Okay this could be a new thread on Australian tools and covers a few things. Hytest started just after WW2 and made a range of steel tools ,axes to hammers,etc ,In the mid 60's Hytest was taken over by Trojan tools. As far as I can make out the trade name died out in the early 80's sometime. Yes they did make a rabbit setting hoe, I found one for sale on eBay..Great, you have started a vintage Hytesst collection already.
Personally, I would try to select a rabbit setting hoe with a longer hoe head. I just think it would perform better (dig deeper) if you ever chose too use it of course. If you get just the head, I'm curious what timber you will choose for the handle. I heard spotted gum is often used by Australian manufacturers of hand tools. Looks like you have some options, Good luck in you're search- that is always the most enjoyable partYes, you could say rabbits were Australia's blessing in disguise!
PS. Collectors have told me some tools/ vintage tools are often found under listings of axe/ tool heads etc by people who don't know what they are called. Those are where the real bargains can be found!
Not much info on the net on Hytest tools they are best remembered for there racing axes which are fairly collectable. They used steel from BHP steelworks in Newcastle NSW which is kind of cool.
Spotted gum (Corymbia maculate) is the best local wood for axes and hatchets. Krugers and Emu are two main brand names I have found that make replacement gum handles. Krugers seem pretty good with good grain orientation and no run out. Main issue I have had with Krugers is the could leave more wood for the eye.
I have not see any of the Emu brand handles near me but are sold in some Home Hardware stores. Trojan tools make some Spotted gum replacement handles but there axe and hatchet handles are some kind of Ash from Asia.
