Looking to upgrade shovel.... need opinons

[Fortune Finder 73]

Looking to upgrade shovels to a Lesche Sampson or Ground Shark or model 38 D. I usually dig in hard clay in the eastern TN area and mostly for coins or jewerly. Anybody prefer one of these over the other one?

 

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[Monty]

I have a small shovel that I use to keep from bending too much ( old back injury). When I bought mine I got one with a pointed blade. It was one of many styles I looked at that were designed for metal detectorists. Since then I have found that it penetrates hard dry ground much easier than the narrow flat blades. That's about all I can tell you. Monty

 

[gambler13]

I have the Sampson and a Ground Shark. Both are very sturdy good digging shovels. The Sampson is a flatter blade but still not very wide and the ground shark is a concave blade. The Sampson blade is not as long as the ground shark blade.

 

[RandyNorthridgeCa]

I use to have the Lesche Sampson and then bought the Ground Shark. I prefer the ground shark because the blade is longer and it has a kickplate welded to the back. The kickplate is a huge plus because it makes the shovel easier to get down deep and helps you to cut through those thicker roots.

They have upgraded the Sandsharks kickplate. The kickplate on the new shovels sticks out a tad further than the older ones so if you decide to get one ask for the upgraded one. I just bought a new one to have as a back up and liked the upgrade so it's my main shovel now.

You can't go wrong with either one but think you'll really like the Ground Shark.

HH

 

[TerryC]

For hardpan or clay, try this idea. Get a jackhammer shovel. Yes. It is small and can be pounded with a SLEDGE if needed. I have one. A bit on the heavy side but I challenge you to break it! TTC

 

[Chug And Red]

A Mighty Ap digger!!!! The most versitial digger!!!! Good for digging your best treasures, weeding the garden( Red did it) Planting flowers(Red did it) Breaking up the toughest soil cutting through the tree roots or digging out those Sprinkler heads that the Grass is growing around!!!! ( chug did it) The Mighty Ap digger can do it ALL!! CHUG AND RED !!!!D@mn im using reds Computer I will post a pic soon!!!

Here is the link post 18 is mine !!! Chug



http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,333793.msg2408376.html#msg2408376

 

[Jeff In North Georgia]

I use a small (~4-6" wide) stainless steel shovel, transplant or boarder spade about 40" in total length. I like the ones with a wood shaft and a plastic handle and don't have to worry about the handle setting off my detector or having to drag it behind me or over my shoulder to keep it away from the detector coil.

Don't have to worry about it rusting. Most have a welded shank seam and covered bottom for extra strength.

Do some internet searches and you can find them from a wide price range. Lee Valley has some for ~$35 or Amazon has some for ~ $50 + S&H.

Jeff

 

[auferret]

I use something like this. $24.97 at Home Depot

 

[Fortune Finder 73]

Thank you guys for all the great info

 

[auferret]

If there is no limit to your upgrade budget, you could try this one. There are videos of its use at http://www.dynadiggr.com/

 

[JOE(USA)]

The first requirement to me is the length of the shovel. I want the shovel to be my "walking stick" and when I'm ready to dig I don't want to bend over too much. It must be rugged, reasonably light and have a good spine for me to put my foot on to force it into the ground. The blade of the shovel must be suited for the type of ground you are digging in and in most cases sharp. (I sharpen the edge of mine about once every six trips.) I use a U.S. army entrenching tool with a "V" notch cut in the tip for cutting roots. It's mounted on a "D" handed shovel handle custom cut to my height. Joe

 

[Woodland Detectors]

The first requirement to me is the length of the shovel. I want the shovel to be my "walking stick" and when I'm ready to dig I don't want to bend over too much. It must be rugged, reasonably light and have a good spine for me to put my foot on to force it into the ground. The blade of the shovel must be suited for the type of ground you are digging in and in most cases sharp. (I sharpen the edge of mine about once every six trips.) I use a U.S. army entrenching tool with a "V" notch cut in the tip for cutting roots. It's mounted on a "D" handed shovel handle custom cut to my height. Joe

I agree Joe. Except I fashion my own from an Ace medium head camping shovel. The metal is very strong. I am about 6'2 so the good length for me is 40-41inches. I like the option to have a "walking stick" too. Especially Climbing the Tennessee mountains hunting for CW artifacts. I only have to build 2 a year at about $17 each. I prefer a "Ball" handle myself. I drill the rivet that comes stock with the true value rig, separate the handle from the blade and attach my custom Hickory handle. I drill a hole where the blade hole meets the new hickory handle and run small bolt and nut to secure handle tightly with the shovel. I just about make everything custom on my shovels including the ball handle which is fashioned with "rubber tape" and "goop" glue. when dry it forms a solid rubber ball handle. I also run a piece of small diameter bungee material and attach a clip at the end so it can easily attach to a belt loop or belt for hands free detecting. Sounds like a lot of effort but they are easy to build. About 10 minutes and almost unbreakable. Works for me, and I have tried bunches.
I'm pretty rough on my tools
Very light, small plug and very strong!

My monster project

 

[JOE(USA)]

4-H,

Yup, nothing like custom made tools! Nice shovel and photos. Joe