#69 Hand Trowel

Designer: Master Shin-in Young

Established: 1845

Brand: Master Shin's Anvil

Anseong is a South Korean city known for its brass, stone and iron implements, as well as a famous market of traditional craft and trade. The Shin Blacksmith was established there in 1845, today in the 5th generation of the family and the oldest blacksmith in Korea.  At the age of 13 Master Shin In-young began his apprenticeship and at 17 he became a master, an unprecedented achievement even today. He produces there the best handmade knives and farming tools in the country. In 2016, Master Shin In-young was named by the Gyeonggi Province as an Intangible Cultural Heritage Treasure #60 recognizing his rare, traditional skills and talent and remains the first individual to be awarded this great honor. He is the only artisan who practices a traditional technique of attaching steel sheets to clay. He teaches widely, in an interest to pass down craft and tradition. When Korea undertook to restore the stone pagoda of the Mireuksa Temple in Iksan, Master Shin was prevailed upon to produce the necessary stone-working tools. Following old-world techniques and traditional minimalistic design, Master Shin creates high-quality, functional pieces that are also durable works of art.

Item Description: Each towel and hoe is formed for specific types of soil and depth of digging, and is even produced for left or right handed use. While he hand forges each tool, his work is embedded with economy, simplicity and elegance. Tool edge retains sharpness for ≈ 2-3 seasons of normal use. 

Materials: handle: chestnut or oak wood, sun-dried for years to achieve the right weight and water resistance. Blade: made from the strong spring steel used in the auto industry to prevent warping.

Dimensions: L: 13" x W: 2.75" 

Care Instructions: No need to sharpen before 2-3 years of regular use. After which point, sharpen by hand, using a honing stone. Avoid use on hard surfaces. Wipe clean with soft cloth or use water only. Clean and dry thoroughly to prevent rust. To store, dry and lightly oil the surface.

Made In: South Korea