Shovels and spades are designed to do different jobs in the garden. A shovel has a scooped blade and is used for moving garden material, such as mulch, sand and dirt. A spade is a cutting implement. It has a flat blade and is used for digging, cutting edges and dividing plants. Like all cutting implements, spades perform best when sharpened regularly.
The best way to sharpen a spade is by using a bench-mounted grinder. While the bench grinder is running, slide the bottom edge of the spade across until the edge is bevelled. (Tip: always wear safety gear when using power tools.) If you don’t have a bench grinder, use a sharpening stone.
Further information
Bench-mounted grinders cost from $50-$100.
Sharpening stones range in price from around $10-$40, depending on size, coarseness and type (oil or dry). A coarse stone is best to start sharpening, finishing off with a fine stone.