Want a good relic shovel but am not going to spend $80-$100. Can't find a used one. What do you guys suggest? Want something better than the folding military ones.
It's kinda like you pay me now, or pay may later when it comes to a good digging tools. You can find tools for less, but they won't last and you'll have to eventually replace long before you would need to with one of the predator-like tools. The amount of leverage that's needed sometimes will really put the stress on a normal tool. There are lots of examples of cheaper digging tools on ebay. The more expensive digging tools also seem to be designed with the MDer in mind...they are shorter, and easier to carry, or easy to attach a carry sling to.
For work, I prefer a shortened tree spade with a D handle I got at a resale shop for maybe $10. It's got a heavy blade and is maybe 5" wide and 10" long. Doesn't take out a big plug, much appreciated by lawn owners. Sharp on one side for chopping, and on the bottom of course for digging through roots. I have 2, and I'm keeping them both. Sort of like this, but a longer handle:
I don't usually carry a shovel for MDing, except in wooded sites. But I like the German army shovel since I can keep it on my belt hiking in. It's no shoddy job either; it's made as well or better than the Russian or US one IMO. It's a good compromise for convenience. A D-handle would help.
Don't be afraid to buy quality. That's a good investment.
American-made products Made in USA, Made in America, US, American-Made
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Transplanting Trowel American-Made by Bully Tools
Heavy duty lawn and garden tool with depth indicators.
True 14 gauge steel.
Blade: 3”x7”, tool length: 15.125”. $20.00 Transplanting Trowel American-Made by Bully Tools
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Garden Trowel Made in America by Bully Tools
Heavy duty lawn and garden tool.
True 14 gauge steel.
Blade: 3.75”x6”, tool length: 14”. $20.00
This American-made tool will last many years of real work. Garden Trowel Made in America by Bully Tools
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Trunk Shovel D-Grip Commercial Grade American-Made by Bully Tools
All Bully Tools shovels are closed back and have a sharpened edge for better digging.
Short D-grip handle made from steel.
Blade: 9.25”x12”, handle: 24.25”, tool length: 32.75”.
14 gauge steel.
Item: 92712
Made in USA Trunk Shovel D-Grip Commerical Grade American-Made by Bully Tools
If you buy these, let others know how they compare to China made.
But I dont use a shovel everywhere I go. I primarily use a garden trowel and screwdriver. I only use the shovel if I'm in a swampy/muddy area or if the ground is frozen.