Wondering if Razor-Back tools are worth the investment? If so, you’re not alone. Considered one of America’s top tool brands, Razor-Back tools are also relatively expensive compared to many others. The question of whether they’re worth that extra expense is one that many folks have, especially professionals in several different industries. If you’re one of them and doing your due diligence before purchasing, read on. We’ve got the information and data you need below to help you make an educated decision.
A Bit of Razor-Back History (The Birth of a Better Shovel)
When one thinks of shovels, they usually don’t think about them for long; it’s true. They need one, they buy one and… that’s about it. In 1936, however, Edward Durrell had an idea for a new type of shovel. The president of Union Fork & Hoe Company, Durrell, was displeased with the shovel choices available. Some were too heavy, while others to expensive to make, and other shovels didn’t stand up to real-world situations in the field.
About a year (and several setbacks) later, Durrell’s new shovel made it to market, sporting its new brand name, Razor-Back. Today, more than 80 years later, Razor-Back Tools are one of the most respected and coveted in the industry, with a full line of landscaping tools made in the United States. Their shovels are even better, too, having seen several revolutionary changes, including rolled-step shovels and their signature Power-Step shovels. By the way, today, Razor-Back is part of the AMES family of companies, one of the older companies in America and founded in 1774.
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What Tools does Razor-Back Offer?
Razor-Back offers various tools made for gardening, lawn maintenance, and professional landscaping companies. Their stated goal is to “make hard work easier for professionals and homeowners.” They also offer a wide range of striking tools such as axes, sledgehammers, picks, mauls, and mattocks. Some of the tools they manufacture include:
- Shovels (The product that started the company.)
- Cultivators
- Hoes
- Edgers
- Forks
- Rakes
- Picks
- Mattocks
- Post Hole Diggers
- Bars and Tampers
- Soil Probes
- Axes
- Mauls
For a complete list of products Razor-Back has to offer, click here to view their website.
What Makes Razor-Back Tools Worth Purchasing?
Razor-Back is Made in the USA
For some, the fact that Razor-Back tools are made in the United States is one of the best reasons to purchase their products. Not only are their tools made here, but the vast majority of materials they use to manufacture them come from American sources also. However, Razor-Back goes a few steps further, making them even more appealing.
For example, they hand-forge, assemble and package their tools in the States in their 13 manufacturing sites. Also, when you have a question, have a service request, or need to have a Razor-Back tool replaced, all your calls go directly to their HQ in Pennsylvania, not overseas. In short, if buying products made in America is something you look for in a brand, Razor-Back is definitely worth the investment.
Razor-Back Tools are Very Well Made and Highly Innovative
One of the reasons the Razor-Back brand exists is that, back in the day, the steel used to manufacture shovels wasn’t up to par. It was either too thin and didn’t stand up to long, punishing hours of use or too thick and unwieldy. The revolutionary shovel they produced as their first product solved those issues. Innovations have also made their shovels better as the years have gone by, along with their other tools.
Today, they are known for many of the innovations that they developed through the years. For example, they use 14 gauge steel, which is super durable and lightweight. Their SuperSocket extended the standard socket on long-handled tools by 5 inches, providing significantly more strength where professionals needed it most. Then there’s the company’s Powerstep, so simple and yet revolutionary. It’s an oversize cleat on digging tools that empowers professionals to get a better footing, more leverage, and more power.
Razor-Back doesn’t stop there, however. For example, their heavy-duty Grips extend the life of their long-handled tools and, more than that, absorb vibration to give workers a much-needed break from fatigue. Then there’s the company’s Armor-D Grip which provides more power and stability and significantly improves grip strength during demanding projects. Last but not least, Razor-Back tools use North American hardwood for all their wooden handles. Splinter-resistant and incredibly durable, their handles are also lightweight and strong. Plus, their premium lacquering process protects them from water and extends their usable life.
Razor-Back Tools Come with an Excellent Warranty
One of the reasons Razor-Back is so popular is the warranty they provide on every product they sell. More than that, their warranties are back by their parent company, AMES Companies, Inc, one of the best in the United States. The AMES warranty covers any Razor-Back product for the lifetime of the AMES product.
Typical for most manufacturing companies, the only slight drawback is that the warranty ends after two years if a product is no longer being manufactured. Frankly, it’s very unusual for Razor-Back to stop manufacturing a product, which means their warranty will protect the vast majority for a lifetime. Also, as with any warranty, the coverage doesn’t extend to products misused, neglected, abused, or used for a job inconsistent with their application.
To view their warranty information click here.
Are Razor-Back Tools Ideal for Gardening Work?
The answer to this question is that Razor-Back tools are ideal for any gardening work you can imagine. Their tools are made with high-quality materials and loaded with innovative features. Not only are they ideal, but they make many gardening jobs more manageable and put less stress and strain on the person using them, reducing fatigue and repetitive-strain (overuse) injuries.
For more information on gardening tools for beginners, check out this article. What Tools Should a Beginner Gardener Have?
Final Thoughts
Are Razor-Back tools worth the investment? Most amateur and professional people who have used them would agree that, yes, they are well worth the investment. Exceptionally well made here in the United States, Razor-Back tools make your job easier, reduce the strain on your body, and if they break during regular use, the company will replace them for no cost for as long as you own them. Their customer service is also handled in the United States, making warranty claims easier. In short, if you’re looking for excellent tools that will serve you well for many years to come, Razor-Back tools are a very worthwhile and intelligent investment.
