The Eye-Hoe (also called Grub, Grubbing or Chopping hoes) is the oldest hoe design in the world, due to the simplicity of the head shape; traditionally, forging the head could be done with crude tools. The ‘eye’ just had an appropriately-sized stick stuck through it for a handle; as long as one end of the stick was bigger than the eye, it wouldn’t come out. The eye-hoes produced by SHW of Germany today are a lot more refined: ergonomic designs, light weight and perfectly fitted handles wedged into place.

The differences between these Eye hoes and others you will find on the market are:

1. The SHAPE of the handle … most have round handles, while these German ones all have OVAL handles: like an axe, sledgehammer, pickaxe or any well-designed striking tool. This is very important, because the way the human hand is shaped, holding an oval handle naturally “aims” the tool head properly, and is much more ergonomic when using the tool for long periods (resulting in less hand fatigue). Also, note that all the handles in the “chopping” series actually get LARGER toward the head for extra strength…you simply don’t see this design on the lower cost eye-hoes; it’s more expensive to produce a handle this strong. Of course, tightening or replacing a handle is easy - just like a hammer or axe with a wooden handle; just drive a wedge into the top to spread the handle out into the eye. We stock replacement handles.
2. Head angles and balance. The Germans have spent a tremendously long time perfecting these tools…the foundry location where SHW currently resides in the Black Forest has been forging tools since the year 1267! The head angles and balance of these eye hoes is unparalleled, meaning more work done with less fatigue.
3. Steel Quality. We probably don’t need to say more here…what kind of quality would you expect from an old German company? I can tell you this: when I hit one of our Kentucky limestone rocks with an SHW hoe, it’s usually the rock that gets the chip out of it!!

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Hand Hoes

We find that these short-handled forged steel eye-hoes are the best balanced tools of this type on the market. (KEEP SCROLLING DOWN FOR LONGER-HANDLED HOES)

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54601 - SHW Single Chopper

• Head: 3” x 5.75””
• Length: 13”
• Weight: 1 lbs

$26.00

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55393 - SHW 3 Prong Chopper

• Head: 2.6” x 10”
• Length: 13”
• Weight: 1.25 lb

$28.00

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55394 - Double Chopper

• Head: 3” x 10.5”” x .75”
• Length: 13”
• Weight: 1.1 lbs

$28.00

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54597 - SHW ’Sang’ (Ginseng) Hoe

Although we certainly do not encourage the unsustainable (or illegal) harvest of this rare plant in the wild, this hoe is very much the traditional size and shape of the ‘sang hoe’ in Appalachia. Of course it’s a great garden tool too!

• Head: 3.5” x 4”
• Length: 18”
• Weight: 1.6 lbs

$30.00

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“Garden” Series

We find this series very popular among women; very strong and durable but lighter than you ever thought a forged chopping hoe could be. Ergonomic ovalized kiln-dried ash handles add to the pleasure of using these tools (SOME handles have been treated with a darker “stain” at the factory, so the wood may look a lot darker than ash!).
Intended for weeding in garden soils that have already been worked that gardening season…NOT for heavy chopping or for use in sod / un-worked soils….we offer heavier models for those applications.

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54534 - SHW Double Chopper

Wide blade and narrow blade make great options for working intensive beds.

• Head: 3” x 10.5 x .75””
• Length: 54”
• Weight: 1.8 lbs
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle

VIDEO: Tool head mounting

MSRP: $53.00; $35.00

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54535 - SHW Chopper / Rowmaker

The backside of this nimble hoe is pointed to make planting rows or break clods.

• Head: 2.6” x 10.5”
• Length: 54”
• Weight: 2 lbs
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle

VIDEO: Tool head mounting

MSRP: $53.00; $35.00

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53617 - SHW 3 Tine Chopper

The stamped-steel or Chinese imitations in the hardware store pale by comparison…

• Head: 2.6” x 10”
• Length: 54”
• Weight: 1.8 lbs
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle

VIDEO: Tool head mounting

MSRP: $53.00; Sale Price: $35.00

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53652 - SHW “Regular” Hoe

This is actually NOT an “eye” hoe, but we stuck it in this category anyway because it’s SHW brand. If you want an “American-style” hoe, but want it made out of German Forged steel AND with an easily replaceable handle, then this is your baby. American-made Ash handle.

