OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

262404 Erik Levin 2017‑06‑05 Re: Shovel vs spade and internet plagiarism
Having little of value to add to the discussion, I will, naturally, throw in my
1/12.5 bit...
The usage I was brought up with is:

Spade is a blade that is flatter and pointy for breaking up soil or sod, and
maybe turning it, not for lifting it in quantity. It has no significant raised
edge to impede cutting action

When referring to a specific tool, shovel is squared or pointed at the end and
has a raised edge to make lifting and throwing material easier, but cutting into
tight material is tougher.  The term also encompasses the other here (in the "a
rectangle is a quadrilateral, a square is a rectangle" way)

Scoop is next up in the raising of the edge, and generally has a full box edge
around the perimeter to make lifting, carrying, and controlled throwing of
larger quantities of loose material, like grain, coal, or gravel, easier

This usage was pretty consistent amongst the locals growing up (New England),
and also seems consistent where I am now (NJ). I have used all of the tools
described professionally, as well as non-professionally, in the northeast US.
Digging ditches is not one of my favourite things, nor hand ballasting railroad
right of way, but one does what one must. *** This message was sent from a
convenience email service, and the reply address(es) may not match the
originating address

Recent Bios FAQ