What I would like to see changed in the 31" sampson shovel

[Jason in Enid]

I've used these for years.

Maybe I have short legs or something. I'm 5'11" and use the same hanger, and my Sampson bangs my ankle every step. If I have to walk faster than detecting speed I have to take it off and hold it, or else hold it still so it cant flop around.

 

[ChrisMD]

Maybe I have short legs or something. I'm 5'11" and use the same hanger, and my Sampson bangs my ankle every step. If I have to walk faster than detecting speed I have to take it off and hold it, or else hold it still so it cant flop around.

Just thought of a cheaper fix. You could get a Bomb Hanger and pull it up some.

http://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?t=245821

 

[Martin_V3i]

Maybe I have short legs or something. I'm 5'11" and use the same hanger, and my Sampson bangs my ankle every step. If I have to walk faster than detecting speed I have to take it off and hold it, or else hold it still so it cant flop around.

Do you carry it with the blade curvature to the inside toward the leg or outside? I go inside. That might make a difference. I keep clean pants, and I can quickly feel that I'm backwards when I pop it in with the blade going to the outside.

 

[Jason in Enid]

Just thought of a cheaper fix. You could get a Bomb Hanger and pull it up some.

http://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?t=245821

I've seen those before. Not sold on the concept, I love the ease and speed I can grab and re-hang the digger in the belt holder. The bomb hanger seems like it would leave the handle poking into my side whenever I bent over while not digging (shallow targets), plus pushing that holder back over my belt seems like it would be prone to get hung up or catch and rip a shirt.

Dunno, I could be completely wrong. It's something to consider though.

 

[Rattlehead]

I've seen those before. Not sold on the concept, I love the ease and speed I can grab and re-hang the digger in the belt holder. The bomb hanger seems like it would leave the handle poking into my side whenever I bent over while not digging (shallow targets), plus pushing that holder back over my belt seems like it would be prone to get hung up or catch and rip a shirt.

Dunno, I could be completely wrong. It's something to consider though.

I make and sell something very similar to those. Been using them for years now. One of the benefits is that you can mount it anywhere on the shaft to reduce the swinging effect and stop the shovel from banging into your legs as you walk. Mounted about 6" down from the "T" handle and carried at the 8-o'clock position, it doesn't really swing and no worries about poking into your side. The clip has a slight outward bend on the end too. Never had any problem with it catching on my shirt.

I don't want to break any forum rules by posting a link, but if you Google the words: hip-clip shovel it should pop right up.

 

[NCtoad]

I'm right handed and always hold my sampson in my left hand.....while detecting.

 

[Rattlehead]

I'm right handed and always hold my sampson in my left hand.....while detecting.

That works too, but I like to have my left hand freed up to answer my phone, grab a drink or vape. Or maybe I'm just lazy.

 

[Martin_V3i]

I'm right handed and always hold my sampson in my left hand.....while detecting.

Also hold my Sampson in hand, due to the detection of the shovel on the left side swing. I am quick to put the shovel in my holster when being observed, especially when I see a ranger or police cruising around. Where I hunt, nobody seems to care, but I still show respect.

Common sense.

 

[jmaryt]

Let me start off by saying I really, really like my sampson T handle shovel. I've dug many, many, many targets with it. However, the blade part is now worn down to 6 1/2" and many times I wish it were longer. I don't remember how long the blade is on new ones, but I think I read they're 7 1/8"? My wish for the lesche sampson would be an 8 1/2" long blade with the same width of the original sampson. Does any other manufacturer make a shovel of that size?

are you using that sampson in parks?..jeeez!..hope not! ..i'm just saying'

(h.h.!)
j.t.

 

[jmaryt]

How tall are you? I'm 5'11". Can't kick my blade while in stride.

You wrote:"Hanging at my side is fine, but my foot constantly kicking the blade is annoying, with every step. If you are talking about the 31" Sampson, I have to say, I couldn't kick the blade while walking, with the 31" hanging from my belt carrier, if I tried. Maybe you need a different holster for the 31" Sampson.

