Razor-Back 16-Tine Forged Level Head Rake Review
- One-piece forged steel head with 16 teeth
- 60-inch tapered North American ash handle for long reach
- Steel ferrule reinforces the head-to-handle joint
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A one-piece forged head on a long ash handle, made for spreading and grading rather than gathering leaves. Here's what the specs say about where it fits.
Quick verdict
The Razor-Back 16-Tine Level Head Rake is a grading rake built the traditional way: a one-piece forged head, a long ash handle and a steel ferrule tying the two together. It is made for moving and leveling soil, gravel and mulch, not for leaves, and its construction is exactly what we look for in a rake that has to work hard.
Pros and cons
What we like
- One-piece forged head, so there are no separate tine joints to work loose
- 60-inch tapered ash handle gives good reach across wide beds
- Steel ferrule strengthens the connection where head meets handle
- Flat back of the level head doubles as a straightedge for smoothing
- 3.6 pounds overall: enough heft to bite into gravel without feeling clumsy
What could be better
- Rigid steel teeth make it the wrong tool for leaves and clippings
- Wood handle needs dry storage and occasional oiling to last
- Product details leave out tooth length and warranty terms
Key features, explained
One-piece forged head
The head is forged from alloy steel as a single piece, teeth and bar together. That matters on a grading rake, because the usual failure point on cheaper heads is where separate tines are joined to the bar. With nothing to weld or crimp, there is less to bend or snap when you drag the rake through compacted gravel or rocky fill. Razor-Back pitches its whole line at landscaping and construction pros, and this is the kind of head that brief calls for.
Level head design for spreading and grading
On a level head rake the head mounts straight to the handle instead of riding on a pair of spring bows. The result is a stiff, direct tool. Use the 16 teeth to break up clods, pull out stones and push material around, then flip the head over and use the flat back to smooth the surface. Listed overall width is 17.63 inches, a practical size for seed beds, paths and paver bases.
60-inch tapered ash handle
The handle is 60 inches of tapered North American ash. Ash has long been the go-to wood for striking and pulling tools because it is strong for its weight and has a little flex, which takes some sting out of long sessions. The length lets you work a wide area from one spot, and the overall height listed for the rake is 67.25 inches. Like any wood handle, it lasts longest when stored dry and oiled now and then.
Steel ferrule and overall weight
A steel ferrule wraps the joint where the handle enters the head. The manufacturer specifies it for the strongest possible blade-and-handle connection, and that joint is the area that takes the most leverage when you pull heavy material. The complete rake weighs 3.6 pounds, which is light enough for long stretches of spreading but solid enough that the teeth stay down in gravel instead of skating over it.
Razor-Back Level Head Rake specs
| Brand | Razor-Back (The AMES Companies) |
|---|---|
| Model | 63111 (part 63111/SC16) |
| Type | Level head rake |
| Teeth | 16 |
| Head | One-piece forged alloy steel |
| Handle | 60" tapered North American ash |
| Head-to-handle joint | Steel ferrule |
| Overall dimensions | 17.63" W x 67.25" H |
| Weight | 3.6 lb |
| Prices change often. See the live price: Check Price | |
Who should buy it?
Great for
- Spreading and leveling gravel, soil and mulch on landscape jobs
- Prepping seed beds and paver bases that need a flat finish
- Anyone who prefers a classic ash handle on a heavy-duty rake
Skip it if
- You mainly need to gather leaves or grass clippings
- You store tools outdoors and want a weatherproof fiberglass handle
- You want a short, light rake for tight flower beds
Frequently asked questions
What is a level head rake used for?
Spreading and leveling loose material such as soil, gravel, sand and mulch. The teeth break up clods and pull stones, and the flat back of the head smooths the surface once the material is roughly in place.
How long is the handle on the Razor-Back level head rake?
The handle is 60 inches of tapered North American ash. Listed overall dimensions are 17.63 inches wide by 67.25 inches tall with the head attached.
Is the rake head welded or forged?
Forged. The head is a one-piece alloy steel forging, so the teeth and the bar are a single part rather than separate pieces joined together.
Can I use it to rake leaves?
It is not built for that. Rigid steel teeth on a level head are meant for heavy material and will comb through leaves slowly. A leaf or lawn rake is the better choice for leaves and clippings.
How should I care for the ash handle?
Knock off mud after each job, store the rake out of the rain, and rub boiled linseed oil into the handle once or twice a season to keep the wood from drying out and cracking.
Final verdict
The Razor-Back 16-Tine Level Head Rake keeps things simple and gets the important parts right. A one-piece forged head leaves no tine joints to fail, the 60-inch ash handle gives real reach, and a steel ferrule protects the connection that takes the most strain. It is a grading tool, not a leaf rake, and the wood handle asks for a little care. For spreading gravel, soil and mulch on real jobs, it is an easy one to recommend.
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