Digging tool decisions? Help me decide...

[Captain Silver]

The Raptor scoops dirt very well, especially when retrieving deep targets. Serrated teeth, like on my Gator digger...hang up on the finer roots, whereas the Raptor goes right through them. A hand guard is not necessary, I push down with the palm of my hand on the top of the handle to get into the soil, and have never had my hand slip. The blade comes semi-sharpened, and I've always used it as is without needing to sharpen it more. Too sharp of a tool will damage targets if your digging is off...

[Mozhoven]

I've got that same one, different color though as a backup. Don't like the forked end, plus it's not very long compared to a Lesche digger. Awesome warranty though, wish others did that!

[Mozhoven]

Originally Posted by Captain Silver

Too sharp of a tool will damage targets if your digging is off...

Thanks for the quick reply. I just might give it a, but I will have to put on a some sort of hand guard if just to stow it in my hammer holster.

Regarding damaging targets, wouldn't that Phillip's head screwdriver be a problem too?

[Mozhoven]

It looks like you can really pry with the Raptor, unlike the regular Lesche digger which begins to bend at a certain point.

[Captain Silver]

With enough of use, the screwdriver rounds off...I prefer using a flat screwdriver, but I lost the last one You can use the Raptor to pry up large rocks, you're not going to bend, break or chip the edge on it doing so...

[bigstemz]

For a small digger get a lesche or a hori hori. my money would b on the hori

[sweendog]

This is the most intense shovel thread. ever.

[Mozhoven]

Ok, I'll end the suspense. Just ordered a Predator "Hercules" Ball-Handle (supposed to be the same as the "Sampson") and a Raptor.

So, I should be all set. Not sure about a probe yet, seems iffy damage-wise. I tend to digger big plugs just to avoid possible damage. Perhaps I'll get over that at some point. Thanks for all the advice! I'll be sure to update this thread once I get the new tools out in the field.

[RetiredSoldier9]

Originally Posted by Mozhoven

The entrenching tool sounds good, but I think I will still get a Sampson in the meantime.

The only problem I have now is deciding between the Ball end or T-Handle. I like the idea of hanging it upside down through a hammer holster, but am unsure if the ball will be an ok handle. Any experience with this?

I have the T-handle shark and it is great. Makes nice clean plugs and provides great leverage for prying roots.

[ramer]

True, the Lesche digger is not designed to scoop out large amounts of dirt but there is a strategy behind the slim lesche design. The more a digger is curved the more surface area it will have which will make it more difficult to plunge into the ground and cut those nice plugs. I have some pretty sturdy garden trowels designed to remove dirt from holes in your nicely plowed losened dirt of your garden. But they are not designed to plunge into hard dry grassy areas. I know, because my blisters and sore hands are proof of that. I use such garden trowels at the beaches to remove large amounts of sand from holes.

[Mozhoven]

Maybe it's the rocky soil I usually dig, or how I cut plugs, but I've haven't been able to get good plug with the Lesche standard digger. It usually mauls the ground and the plug collapses. With my old trowel, which was wider than the Lesche and of the "scooped" design, I could cut nice plugs by plunge 'n pulling around the perimeter. The plunge severs roots, locates rocks, and gives me nice clean plugs. I might keep my Lesche standard, but I'm looking forward the the Raptor.

[Mozhoven]

Ok, I got my Ball-Handle "Hercules" in today. It's the version without serrations. I figured if I need them, I can put them in later. BTW, the "Hercules" seems to be basically the same thing as the "Sampson", and since it wasn't in stock I got the other.

I had some time today and took it out for a spin. First impressions: it's well built (as always) and very light. Half the weight of my "Relic Hunter", and half the size. Just what I need!

It makes a nice 6" plug and goes in super-easy. Because of the pointed tip, if I hit a rock head-on, I just re-angle a bit and "push" the rock to the side.

The foot-push on the blade is sufficiently sized for good purchase, but I may still weld on an extension. We'll see if I need to. (hole in the shoes)

I was worried the Ball-handle would be a non starter, but I have to say it's just right for me. It also allows me to carry the shovel, upside-down, in a hammer holster.

Finally, I must say that I would feel totally ok taking this to a park. It's really a glorified heavy-duty trowel on a pole. To me, it barely resembles a traditional shovel. Minus the serrations, it looks rather harmless too. (unlike the frightening "Raven" or the truly terrifying "Piranha")

Anyway, thanks all for your advice.

If you want to see my review for the the Raptor, go here: http://metaldetectingforum.com/showt...58#post1258758

[Snoop]

My digger doesn't have a handguard either, and I don't ever recall ever wishing it had one.

[Coin Machine]

I made friends with the serrated edge of my digger the other day.

Wasn't too bad...but....???

I wear gloves too.....dang...those things are sharp.

[Woodchuck]

I use the stainless steel version of the hori hori soil knife

[Silverfishin]

My Hori-Hori hasnt let me down yet..love it.

[grouser]

Originally Posted by Mozhoven

I've got the same trowel as a backup, but don't like the forked end.

Curious, has anyone ever had someone comment about having the Sampson (or similar sized shovel), or is it more about be self-conscious carrying a shovel? If it's the latter, I certainly understand but haven't had anyone say anything to me yet.

I like mine the way it is with the forked end,,, great for pulling junk out of the hole like a claw hammer

[SkiWhiz]

Originally Posted by grouser

I like mine the way it is with the forked end,,, great for pulling junk out of the hole like a claw hammer

Another beauty of the forked end

[Ace350]

Originally Posted by Mozhoven

So, I was thinking about the Raven to replace the 38D spade, and a Kelly Co Razor Edge Gator Digger to replace the Lesche. The Kellyco Sawtooth Gator Digger looks good too, but I don't like that it doesn't have a hand guard at the end of the handle.

Anyone care to comment on this decision. Is it a lateral move, or a step in the right direction for me? I'm also open to other suggestions,

About the Kelly Co Razor Edge Gator Digger to replace the Lesche.
I had about an hours worth of detecting and digging
(maybe 15-20 plugs) on this before I brought it out to this weeks hunt with the Tri State hunters. This is what happened after about a 3 hr. hunt. The grip handle wore through and gave me a blister about the size of a dime through my gloves! The ground was dry and mostly hard pack with very few rocks or stones.



Luckily, at the end of the hunt I won a new Lesche model 75 in the club raffle. Comparing the two:
When the Gator was my first and only digging tool, I thought the Gator was a pretty good digger that cut through small roots and dug a hole fairly easily.
Now that I have the Lesche, I know the Gator isn't as good as I thought. The Lesche cuts plugs like a hot knife goes through butter!

Maybe it would work for you in your area if you carry both and use your Lesche to cut the initial plug and use the Gator or a hardware store digger to remove any more dirt and rock from the hole. I can say that the Gator is strong and you can put a lot of leverage on it without it breaking.

If you go with the Gator I would suggest when you first get it to remove the grip and put some kind of pipe cap (like a thin copper one) over the end of the handle then slide the grip back on so the grip doesn't wear through like it did mine.

[Mozhoven]

Thanks for that mini-review. The Lesche standard is growing on me, but I still wish I only needed one trowel. The Raptor is a beast, but I'm still not sure about it either. I just need more time with both in the field. I'll still looking for the perfect digger...

If you want to sell your Gator, PM me. I'll snap it right up.