My new favourite gardening tool is a swoe, basically a hoe with a sharp cutting edge.  It is used in a push/pull motion to slice through the stems of weeds, just below the surface of the soil, much like a hoe.  The swoe works great in large beds in between plants, along edges, and in tight spaces, especially after a rain when the soil is easily cultivated.  The lightweight handle of the swoe is about 5 feet long and the blade about 5 inches long, making it easy to use, carry and store.

I purchased my swoe at Lee Valley Tools in Ottawa but they may be available at other garden centers too.