A Traditional Toolmaker
Sometimes the simplest things are the most exquisite. Blacksmith and metal artisan Tuli Fisher makes garden tools. It sounds ordinary, but what makes the tools special are his commitment to a lost craft and the quality of his creations.
Tuli forges each trowel, rake and hoe by hand in his Bozeman, Montana, workshop with domestically sourced materials. He uses traditional blacksmithing methods to heat, shape, and hammer the iron, and he hand-turns the hardwood handles. His artistry is evident in the details. Tuli bends the side tines below the ferrule on his hand rake to create a fleur de lis shape, for example. The curved shape of the pointed hoe makes it a hardy, versatile tool with a leaf-like profile, and the narrow trowel has teeth on one side to maneuver around roots and dig through hard soil.
Tuli’s labor of love combines his blacksmithing expertise and studies of traditional tool-making. His foray into garden tools started when a neighboring farmer trudged through the snow to ask Tuli to repair some tools. After fixing the tools and making even better ones, Tuli found his new passion.
It takes Tuli a lot longer to make each tool by hand than it would with conventional manufacturing methods, but the payoff is worth it. Garden enthusiasts (like Tuli himself) can really feel the difference.
Tuli
Hello, Tuli Fisher here in Bozeman, Montana. I’m a full time blacksmith using traditional tools and techniques to build hand tools and specifically, my collection of hand crafted garden tools.
I hope to inspire others (that means you) wanting to make a living through working creatively with their hands. Questions and comments are welcome.
Danielle
4/26/2013 11:58 AMAwesome tools! These would be perfect for my mom. Can I get these in time for Mother's Day?
Tuli – Special Guest
4/26/2013 12:01 PM@Danielle Hello Danielle. Thanks for your interest and the kind words. Yes, I will be sending packages this afternoon and over the weekend. In Plenty of time for Mother's Day. Happy Spring!
Danielle
4/26/2013 12:01 PMThanks Tuli!
Mckenna
4/26/2013 1:03 PMTruly beautiful! Do you have a care guide and a user's guide included in the purchase? I would consider this as a gift for a friend, but she would not know which tool to use for what job in a garden. That said, which of the 5 tools would be the most practical "starter" tool... ie: which would help with the most basic tasks?
Tuli – Special Guest
4/26/2013 1:31 PMHello. I can sure include a care guide for you. As far as what tool is practical for a beginning gardener, you can't go wrong with a planting trowel. The large trowel is great for transplanting live plants you get from the nursery. The narrow trowel is designed specifically for planting perennials. But, most people don't let a garden tools intended use stand in their way. Hope this helps.
Brian
4/26/2013 3:24 PMOk Grommet supports - here is a product that is made in the U.S.A. lets support a local craftsman. Question... if I order a set of 5 any issues with odering more than 1 of a certain item?
Tuli – Special Guest
4/26/2013 4:31 PMNo problem at all, you can order all of the same tool or any combination of tools. Thanks for your interest in my handcrafted garden tools!
Tuli – Special Guest
4/26/2013 7:00 PMPackages are on their way to several soon to be happy gardeners! Thank you for your continuing support of traditional American craft (mine and others as well). questions about all aspects of traditional blacksmithing and tool making are welcome!
Sally
4/26/2013 7:32 PMwow - how I want these! Going on my Christmas wish list!
karen
4/26/2013 9:48 PMI would love a set of these, these are tools you can feel for and think of when you use them and you'd want to keep them for generations. This kind of craftmanship and artisanship works its way into what your using them for and so fosters living IN each moment - like every moment matters. Diggin the dirt yeah!
Linda
4/27/2013 4:43 PMHi Tuli, I just placed an order for the set of five tools for my husband's 65th birthday gift. He looked at your Grommet video, and I could see his eyes go wide with delight! I have a couple of questions. Is there a box that the tools come in that will be their home once they are here? And is there a care guide of some sort? Also, any information about you and your company would be appreciated. Thank you so much! I ordered the tools on Saturday, April 27th at 1:40 pm Californa time (just so you know who is asking the questions...). Linda from Pleasant Hill, CA
Tuli – Special Guest
4/27/2013 7:08 PMHello Linda. Thank you for your message, and your order! Your handcrafted garden tools will come in a plain cardboard shipping box. Each tool is in it's own drawstring burlap bag inside. And, I will enclose a care card for your husband. Thanks again, and I hope you enjoy the spring and your new garden tools!