• Head: 6.5” x 4.5”
• Weight: 2.6 lbs
• Length: 68”
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle

MSRP: $46.95; Sale Price: $36.00

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Mid-Weight “Chopping” Series

Thicker handles which are larger near the head, and heavier blades make this series suitable for heavier soils, larger weeds (I often use mine to chop unwanted thistles out of fields) small tree roots (½” diameter max), etc. Will work for “primary” tillage in un-worked soil, but care must be used not to “pry” and overstress the handles—wood has limits! Scroll down more if you need the HEAVIEST chopping hoes we offer…

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SHW 4.5” Mid-Weight Chopper

Relatively Light; the narrow blade and concave cutting edge help minimize the effort of cutting into the soil. My personal favorite chopping hoe.

• Head: 4.5” x 7.5”
• Weight: 3.2 lbs.
• Length: 59”
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle
• $38.00 (Item 53313)

VIDEO: Tool head mounting

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SHW 5.5” MId-Weight Chopper

Wider, to get the job done faster, but of course a bit heavier too.

• Head: 5.5” x 7.5”
• Weight: 3.4 lbs
• Length: 59”
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle
• $39.00 (Item 53401)

VIDEO: Tool head mounting

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54528 - SHW Chopper / Root Cutter

Designed like a miniature Mattock with a longer handle, this awesome tool is great for heavy garden chopping, trail maintenance, root pruning, etc. This is a very unique tool…it is the only tool we have found with a true “Mattock” head design (chopping blade on one side, axe blade on the other) with a strong, forged steel, relatively light head coupled with a long handle. In fact, SHW was going to discontinue it, and we persuaded them to keep it in production due to its uniqueness. (Some folks prefer this tool with a shorter handle…if so, just cut the wooden handle down to the size that suits you.)

• Head: 2.6” x 10.5”
• Length: 54”
• Weight: 3.1 lbs
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle

VIDEO: Tool head mounting

$47.00

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53531 - SHW 3-Tine Hoe

When loosening soil, “tined” tools offer great soil penetration with less effort than “bladed” tools, and are LOTS more friendly to Earthworms! This forged-steel tined hoe utilizes the “Eye” hoe design, which SHW augments with an ovalized handle for comfort and a reinforced gusset on the rear of the handle for extra strength. LONG tines for deep penetration. Can be used to harvest root crops, too…this is a bit like a digging fork you can swing!

• Head: 8.5” x 4.75”
• Length: 54”
• Weight: 2.5 lbs
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle

VIDEO: Tool head mounting

$44.00

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HEAVY “Chopping” Series

The “Heavy Hitters” for the toughest jobs…

SHW ‘Root’ Hoe

For the MAJOR chopping jobs, such as breaking new sod, digging ditches, chopping through tree roots…THIS is your hoe. Super-gusseted Ash handles available in two lengths. (Keep in mind that the longer handle is more expensive to ship!)

• Head: 4.5” x 8.5”
• Weight: 4.4 lbs
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle
• With 54” handle: $47.00 (Item 53566)
• With 75” handle: $52.00 (Item 53566-L) NOTE: 75” handle will significantly increase shipping cost!!

VIDEO: Tool head mounting

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SHW Grape Hoe

Actually designed for heeling in grapevines, this is the ‘Big Mama’ of chopping/eye hoes. Available with your choice of two handle lengths. (Keep in mind that the longer handle is more expensive to ship!)

• Head: 9” x 4.5”
• Weight: 4.1 lbs (with 54” handle)
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle
• With 54” handle: $50.00 (Item 54547)
• With 75” handle: $55.00 (Item 54547-L) NOTE: 75” handle will significantly increase shipping cost!!

VIDEO: Tool head mounting

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53648 - SHW Mattock (with axe blade)

Talk about a serious tool! I’ve found that the 5” wide blade is perfect for making a trench for a 4” drainage pipe - and the axe blade on the back made short work of the tree roots I encountered. This is one of my favorite digging tools, period.

• Head: 5” x 16.5”
• Length: 41.5”
• Weight: 5 lbs.
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle

VIDEO: Tool head mounting

$50.00

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53655c - SHW Mattock (without axe blade)

Same as 53648 above, but without “axe” blade and with a slightly thicker .

• Head: 5” x 7.5”
• Length: 41.5”
• Weight: 4.3 lbs.
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle

VIDEO: Tool head mounting

$46.00

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53543 - HEAVY SHW 3-Tine Hoe (Swing Fork)

For heavy soil-breaking work…very much like a Broadfork that you swing. Forged head with 9” tines. Ash handle is curved for excellent comfort and ergonomics, PLUS it is gusseted out at the top for maximum strength.

• Head: 7.5” wide x 9” long”
• Length: 48”
• Weight: 5 lbs
• Head shipped dis-mounted from handle

VIDEO: Tool head mounting

$70.00