What Is Ingalls Archaeological Supply (patiche.com)?
Updated
Ingalls Archaeological Supply (patiche.com) is a specialist maker and supplier of hand tools for archaeological use, operating since 1985. Its core products are Handpicks (also called Patiches), Walking Picks, Cane Picks, and Viking Mattocks, all described as professional-quality tools designed specifically for archaeological work. If you are looking for digging or excavation hand tools built for fieldwork rather than general gardening, this is the kind of supplier the site represents.
What the site offers
The product line centers on hand tools for excavation and digging:
- Handpicks / Patiches — the namesake tool of the site, sized by hoe width.
- Walking Picks — a longer-handled variation for use while standing or walking.
- Cane Picks — a cane-style pick.
- Viking Mattocks — a mattock-style digging tool.
According to the site, all tools are professional-quality products and come in four sizes based on the hoe width. For detailed specifications, the site directs visitors to the Handpicks/Patiches and Viking Mattock pages.
How to choose a size
Because sizing is organized around hoe width, the practical decision is:
- Identify the width of cut you need for your soil and dig type.
- Match it to one of the four available sizes.
- Check the dedicated Handpicks/Patiches or Viking Mattock page for the exact specifications before ordering.
The site does not publish pricing or payment details in the material available here, so treat cost and checkout requirements as things to confirm on the product pages themselves.
Beyond tools: books by Bill Ingalls
The site also offers two books written by Bill Ingalls:
| Title | Type |
|---|---|
| Snakes, Rain and The Tet Offensive | Eye-witness account of Bill's Vietnam War experience, with photos he took during his army service |
| Addicted to Love | Fantasy fiction love story |
Who this is for
This supplier suits archaeologists, field schools, and excavation hobbyists who want purpose-built hand tools rather than repurposed garden equipment. The site also notes that Handpicks and Viking Mattocks "make great gifts any time of year," so they can serve as presents for someone in the field.
To decide, start with the tool type that matches your digging method, then use hoe width to pick the size, and confirm current specifications on the individual product pages.