Posted by by the Gubba Team
7th Oct 2022
Sneeboer: Tools for life, and generations to come
Have you tried out a Sneeboer garden tool? As founder Arie Sneeboer used to say; “One who once has held a Sneeboer tool in his hands never wants anything else”. It really is buy once, buy well with these premium, hand-forged garden tools. But be warned - once you have one Sneeboer tool, you’ll be tempted to expand your collection!
Over 100 Years of History
Sneeboer’s history dates all the way back to 1913, when Arie Sneeboer established a forging workshop in Bovenkarspel, a small town in the Netherlands. Arie’s forge began in a humble garden shed - but he was confident local growers and market gardeners were in need of quality tools that would last the distance. He was right, and the demand for Sneeboer garden tools soon spread!
Thus Sneeboer was born and is still going strong over 100 years later. The company is currently run by the 3rd generation of the Sneeboer family (with the 4th generation preparing to take the reins soon!). The Sneeboer brand has become internationally renowned for their quality craftsmanship, with gardeners around the globe swearing by their wide range of stainless steel garden tools.
The Process
The modern Sneeboer factory operates two forges. Coal is still used to power each of the four fires, with the family maintaining that this is the most effective method for forging. Their skilled master craftsmen use anvils to traditionally craft tools, and sledgehammers to shape the molten steel. The oldest of these hammers was made back in 1920, and is still in use today! Overall, the same techniques that were developed more than 100 years ago are still used now - contributing to the enduring quality and impressive reputation Sneeboer has maintained.
Interestingly, Sneeboer personally trains each new member of staff; this is a detailed and lengthy process that can take up to 3 years. This is because instruction in the trade of traditional blacksmith is no longer widely available. It’s special to think of how Sneeboer is helping to keep the art of traditional hand-forging alive!
The Tools
We carry a wide range of Sneeboer’s quality stainless steel tools; there’s something for almost every task in the garden. Each one is forged by hand from quality stainless steel and paired with ash or cherry wood handles. Truly ready to “last a lifetime, and for generations to come!”. Learn more about a few of our top-selling Sneeboer tools below…
So useful is this garden hoe, it won an award at the 2013 RHS Chelsea Flower Show for Garden Product of the Year - a very impressive accolade! Sneeboer teamed up with English rose breeder John Scarman to create the Royal Dutch Hoe - a completely new tool at the time, which allows you to work and walk backwards. This leaves a fine tilth without footprints, reducing the chance of replanting weeds with your feet.
Planting Trowel - Old Dutch Style
This trowel will become your go-to tool for all planting tasks. Its sharp, rounded sides and pointed tip makes cutting through soil unbelievably easy. Perfect for planting bulbs, seedlings or small plants, for breaking up or turning soil, or for separating smaller perennials. Beloved British gardener Monty Don has proclaimed this as his favourite tool!
This traditional Dutch tool’s precisely angled head allows easy weeding around established plants. Easily push into the soil to remove the roots of deep and tap rooted weeds! Fun fact: "Wrotter" is an old Dutch word which means “Tough Worker”. We think this describes this useful tool perfectly.
We have over 50 Sneeboer tools to check out - take a look! And next time you reach for your favourite Sneeboer, remember the years of history behind each and every design.
