which spade?

[bazzysbarn]

my other half has broke his spade so want to get a new one for christmas, anyone recommend  a good stainless steel one or are the carbon ones better??  

[bazzysbarn]

[ACE]

A really good handle is the first thing to look at, stainless looks good but is only as good as the user and does the same work as a normal steel one. I have always liked the Bulldog range of tools when I can afford them.

[galina]

Digging tools are very personal.  I would not like to buy for somebody else unless it is a direct replacement of what they had and liked.

As I tend to break them (I don't use spades, for me it's a fork always) I go for the ones with guarantees.  Spears and Jackson replaced my stainless steel fork without fuss, which broke 8 years into the 10 year guarantee. 

[johhnyco15]

Digging tools are very personal.  I would not like to buy for somebody else unless it is a direct replacement of what they had and liked.

As I tend to break them (I don't use spades, for me it's a fork always) I go for the ones with guarantees.  Spears and Jackson replaced my stainless steel fork without fuss, which broke 8 years into the 10 year guarantee. 

i agree galina I've a Joseph Bentley border fork and spade I'm so used to the feel and weight  its like an extension of my hand

[Tee Gee]

This is my slant on the subject:

http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Tools-Garden%20Spade/Tools%20-%20Garden%20Spade.htm