Spear & Jackson 4655BM West Country Staff Brushing Hook

Just what we wanted

would have been better / easier to use if it was like a conventional scythe with a flat (parallel to the ground) blade.

Great tool

This is almost perfect, but the metal casing where it attaches to the wooden handle has a big crack in it. It doesn't look like it will break from normal use, but I'll update this if it does.

Bit heavy but very very sharp. Not for wimps!

Top job perfect tool

Great tool, easy to use. Fast shipping. Deal with again Recommended.

It's only S&J because they put their brand label on it after importing from China. The blade is thin half the thickness of my Elwell sickle. The metal is soft mild steel and formed to a wavy edge. The edge is blunt as delivered, but sharpens with a metal file and quickly blunts - see above. The shaft is varnished and became very slippery when it started to rain and this is not the kind of tool you want slipping from your hands! The wood seems to be the best part, so it is a shame they wasted money on varnish and a label. The blade is attached to the shaft very well, which is a shame as the handle might find other uses. I like and like using good tools and I don't like using this. The lack of balance or weight in the blade means it twists in your hands as you slash into brambles. Yes I cleared 10ft high rose and brambles, but it was hard going. I did first cut/grind the tip to a more open profile, taking about an inch off and tapering back about 5 inches to get an even curve which helped on the down stroke. Hooks and slashers are great tools for dangerous scrub where a machete will bring you too close to thorn or whip back. I'd seen a S/H Elwell on EBay and wish I had waited for that auction and long delivery as this S&J disappoints. Do not buy it's flawed in so many ways.