Spades
Spades
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE - SPADES
Construction and materials
A spade consists of three parts: the blade, the shaft, and the handle. Blades are typically made from hardened steel, shafts traditionally from ash or beech — both valued for their combination of strength and flex — though fibreglass and metal are common in modern designs. On premium spades, blade and socket are forged from a single piece of steel, which significantly improves durability under heavy use.
Materials at a glance
- Stainless steel: rustproof, but less robust under hard use
- Steel: highly durable and capable of taking a sharp edge, but requires some maintenance
- Ash shaft: strong and slightly flexible
- Metal shaft: lightweight and rigid
Blade shapes
Unlike a shovel, a spade blade is flat and sharp-edged — built to cut cleanly into the ground rather than scoop and carry material. The right blade shape depends on the soil you are working with:
- Rounded cutting edge: suited to sandy and loamy soils
- Pointed cutting edge: the better choice for hard, stony, or root-bound ground
- Flat blade: ideal for edging lawns cleanly
- Pointed blade: cuts through compacted or rocky ground with less effort
- Curved blade: useful for turning and lifting soil
Handle shapes
Shaft length and ergonomics
Getting the shaft length right makes a real difference to comfort over a long session. To find your ideal length: hold your upper arm against your body and extend your forearm at a right angle — the grip should sit comfortably at that height. For anyone over 185 cm, standard spades are often too short and can lead to back strain over time. Longer models or adjustable shafts are worth considering.
Sharpening your spade
A spade used regularly in stony ground will sharpen itself to some degree through natural wear — but unevenly and unpredictably. For a proper edge, use a half-round file to grind a bevel of 25° to 35° on the inside face of the blade. A sharp spade cuts into the ground with noticeably less effort.
Applications and spade types
Spades cover a wide range of tasks, from turning beds and edging lawns to digging planting holes and working around rootballs. The right choice depends on the job and the ground underfoot.
Applications
- Digging and turning beds: a standard garden spade with a straight cutting edge penetrates and loosens most soils effectively.
- Edging lawns: a T-grip spade gives the control and leverage needed for a clean, straight edge.
- Planting holes: a narrower blade makes it easier to work in confined spaces without disturbing surrounding plants.
- Trimming rootballs: a root spade with a V-shaped cutting edge cuts through roots efficiently.
- Removing deep-rooted weeds: a sharp, pointed blade gets down to the root with minimal collateral disturbance.
For digging and turning beds, a classic garden spade with a straight cutting edge is the natural choice — it enters the ground cleanly and breaks up soil without excessive effort. Edging lawns calls for a T-grip spade, which delivers the control and leverage needed for a precise, consistent line. A narrower blade comes into its own when digging planting holes, where space is limited and accuracy matters. For rootball work, a root spade with a V-shaped cutting edge cuts through roots efficiently, while a sharp, pointed blade is the tool of choice for removing deep-rooted weeds without disturbing the surrounding ground.
Spade types
- General-purpose garden spade: suitable for most soil types.
- Drainage spade: designed for digging narrow, deep trenches.
- Root spade: V-shaped cutting edge for cutting through roots cleanly.
- Ladies' spade: lighter and shorter, designed for smaller hands and frames.
Each spade type has its strengths. The general-purpose garden spade handles most soil types without compromise. The drainage spade is built for narrow, deep trenches where a standard blade would be too wide. The root spade's V-shaped cutting edge makes short work of established roots. And the ladies' spade — lighter and more compact — is designed for smaller hands and a shorter reach.
Quality features worth looking for
A quality spade can be recognised by the following technical characteristics:
- Blade and socket forged from a single piece: maximum stability and longevity
- Tapered blade: self-sharpening in use
- Unfinished ash shaft: absorbs perspiration and prevents slipping
- Riveted blade-to-shaft connection: no screws that can work loose
- Wide tread plate: efficient power transfer and easy on the soles of your boots
What sets a quality spade apart: a blade and socket forged from a single piece guarantees maximum stability and longevity. A tapered blade sharpens itself in use. An unfinished ash shaft absorbs perspiration and prevents the hands from slipping. The riveted connection between shaft and blade creates a permanent bond with no risk of screws working loose. A wide tread plate allows efficient power transfer and protects the soles of your boots.
A spade is one of the most versatile and indispensable tools for gardeners and landscapers alike. Choosing the right model — matched to the task and the soil — makes a significant difference to both efficiency and comfort. A quality spade in forged steel, with an ergonomic ash shaft and the correct length for the user, not only reduces the effort involved but also takes the strain off your back. Regular sharpening and matching the shaft length to your height ensure long-term, comfortable use. Invest in quality — and make your time in the garden easier on the body.
