Handmade Forged Youngju Korean Homi Hoe | Large

A hand-forged hoe by master blacksmith Seok No-Ki

The homi (pronounced hoe-mee, meaning 'little ground spear') is one of the oldest and most versatile garden tools in the world. It was first used over 5,000 years ago during the Bronze Age and still as relevant today. This large Youngju homi is hand-forged in South Korea, with a hazel wood handle shaped for comfortable, precise use. A tool with genuine provenance and exceptional performance in the garden.

Hand-forged from recycled spring steel

The blade and neck are forged from a single piece of recycled car spring steel. This is the same material used in automotive suspension, chosen for its exceptional strength, flexibility and durability. Each piece is heated and shaped by hand multiple times by Seok No-Ki to achieve the precise angle and geometry that makes the homi so effective. The result is a blade that is harder and more resilient than most garden tools and holds its edge through demanding use without becoming brittle.

In the Australian garden

In the Australian garden, where compacted soils, persistent weeds and rocky ground make a sharp, strong blade essential, the homi's angled blade cuts through surface crust and opens soil for planting with a fraction of the effort a conventional hoe requires. The swan neck profile puts the blade at the optimal angle for both pulling and pushing cuts.

Versatile by design

The triangular blade profile makes the homi one of the most multi-purpose hand tools available. Use it for digging planting holes, opening seed furrows, weeding between established plants, cultivating compacted soil, hilling around vegetables and cutting through roots. At 300g it is light enough for extended use without fatigue.

Why you'll love it

• Hand-forged from a single piece of recycled spring steel — exceptionally strong and durable
• Made by master blacksmith Seok No-Ki with over 54 years of homi-making experience
• Swan neck and angled blade for efficient digging, weeding and planting
• Hazel wood handle for a comfortable and secure grip
• Lightweight at 300g for extended use without fatigue
• Suited to compacted and challenging Australian soils
• Handmade in South Korea by Youngju

Uses in the garden

• Weeding between established plants and in tight spaces
• Digging planting holes and seed furrows
• Cultivating and loosening compacted Australian soils
• Hilling soil around vegetables and root crops
• Cutting through roots and surface crust
• General close cultivation and soil preparation

Details

• Total length: 34cm
• Blade length: 19cm
• Weight: 300g
• Blade material: recycled spring steel, hand-forged
• Handle: hazel wood
• Place of origin: handmade in South Korea by Youngju

Care

• Wipe blade clean after use and dry thoroughly
• Apply a light coat of oil periodically to protect the steel
• Treat the hazel wood handle occasionally with linseed oil to maintain condition

About Youngju

Youngju is a traditional blacksmith workshop in South Korea where master craftsman Seok No-Ki has been forging homi tools for over 54 years. He began working in the blacksmith's shop at the age of 14 and has devoted his life to perfecting the craft. Each tool is shaped by hand many times with a hammer, heated and worked to achieve the precise angle and grip that makes the Youngju homi one of the most highly regarded versions of this ancient tool available.