I bought this shovel to replace mine that got stolen off my trailer. My old one was 20 years old. This is no cheapo big box store shovel! I use this for everything digging, edging, transplant, taking up sod etc. I even used it to strip a roof.
The 13” King of Spades nursery spade is long enough to get deep for transplanting smaller plants. For an average height adult—or slightly shorter—you can still get foot leverage on the 13” blade for starting a hole. (The 15” might be too long for easily starting a hole.)
1/16” – 1/8” left and right blade edges are rounded/hammered over a bit on the spade I received, probably as a safety measure to keep the user from injury.
The handle is lighter than I expected, having recently used another make of all-steel spade. I think this could be a bonus if working for long with the spade. It feels very sturdy when levering wet clay soil with the blade fully buried.
Pros: • Good edger • Steel steps are large and comfortable when wearing boots to dig • Good transplanting spade • OK for small transfer jobs, but not enough lift for larger jobs where shovel should be used • Good root cutter • Good sod cutter • Good for breaking through hard clay soil • Not too heavy, but heavy enough to use for edging by hand • Sharp blade with long bevel that seems to hold its edge • The large D-handle makes it easy to mix soil by twisting the spade. • All welds are neat • Great all-around, sturdy nursery spade that is usually the first tool to be pulled out of the shed
Cons: • If you hit a rock or large root when digging by hand—vs. by foot—you’ll get a pretty good jolt, but that is the nature of a solid steel spade without padding. I chose this over a cushioned handle for longevity.
In summary, I’d buy the King of Spades nursery spade again.
About the best shovel in the business for digging holes all day!
Great quality. Broke many cheaper ones before it.
This spade is great for transplanting, stripping sod, cutting edges in beds, etc. I gave this five stars, but I think next time I purchase one it will have the shock absorbing handle. Hitting a rock or other debris in the soil tends to send the vibration right up the handle to your hands.
