I used part of this month’s contributions to buy my last shovel: the Made in New Zealand, Atlas Trade, All Steel, Round Nosed Shovel which cost an insane NZ$99 at Mitre10. (This shovel was so expensive that, when I went to pay, the woman at the register couldn’t believe the price.)
I’ve written about broken shovels before, and my search for one I could rely upon. I thought it would be worth noting that this quest is finally over for me.
I’m confident that I’ll give out before this Atlas shovel does, and that’s the way it should be! To choose a tool like this is to be through screwing around. While someone might note that I could have bought 6.6 crappy Warehouse shovels for the price of this single Atlas all steel tool, the peace of mind is worth the extreme price.
Note the weld between the blade and the handle:
Atlas all steel shovel with close-up showing the blade welded to the handle
I’ve been using this shovel and it’s a pleasure to work with. It’s rigid and it feels damn strong.
Thanks to all contributors for making this strategic purchase possible.
For those of you in the U.S., the Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel seems like the closest match to the shovel I got, in case you’re interested. “Shaft is welded to the steel blade,” are the seven words that should jump out at you.
I do believe I now have “shovel envy”… =]
Thanks for the tip on the Fiskars equivalent. As they are actually a European firm (Fiskars is a village in Finland), I suspect I’ll be able to track one down here on the sunrise side of the Atlantic.
Just out of curiousity, what did Rebecca say when she saw the pricetag?
That Fiskars unit looks very good. It has some kind of grip near the top and a oversized step on the blade. Mine doesn’t have those. Not critical, but the refinements seem nice.
Here’s a bigger picture from the Fiskars US site:
http://www.fiskars.com/pImages/US/145388_9668.jpg
Re: Becky: It wasn’t so much what she said. Her eyes bugged out a bit, and she made a that’s-a-damn-expensive-shovel face. But she understands that shovels are our most important tools. It wasn’t too bad. 😉
A local “discount” store with all kinds of scratch and dent and excess merchandise had a huge aisle full of highest quality shovels, rakes and implements of destruction, all slightly scratched or with scuffed stickers in the $7-20 price range — I stocked up on hoes, rakes, shovels and more. My newest favorite tool for breaking up deep rooted sod in dense clay is a digging fork for $9. Two days later I saw it in the farmer’s co-op for $46!
I’ve looked at the Fiskars, but it’s far too big and heavy for a petite to average sized woman. I’m pretty strong for all of my 5’5″, but I’d probably last 10 minutes with it. If they made a smaller utility version, I’d be all over it!
Hi Nicole,
It sounds like you found some great deals! Fiskars does indeed make a shorter all-steel shovel:
Fiskars Shovel on Amazon
Best,
Kevin
Hey now — I love Amazon. My local Home Depot didn’t have THAT one. It’s definitely on my wish list now!
I checked out the Fiskar shovel and spade at my local Lowe’s yesterday. The shovel looks like it could take a lot of abuse and still come back for more. I like their spade, but the plastic handle was only secured by one small screw. I did some research and found this little beauty.
King of Spades
I would like to know where i can buy the atlas all steel shovel if anyone know please let me know.
Thanks
dac_563@bellsouth.net