Digging Tool: Knife Style, Shovel...What Do You Use?

[JohnnyRebCSA]

When I first started metal detecting in the mid 80's I found out quickly one must have a digging tool made from good metal. Yeah, the cheap stuff bends easily. I bought a digger from Kellyco that I think was called the Gator. Can't find it so I've got to pick up something else.

What has worked best for you? Knife style? A type of shovel? Where did you buy it?

Thanks,
JohnnyRebCSA

 

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[rossman85]

I will start by saying the lesche digger, and probably most people will agree on this forum

 

[63bkpkr]

Howdy Johnny,
MY current tool of Total Choice for out in the field (note here: generally I prospect in the mountains of California) is something I can scrape with, scoop with, beat with and generally do little true digging as one has a hard time of "digging" in riverbeds either historical (dry) or current and wet. This little Gem is a Gerber folding/collapsible shovel that looks like a miniature of the full size military entrenching shovel. Gerber offer two types of these, the full size and the reduced size and I carry the reduced size. Make no mistakes the reduced size is at least as strong as the full sized but smaller and I use it hard and have for several years. For use in soils where removal of a lot of soil is not necessary I would opt for a good garden size double ended adaze with wide/narrow heads, Corona garden tools.

I purchased my Gerbers at a Big Birds store in Medford Oregon, likely the wrong name for the store but they carry everything and in the camping section were the shovels also available at Cabelas. There is another classic Lesche knife like digger with saw edge, large protected handle that I also own and use, good solid tool that will Not break. For REAL DIGGING I would suggest spending the $75 or more for one of the specialized metal shovels offered by a couple of the coin/relic/prospecting maufacturers like the company that makes the red handled knife/saw/digging tool in my photos. Hope this helps.....63bkpkr


Oh, a few months back here on Tnet and in the prospecting section I posted a Thread entitled "Can You Dig It" following pics from it show the items discussed above along with an EastWing Geologists "Gad Pry Bar". The Gad is a marvel at moving any form of rock! Also a picture of the river country I'm usually out in as well as a "Hat Feast" from mother nature with my insurance policy at the top of hat feast photo

 

[JohnnyRebCSA]

Thanks for the comments, so far, and the great photos.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Second the Lesche hand digger.

 

[JohnnyRebCSA]

Is this the Lesche that looks like a knife or the 'shovel' type?

 

[AC1955]

Lesche (knife looking digger with red handle) - comes either right or left handed. I also use a long handled, narrow width shovel, sand scoops, a metal probe and when all else fails, my hands (gloved of course).

Anita

 

[Snickers1]

I use the Fiskar's Big Grip Digger (Knife Style).

 

[JohnnyRebCSA]

I see there is a Lesche digging knife and a digging trowel. Which are you using?

 

[swingbot]

Very nice digging tools. I just got this MINI Sampson from N.E.D. And I love it!!!!
Hey I lived in Medford OR. and Shady Cove too.

 

[rossman85]

Very nice digging tools. I just got this MINI Sampson from N.E.D. And I love it!!!!
Hey I lived in Medford OR. and Shady Cove too.

I never seen that one, i think im gonna pick that one up

 

[Chisos]

Lesche and Gerber are both great brands and worth the money, well worth it. You'll figure that out like I did when you are basically 50 miles from civilization and your economy priced shovel breaks in half. Like buying a cheap canteen at Walmart, filling it with water, throwing it into the back floorboard and realizing when you are out in the wilderness that the water all leaked out. Of course, now I carry a bottle of tequila, a couple of lemons and some salt just in case. I may die, but I'll never know it.

 

[maipenrai]

Since everyone is interested in your tools, I will take the hat full of berries!

 

[swingbot]

I never seen that one, i think im gonna pick that one up

Yeah I used it today and and its really stealthy. I'm making a sheath for it too.

 

[Hemisteve]

Lesche and a plastic sand scoop when I am nugget shooting.

HH
Steve

 

[swingbot]

I also use the T handle lesche and a sheath I make.

 

[Normsel]

I use a 2" x 4" or 5" flat masonry trowel, it is rectangular in shape and very sturdy. It will cut through 1/4" diamtere roots with ease. It is not pointed like brick mason trowel. It is great for sliding under the sod after you cut your plug to flip it back. I think it only costs about $8 vs $40 for the lesche digger

 

[JohnnyRebCSA]

That's interesting, Normsel. How does that work in hard clay?

 

[treasurehound]

The best shovel I have ever invested in is the Lesche Raven shovel. We all seem to use the same diggers but for shovels all I can say is WOW!!! Check it out The Raven

 

[swingbot]

Yeah that is one mean looking digger and a lot of foot kicking room too. Its a little pricy but I'm sure its worth it. I also have the Sampson 31in for the money you can't beat it
http://www.newenglanddetectors.com/...uct_reviews_info&products_id=67&reviews_id=12

The best shovel I have ever invested in is the Lesche Raven shovel. We all seem to use the same diggers but for shovels all I can say is WOW!!! Check it out The Raven