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In a nutshell

A BBC Gardeners’ Word Magazine Best Buy winner, this hand-crafted spade has a small, sharp blade perfect for slicing through stony soil and roots. Beautifully designed, this is a tool to treasure and comes with a 10-year warranty on all steel parts with one year on the handle and shaft.

What we tested

  • Handling
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Blade
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Strength
    A star rating of 5.0 out of 5.
  • Value for money
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Pros

  • Sharp, sturdy blade
  • Strong, wide treads
  • Long handle
  • Easy to use
  • Great for tight spots

Cons

  • T-grip unusual
  • Expensive

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All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more.

What is the Sneeboer Pointed Spade like?

Hand-forged by a Dutch family firm, this traditional style spade has a short, wide stainless steel blade that has been sharpened into a point. It has wide foot treads and the long, smooth ash handle ends in a T-grip.

What is the Sneeboer Pointed Spade like to use?

A pleasure to use, the small sharp blade is excellent at tackling difficult ground and makes light work of tough roots. The wide, flat treads are strong and help gain purchase and extra force on the blade. The long, wooden shaft eases back strain and absorbs shock well and the T-grip handle, although unusual at first, gives the flexibility needed to attack congested soil.

Will the Sneeboer Pointed Spade last?

The small steel blade and socket are strong and well made and the socket is securely riveted to the shaft. However, the socket is short and does raise the worry that the shaft may snap under pressure. It only comes with a warranty of one year but it should be easily replaced. The wax on the wooden shaft and handle allows the wood to breathe and prevents it absorbing water and dirt. This is a well thought out spade that has been built to last.

Is the Sneeboer Pointed Spade good value for money?

The most expensive spade tested (2019) and over double the price of some, this spade was still loved by all our testers, who found it a joy to use and loved its simple, quality design and build. It comes with a 10-year warranty on all the steel parts and a one-year warranty on the wooden shaft and handle. A tool for life we think it’s good value for money.

Who is the Sneeboer Pointed Spade most useful for?

This pointed spade is ideal for all gardeners who need to shift troublesome plants like brambles and clear stony ground ready for planting. The small blade is useful in tight, crowded borders and for boring through compacted and neglected soil.

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Watch our Buyer's Guide videos to help you work out which spade is right for you

Border Spades - Buyer's Guide video

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Product Specifications

Product
BrandSneeboer
NameSneeboer Pointed Spade with Steps
ModelPointed Spade with Steps
Price£117.40
Spade typePointed
Features
MaterialStainless steel
ShaftAsh
Foot treadYes
HandleT shape
BladePointed
Weight1.7kg
Height105cm
Warranty10YEAR
Feature notes

Warranty 10 years for the steel parts 

1 year for the handle

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