Lesche shovel!?!

[Stoof-tabsallday]

So I have a small shovel that I take with me in larger areas about 21" long in total.
Been looking into getting a t handle sampson shovel. They seem nice and many have them as well as many many great reviews.
My question is why is it better and worth the money?
Just curious and I'll probably spring for one anyway, but wanted a public opinion .
I currently use the small shovel, a hori hori, and two composite trowels (one a thin transplanter).
I do like the idea of being able to get that holster for it so I'm not carrying it. My current shovel is too small to use like a cane and too large for my pouch.
Thanks everyone!!

 

[Dave_E]

I've got the 31" Sampson with T-handle.

It's more than a shovel. It slices perfect, clean plugs and allows for a very fast recovery of the target. The clean plug is also much neater when restoring the dug area.

It's a solid tool and more durable than shovels that have a metal head connected to a wooden or composite handle.

With the small plastic holster clip, it hangs on my hip opposite of my finds pouch and pointer. It lays nicely along my leg and doesn't bounce around much when I walk.

I may also get the 18" model to use in parks, as I won't take any large tools there.

 

[roadapple]

+ 1 on 31 inch Sampson and the 18 inch Sampson. I have both and you can't go wrong with Sampson's !!!

 

[dfmike]

I too bought a Sampson with T-handle. If I could do it again, I'd skip and buy a larger one from Predator Tools even if it means paying a little more. I find the handle to be too short. I have to bend down to dig and it's a strain on the back. The foot plate is not wide enough to be really effective especially when wearing boots. I'm still not sure why Lesche decided to put the serrations on one side only. With Predator shovels you have serrations on both sides.

 

[Rebound]

I have a 31" Samson with a T-handle. It's perfect for me. Not too big, not too small. Made of strong tempered steel. The foot plate is just right and is small for a reason. It's a shovel for small inconspicuous holes, and not designed to be used like a full blown shovel. Yet I have to admit I use my small lesche digger way more often. It's one with a storage area inside the handle. I always carry it with me, when I hunt, in a leather holster that I made which has a slot for a small brass probe. And another slot for my "popper"(a flat screw driver with the head rounded off). Sorry I'm so long wended. But I always get excited when it comes to metal detecting.

 

[Stoof-tabsallday]

Ok guys. Just checking if it was worth the extra money to pick one up!! Sounds like it.
Thanks! !

 

[azsh07]

Either the Lesche or Predator shovels are so superior to a standard mini shovel from the local store it is no comparison. These things are indestructible...I have had my Predator for over ten years and use it 99% of the time.

But it depends also on where you hunt. I am relic hunting in fields and woods so a shovel is the tool to use. When I do hunt in a more public place I use a Talon which is a small hand digger.

Now if you hunt in areas that a shovel is the better tool then which one depends now on preference and also what the ground is. Example...hunting in thw woods or thick brush with roots then get a Predator with the cutting edges for roots..believe me it works. If you mostly hunt fairly clean ground free of thick roots then the scerated edges are not as important.

If you relic hunt in fields and dig deep holes then pay attention to the blade length. I need a longer blade so I get a 10" deep hole in one shot. I dig a lot of holes in a day and I want to try and get the target up in the first try and in the plug. It;s called detecting...not digging...I want to detect not dig for 5 minutes.

The blade design...it's length..width..shape and cutting edges really play an important role depending on what ground you dig in mostly. I can cut a hole in four easy plunges of the shovel..straight through roots. While my buddy..who uses whatever shorty shovel Ace sells that day is beating his way through them. I am in and out in a fraction of the time he is. Finally he is getting a Predator..broke 3 shovels...coulda bought a Predator for the price of those three.

Last is what length handle. This is a preference. I like a the longer handle but that is just me...it is a personal thing...just like T handle or ball handle.

While it seems a shovel is a shovel...not so. When you have done this a long time you realize the right digger is as important as the detector.