As far as the Nomad shovel...it way to long at 39 inches. I would maybe use it in a remote field or woods, away from all public view, but that's not my hunt-place preference. I'm a city hunter 90% of the time.

The 31" Sampson is, IMHO, the best ergonomics in a shovel length digger, considering you hunt any kinds of public property.

using a "sampson" in a park is really bad for the hobby..think about it!..city hunter?..using a shovel.

 

[Ice Scratcher]

using a "sampson" in a park is really bad for the hobby..think about it!..city hunter?..using a shovel? !)

Myself, and three other (unrelated) hunters, I normally hunt with, all use a Sampson, everywhere.. Haven't heard of any issues, going on 4+ years...

Besides, if anyone ever did have a problem, well, they can feel free to come talk to me and my badass digger..

At least it doesn't look like a damn Bowey knife (lesch)...

<°)))>{

 

[NCtoad]

Myself, and three other (unrelated) hunters, I normally hunt with, all use a Sampson, everywhere.. Haven't heard of any issues, going on 4+ years...

Besides, if anyone ever did have a problem, well, they can feel free to come talk to me and my badass digger..

At least it doesn't look like a damn Bowey knife (lesch)...

<°)))>{

Yep. I use mine everywhere. Have had the park workers say hi to me while using it. Never had a problem. I can dig a neater, faster plug with the sampson than the lesche. I carry both though.

 

[remmy]

As for box-store shovels, they are !!!!. Thin blades, bad welds, plastic handles. A sampson is 100 times more durable than a chi-com digger, and I can still break a sampson if I get too carried away.

I bought a cheapo harbor freight "trenching shovel" or I think some call it a drain spade 3 years ago. It has a long blade ( 6 x 18 I think) and a long fiberglass handle. I welded better foot steps on it and sharpened it up. I have dug thousands of targets with it, pried big iron out of the ground with all my weight on the handle. The narrow blade will cut relatively small plugs but I would not use it door knocking. If you hunt fields or areas that are "unkept" you really can't beat it for the cost. The long straight handle is just the right length that you can use it like a walking stick.

 

[normx2]

Yep you're right about the Barracuda,
Bought one and it is a "perfect" shovel for the type of hunting I do. (Relics).

 

[jmaryt]

Myself, and three other (unrelated) hunters, I normally hunt with, all use a Sampson, everywhere.. Haven't heard of any issues, going on 4+ years...

Besides, if anyone ever did have a problem, well, they can feel free to come talk to me and my badass digger..

At least it doesn't look like a damn Bowey knife (lesch)...

<°)))>{

they ain't gonna come talk to you,just drop a dime ,and get everybody "pitched!"
but of course,you don't know anything about that!.remember!..(perception") is what this hobby is all about!.lose the "sampson" in parks,or everybody "pays"

 

[jmaryt]

Yep. I use mine everywhere. Have had the park workers say hi to me while using it. Never had a problem. I can dig a neater, faster plug with the sampson than the lesche. I carry both though.

really!? sounds like a "fantasy" tale to me!..gotta be a 'story!" next you will be
"smokin' me with the "park workers" offering a beer to ya while ya dig your targets with the sampson!..(hot damn!)

 

[Ice Scratcher]

next you will be
"smokin' me with the "park workers" offering a beer to ya while ya dig your targets with the sampson!..(hot damn!)

I've never posted that story, how did you hear about it?

<°)))>{

 

[mdmike01]

Thanks Chris! While looking at the root slayer I noticed they make a smaller version call the root slayer nomad...might just try it as it's just the size I've been looking for.

Looks good however, keep in mind it's not forged. Prob be okay but thought i'd mention it.

 

[NCtoad]

I'm very careful to replace my plugs so that the hole is unnoticeable when I'm finished...no matter what I dig it with. If anyone wants to follow me around they'd have a very hard time seeing where I just dug.

 

[Silversmith45]

How does your hang on your belt?

I use the 18" Sampson and it doesn't interfere with walking and doesn't bang your leg. I made a simple hanger for it and carry it with the handle down but it will work either way. I have talked with park workers and they have never said anything about it. I can carry my 31" the same way.