Master Shin's Anvil #71 Hand Fork

Garden hand fork. Each piece is made by hand, so no two are exactly alike.

Specifications

• Brand: Master Shin's Anvil (Anseong, South Korea)
• Designer and blacksmith: Shin In-Young
• Model: #71 Hand Fork
• Type: Garden hand fork
• Overall length: 15.25 in (38.7 cm)
• Overall width: 2.75 in (7 cm)
• Blade: Carbon steel; it as the strong steel used for railroad tracks
• Handle: Chestnut or oak, shade-dried for years
• Construction: Hand-forged by Master Shin In-Young
• Care: Dry and oil after use (our advice)
• Made in: South Korea
• Item number (MPN): AN-71F

Features

• Hand-forged by Master Shin In-Young from railroad-track carbon steel
• Chestnut or oak handle, shade-dried for years

Best for

Raised beds, vegetable plots, containers and gardeners who work on their knees.

Who this is not for

• Gardeners who want rust-free stainless tools: carbon steel needs drying and a little oil.
• Anyone looking for a long-handled tool: this is a hand tool for working close to the ground.
• Anyone who needs it within a day or two: it ships in 2–3 business days.

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led pieces since 2009, and few makers we carry put one person’s hands on every piece the way this workshop does. Founded in Anseong in 1845, it is known as South Korea’s oldest blacksmith shop. Master Shin In-Young became a master at 17 and was designated Gyeonggi Province Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 60 in 2016 (per the maker). The X on each handle is the shop’s mark of its best steel.

More from Master Shin’s Anvil: #69 Hand Trowel; #70 Hand Cultivator, 3-Tine; #68 Winged Hoe; #66 Sickle.

Buy once: durability and care

Our advice: knock off soil, dry it completely and wipe the steel with a little oil before storing it somewhere dry. A file or whetstone touches up the edge, and baking-soda paste removes surface rust.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Master Shin's Anvil #71 Hand Fork used for?

A sturdy hand fork for moving plants and digging out weeds.The convex shape keeps soil from sticking and the angle of the handle reduces wrist fatigue.

How long is the Master Shin's Anvil #71 Hand Fork?

It measures 15.25 in overall, 2.75 in wide (the specification; each hand-forged piece varies slightly).

Will the Master Shin's Anvil #71 Hand Fork rust?

Carbon steel can rust if it is left wet. Dry it after use and wipe on a little oil, and it will develop a dark protective patina instead.

Is this a genuine Master Shin's Anvil #71 Hand Fork?

Yes.

When will the Master Shin's Anvil #71 Hand Fork ship?

Ships in 2–3 business days.

Gifting & trade orders

A lasting gift for gardeners. For corporate or restaurant quantities, contact our trade team.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, contractors and builders can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Master Shin's Anvil and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and free catalogs and finish swatches. Applying takes about three minutes; our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day. Ordering tools for a landscaping studio or for client gifts? Contact us with items and quantities and we’ll confirm availability.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days.

Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.