors in winter.
Weathering steel
Arrives grey and forms an orange-brown oxide skin over 6 to 10 weeks outdoors. The skin protects the steel underneath and does not need sealing. During the first few months, runoff can stain pale stone or decking, so use the rubber feet supplied.
Cast stone
Crushed limestone bound with white cement. Frost-proof as long as the drainage hole is open. Raise bowls on feet or pebbles in winter so they do not sit in a puddle.
Terracotta and stoneware
Our terracotta is high-fired and frost-resistant to about 5 degrees Fahrenheit; stoneware is vitrified and safe at any temperature. Both should have their drainage holes kept clear. White mineral bloom on terracotta brushes off with water.
Western red cedar
Naturally rot-resistant with no treatment. Left alone it turns silver grey in about a year. To keep the red colour, apply an exterior penetrating oil each spring.
Copper and galvanized steel
Unlacquered copper darkens to brown; polish with lemon and salt if you want it bright. Galvanized steel dulls to grey and does not rust through. Empty cans after use and store on their side in frost.
Leather and waxed cotton
Brush off dry mud. Spot clean with cold water only. Re-wax canvas every year or two with a cotton wax bar warmed in with a hair dryer. Treat leather with a plain leather balm a few times a year.
Glove sizing
Measure around the palm just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb. S: 7 inches. M: 8 inches. L: 9 inches. XL: 10 inches. If you are between sizes, go down; goatskin stretches a little with wear.