Is it just me or does the 18" Sampson suck

[goldnrelics]

This thing is TINY more or less of a trowel. i wouldn't recommended it unless your digging in soft soil and even then its hard to get a grip on it.. im going back to the original shovel -.-

not sure if the other sizes are better....maybe. but not willing to try them out. today the soil was rough and it barely broke through anything. highly disappointed.

 

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[hoosierguy]

It's small size does make it difficult to put your entire body weight into (like you would a larger shovel), but it is a good tool. In really hard soil it can be tough. I think of it as a step-up from the handheld diggers, but not quite a full shovel. The portability is a plus also. I can't speak for others, but I am at a point where I don't want anymore gear that I have to carry...I try to be very selective about which gear I take along.

Something like the Garrett pick digger does well in hard soil:

 

[Fletch88]

That's why I always recommend the 31" T handle model. Its a great tool for difficult ground and the T gives you more leverage. Most people always recommend the 18" over my advice. You may as well use the lesche digger. I will be glad to add extension to it if you'll pay shipping. I've got plenty of material and a welder in back yard. My zipcode is 31601 if you need to figure shipping cost.

 

[goldnrelics]

im just going to use it now and then but mostly use a regular shovel idc about carrying it around. thanks though for the offer good to know.

 

[christo000]

Not sure about all that I have a 18" samson & I use it so much I got the bomb sheath & made it my primary digger. I'm 6'2" & I step on it easily, its a lot easier to carry around u can step on it like I do,& it gives u an amazing amount of leverage without having to stand back up to use it. Have u tried to sharpen it at all?

 

[goldnrelics]

I havent used it enough yet to need to sharpen it i just cant get enough leverage maybe too tall - it is a quality built tool ill give it that

 

[christo000]

Well like they say ya know what works for 1, may not for another. As of sharpening it doesn't have to be dull to sharpen it I know it comes decently sharp already but the sharper u make it easier its gonna penetrate the soil,roots etc

 

[goldnrelics]

gotchya. your right 'black...spider?' something sandpaper i heard works good for it. it works fine in yards... so its my go to for that

 

[Pointman]

That's why I always recommend the 31" T handle model. Its a great tool for difficult ground and the T gives you more leverage. Most people always recommend the 18" over my advice. You may as well use the lesche digger. I will be glad to add extension to it if you'll pay shipping. I've got plenty of material and a welder in back yard. My zipcode is 31601 if you any to figure shipping cost.

I am glad that I read your opinion of the 18" Sampson. I was debating about buying one, but felt that it would only be an additional tool that my 31" digger and Lesche could already do. Saved me some money.