"Chris" wrote
What are the absolute best gardening tools?

My grandfather was a good gardener - and he told me, "Always buy the best
tools you can afford".

At long last, I believe him!
So ... what are the best of the best?

Secateurs.. Felco, as Rod says, Swiss made and parts are available should
the unthinkable happen. Used by all the professional gardeners I've ever
seen, and the RHS, Kew etc etc.
Sundry Tools .. The smaller Wolf Push Pull Weeder is the best weeding hoe
I've ever come across and you buy a handle to fit you for length. Their
other tools in the "Multichange" range are also well built and last, I use
their claw quite a bit too.
Draw hoe.. (for spud banking up) I have yet to find one that works as well
as the old one I broke, they are either at the wrong angle or bend/break and
all need sharpening. (any suggestions welcome)
I have "Bulldog" British forged stainless steel fork and spade, excellent
quality if you can find them secondhand, they aren't made any more, too
expensive to manufacture. Traditional, heavy, but a joy to use.
Trowels.. I prefer the slim bladed forged/welded ones, much easier for
planting out baby veg plants, never bother with the pressed out of sheet
steel ones they don't last a moment.
Line, you make yourself.
Power tools.. Stihl followed by Husqvarna.
Cultivators.. Honda or that very expensive one whose name escapes me.

--
Regards
Bob Hobden
17mls W. of London.UK