What's the benefit of a flat blade shovel?

[jayhat]

What's the benefit of a flat blade shovel over a standard curved digging shovel? Seem to see a lot of folks with flats, but I would find a regular shovel better for the backcountry.

 

[Jetboy]

It's weaker. So you can make it heavier.

 

[3wbdriver]

Flat blade shovels are generally better for lifting already loosened dirt and can hold a larger amount. Kind of like a snow shovel. Spades (standard curved digging shovel) are for digging into virgin packed dirt and are shaped that way to get a better bite in it.

 

[oljedi11950]

Much better for picking up dog sh*t !!!!

 

[johnbt]

Fwiw, there's a difference...

A shovel blade is bowl-shaped(concave), a spade is flat(or nearly & has a straight edge).

A shovel has a longer handle, a spade may have a T or D handle.

A shovel has a larger blade/scoop, a spade smaller.

A shovel is for breaking up, digging, and turning. A spade for slicing & moving loose material.


I have a long-handled shovel, a short-handled shovel with a D-handle and a short-handled spade with a D-handle. They're all useful at different times.

I usually take the short-handled shovel to the beach, although I can imagine there could be a time I might wish for a longer handle. I've never used a shovel yet on the beach in 31 years, but still carry one. Or two, I forgot about the little folding shovel.

 

[billnourse]

I just have an army surplus trenching tool. Doesn't take up much room, can be used as a spade or a pick of sorts. I have used mine to dig out of snow on more than one occasion and while it is a little slow, it gets the job done.

Bill

 

[LandCruiser]

+1 melee, ignores light armor, chance to decapitate enemies your level or below.