How to choose the right spade: blade and budget

How to choose the right spade

Spades come in many different types, shapes, designs and price ranges. Which makes it all the more difficult to choose the right spade when shopping online or in a physical shop.
Here are some tips to help you on your way so you can enjoy your spade for many years to come.

Tip 4 Pay attention to the blade

In addition to the size and shape of the blade, its thickness is equally important. Too thin and the spade might bend. For heavier jobs, you should look for a blade that is 3 to 3.5 mm thick, made from high-quality alloy steel, and where the blade has been hardened right up to the top of the socket. It should also be polished smooth for minimum friction.

Hand-forged spade blades are thicker at the top, where they need to be sturdy, and have a forged cutting edge, so they are thinner and sharp. You essentially sharpen the blade by digging, ensuring it doesn’t become dull.

Don’t forget to check the cutting edge. It must be finely ground and sharpened and properly hardened, ensuring high wear resistance.

Tip 5 Footrests on the blade

In heavy soils, footrests are very useful for easier penetration into the ground. You are less likely to damage your shoes or become injured because your foot slips off the blade. Footrests are not really necessary for light soil because the blade penetrates the soil more easily.

Tip 6 Set a budget

Obviously, a spade’s design and finish will influence its price. That is why it is good to know what you intend to use it for and how often you intend to use it. Do you have a small garden and do you only occasionally use a spade? Or do you have a large garden or are you even a professional user?
Remember, “cheap becomes expensive”.

If you already know the answer to all these questions, you can go ahead and buy the spade that best matches your expectations in terms of price and quality with confidence.