Where to buy quality tools these days

[puglogic]

My mattock was stolen a couple of years ago, and I really miss it. For those who've never used one, it's a gorgeous tool whose head has two tools: a pick on one side and a flat-blade on the other. I loved my mattock.

I'd had the thing for easily 15 years, and now that I'm trying to find one to replace it, I'm seeing that the only thing the big-box stores have is (basically) cheap junk that won't last a year of heavy work.

Where can you buy really good quality tools these days? I want something of the quality of my flat spade and digging fork, made in England and in their 20th year of use. Do they even make things like that any more?

[bae]

I am fortunate to have friends here who run a small store here specializing in The Good Stuff.

http://www.smithandspeed.com/page/page/4383413.htm

[iris lily]

This is a constant refrain of mine, too. The cheap shovel I purchased at a big box store is just awful.

[puglogic]

I am fortunate to have friends here who run a small store here specializing in The Good Stuff.

http://www.smithandspeed.com/page/page/4383413.htm

I am incredibly jealous. But I see they do mail order. Yeeee haw.

[The Storyteller]

Farm auctions and farm equipment auctions.

[Gardenarian]

As far as small garden tools go, I have been really impressed with ARS brand. The bypass pruners are way better than Felco - they really keep an edge, and my wrists can sure tell the difference. Their pruning saws are great too.