Longer handled shvel

[gerryk]

Hey all, I am looking for some i put on a long handled shovel.
I presently use a lesche digger and love it.

I am going to get an 18 T handle Sampson but not sure if I want it serrated on one side or both. I will be usng this shovel where there are some stones and I need a little more leverage than the hand digger

Whats your opinion on this? Single or double side serration


I am also going to be getting a longer handled shovel. Is the Sampson T handle the favorite or is there another shovel that works better? I will be using his in areas where it wont be frowned up, wooded areas on private property and such.

Thank ahead of time for your input.

 

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[Pointman]

I am also going to be getting a longer handled shovel. Is the Sampson T handle the favorite or is there another shovel that works better? I will be using his in areas where it wont be frowned up, wooded areas on private property and such.

I can give you a little insight regarding this part of your question.

I have both the 31" Sampson in both a T-handle and a ball handle. I am 5' 10". I am easily able to make plugs using this shovel and it isn't too short. Standing wise, it would be best to have a slightly longer shovel, but the 31" is a balance between being able to use the shovel while on your knees and also being able to use it standing.

I also have the larger 38" Sampson D-handle relic shovel. It is a bit easier to use while standing, but very awkward to use in any other position for me due to the length, weight and thickness of the shaft. This is the heaviest shovel that I have held, and I have held or used all the major ones except for the Predator tools brands. (Sampson, Ground Sharks)

The smaller Sampson is best for making plugs and not good for moving large quantities of dirt, is light to carry and is able to be used in different positions, but it doesn't fit the bill when trying to move large quantities of dirt.

I use the Sampson as much as possible when I coin-shoot, but when I am trying to be less conspicuous, I will use a small hand digger only. Relic hunting or in the woods, I take the larger shovel.

My T-handle is serrated on one side, while the ball end isn't on either side. I cannot tell a difference in them, although I paid more for the serrations. For cutting roots, the blade works much better on its own, or I use a hand held root cutter. Works better.

 

[Mach1Pilot]

I'm a fan of the longer handled Sampson as well (although mine is technically a Predator).... it was my go to digging tool until I got the GPX 5000, after which I bought the Predator Pirhanna. The civil war bullets were a lot deeper and harder to dig thus the need for the Pirhanna... and since I am used to it I rarely want to use the smaller Sampson. But I will when I'm in an area I don't want to be seen carrying the Pirhanna. I've not used that short handled Sampson, but would think it would be too short to be effective. You can step on the blade a lot more effectively when standing versus squatting. Just my opinion on that.

The best root cutter I have used is a drywall saw. Small, lightweight, sharp... and cheap! When it gets dull just get another. Works way better than any Lesche or small shovel with teeth.

 

[christo000]

Im 6'2, & around 190 my samson 18" is my go shovel serated on 1 side balde on the other I got a bomb sheath for that & my smaller lesche I got no problem even stepping on my samson to get a good bite i thought I wouldnt like it but definetly wrong its awesome. When im on the ground pulling a plug or out in the Woods & I got the ground open but need to go more the 18" is perfect amount of leverage to just grab & dig no getting up cuz my shovel is to Long its just right

 

[gerryk]

Thanks guys, i was thhinking of using the 18" t handle while kneeling just like I use my lesche digger.

 

[christo000]

Yup works awesome Man i do it everytime I go out

 

[Pointman]

The 31" inch is of course longer, but I have not problem using it on my knees. I also get more leverage and push to cut roots with it. Between the Sampson and my root clippers, most roots don't stand a chance.