I became enamored with the claw by watching my brother at work in his Oklahoma vegetable garden, and it was one of the first gardening tools that I purchased. I have found it to be extremely versatile and easy to use. It is great for those spots in your beds that need cultivation but are too tight to use a tiller in.
In looks, it resembles a four-point walking cane with two handle grips. It is designed to allow you to thrust the four sharp tines into the ground and, with both hands on the handles, twist clockwise as though you were screwing the lid onto a jar. The twisting action moves the tines through the soil, breaking it up with relative ease.
I use it to cultivate small planting areas, remove grass or weeds from the beds, or by thrusting the tines into the ground and jiggling the handles just a little, I can loosen soil that has been compacted by too much foot traffic.
When I have finished working, it's quick and easy to put away for another day's work.
Loraine Reazin, Smith County Master Gardener
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