BEST SHOVEL FOR RELIC HUNTING

[tcornel]

I am going relic hunting in Virginia next month and figure I needed a better shovel than the Sampson I have. Looking around I see the Predator, Raven and Piranha from Predator tools.

Any suggestions or advice?

 

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[Dr. Witty]

I use the Piranha for when i'm in the woods. Its too big in my opinion for parks and lawns. Not sure what the difference is between regular coin shooting shovels and relic hunting shovels since in both cases you don't want to scratch your finds. if it was me doing it over and for relic hunting, i'd buy the Piranha again.

 

[tcornel]

Thank you. The regular shovel I use is about 4" across and maybe 6" deep. Sampson Model. The piranha is 5.5 x 11 or so with serrated edges on both edges.

 

[Hal2k]

The shovels I have :

Model 35 Piranha by Predator Tools great for woods and relic hunting

Model 58S Little Eagle good for general hunting small with serrated edges on both sides. Predator Tools

Raptor good for lawns and parks Predator Tools

Whites Digmaster Digger Lawns and parks

My two favorite for general digging are the raptor and the Little Eagle

 

[Dr. Witty]

i have the Sampson too, its great for parks and permissions around here, i think they dig a better plug than the Lesche hand digger in my opinion. It's not so great in the woods though at least not in roots, that's why i got the Piranha.

 

[WaterScoop]

I think that double serrated edges are great however I feel that they will be clogged with mud and reduce your efficiency due to less penetrating surface. A better solution would be a giant Lesche hand tool like the 31” T-Handle. IMHO the best diggers cut clean plugs and create the least mess. The best of both world with a 1/2 and 1/2 shovel.


Sampson 31" T-Handle Serrated


T- Handle
Blade length: 7 1/2"
Blade Width: 4"
Overall length: 31"
Weight: 2.5 Lbs

 

[Ahab8]

Predator Raven

 

[SultansOfSwing]

I like my predator ranger shover. super sharp and I cant torque on it and it feels solid. Ive moved some large stones with it. I prefer the D handle it has over the T handled shovels. I dont like having to split my fingers when using the handle.

 

[against the wind]

For deep holes / targets, I start the plug with my Predator. If the target is still in the hole, I will finish the retrieval with my Lesche..

 

[SultansOfSwing]

For deep holes / targets, I start the plug with my Predator. If the target is still in the hole, I will finish the retrieval with my Lesche..

 

[RustyGold]

I think that double serrated edges are great however I feel that they will be clogged with mud and reduce your efficiency due to less penetrating surface. A better solution would be a giant Lesche hand tool like the 31” T-Handle. IMHO the best diggers cut clean plugs and create the least mess. The best of both world with a 1/2 and 1/2 shovel.

View attachment 1512025 View attachment 1512026
Sampson 31" T-Handle Serrated


T- Handle
Blade length: 7 1/2"
Blade Width: 4"
Overall length: 31"
Weight: 2.5 Lbs

Definitely my choice.

 

[tcornel]

Definitely my choice.

Thank you to all that replied. The Sampson 31" is a great tool and I have used one for several years. I ordered a Pirinaha from Predator Tools to use in the woods and when relic hunting.

 

[fyrffytr1]

I have the 31" Sampson and really like it, my only complaint being it was easy to lose in the woods. I tend to walk away from it a lot because I suffer from old timers disease. Once I get about 15-20 feet from it it I can't see it so I have to spend time back tracking. But, I solved my problem with a can of fluorescent orange paint. Now, I can find it with my good eye closed!