We developed, together with local master craftsmen, superior tools made of solid bronze with handles made of wood from Slovenian forests. Our tools are advanced and boast a lifetime warranty (25 years) on the metal parts. We combine knowledge of agriculture, carpentry, tool production, ecology, biodynamics, geometry and acoustics, thus creating tools which will over the years become a part of you.
Bronze garden tools are intended for use on cultured fertile soil for vegetable and flower gardens, flower beds, vineyards and parks. Individual models are appropriate for the processing of cultivated fields. We recommend the use of copper tools to growers who are engaged in permaculture and biodynamics, as due to their specific properties, our tools are kind to the soil and ensure careful care and rapid healing of the epidermis of the earth, as well as complementing ecological and agro-homeopathic preparations. Copper has a beneficial effect on water retention in the soil and contributes to the quality of the soil and crops.
These tools are not recommended for the cultivation of unspoiled terrain – or the cleaning of root systems of trees and shrubs. They are also not recommended for farmers who regularly use conventional preparations to maintain and select populations of plants, as copper toxic compounds are still a major component of plant protection products.
The tools are made of copper alloy, which does not require any special maintenance because it does not rust or degrade. It is recommended to avoid leaving tools in direct sunlight or rain.
Copper tools are supple and elastic so in case of deformation it is easily returned to its original shape. For this reason, there is no fear that the tool will break. Since the mechanical application of copper increases toughness, with regular use, the tool becomes harder.
In case of slight deformation with appropriate use, we advise you to return the tool to its original condition with a rubber mallet. Since the tool is hand-made, there may occur small variations in the appearance and final production. It is important that tools do not come into contact with acids such as acetic, fruit, uric etc. as the acidic environment causes verdigris, which is toxic.
Patina
Patina is a grey-green layer which is composed of carbonates and sulphates and is the result of a chemical reaction of copper, carbon dioxide (CO²) and sulphur dioxide (SO²), which after a longer period provides protection against material degradation. The patina chemical comprises: a basic carbonate (CuCO³.Cu (OH)²), basic sulphate (CuSO4.Cu (OH) ²) and the basic chloride (CuCl2.3Cu (OH)²). Such a layer is not toxic and does not cause negative impacts on the environment. It occurs more rapidly in a moist environment, especially in the vicinity of sea water. Copper can also be patinated on purpose, the easiest way is to wet the surface and sprinkle it with baking soda (NaHCO³) a few times.
Verdigris
Verdigris and patina do not have much in common, as verdigris emerges as an acidic chemical reaction when copper comes in contact with acids such as acetic acid, fruit, uric, sulfuric acid, which is also known as acid rain, and primarily occurs in more polluted regions. For this reason it is not advisable to allow the bronze tools to be exposed to rain or other weather conditions. In case of a reaction with copper, compounds such as copper acetate and copper hydroxyacetate may be formed on the tools surface. These compounds are one of the most toxic substances on earth and are still a primary component of many plant protection products. Due to the possibility of verdigris, it is not recommended for copper wires or straps, designed to protect vegetables, to be exposed in the outdoors, or to use the water collected in copper gutters.
Cleaning
Copper garden tools do not require special cleaning or removal of their protective layer. If you do not like the patina, we recommend using a hot acetic acid solution. However, the tools may also be immersed in vinegar for a few hours. After cleaning, tools must be well rinsed with clean water and dried with a cloth, so there is no danger of developing verdigris.
Copper (Cu) is an essential element for plants which – in trace or ionic form – is vital for all living creatures for the formation of enzymatic reactions, the metabolism of sugars, building cell walls, resistance to diseases and much more. Copper trace, along with the majority of microelements, is disappearing in the substrate due to the depletion of agricultural land. The effect of copper and bronze tools should not be confused with the use of copper compounds such as copper acetate and copper sulfate hydroxyacetate – also known as blue copperas.
With the use of copper tools, surface water is ionized, taking the form of a denser liquid, making it harder to evaporate, but easier for plants to establish a negative pressure in the walls of the cells. A significant amount of research has demonstrated a direct link between copper and the presence of ergot on grains. With regular use of copper tools, ergot disappears.
In the middle of the last century, Victor Schauberger pioneered the use of copper tools in the modern era. He carried out an experiment on fourteen fields and seven crops and proved that the plants cultivated with such tools are stronger, bigger and more resilient than control crops. The presence of copper trace enables better development and an extended lifespan for plants.
When working with bronze tools, traces of copper or copper ions are secreted in the soil having many positive effects on the substrate and its inhabitants.
Copper reacts with alkali in the soil
Antimicrobial and antimicotic properties in the soil significantly inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and harmful mould. As a result of regular use of bronze tools, the soil becomes inhospitable for germs, but nevertheless encourages organisms which thrive in an alkaline environment. The symbiotic processes of mycorrhiza are not affected. In contrast to iron oxide scales – which drain soil – copper ions compact water in the soil and prevent rapid evaporation. This form of water is also more useful for absorption in biological systems.
Over time, with regular use of bronze tools, the substrate is impregnated with copper traces, thus becoming an inhospitable environment for molluscs and therefore your vegetables become less attractive to snails.
