This shovel has a long, slightly bowed ash staff  with rounded end and a wide pointed blade. People who have used this type of spade tell us how much easier it is to use than the conventional spade. The steam-bent ash shaft allows the user to dig and twist the shovel, loosening the soil while keeping an upright posture. 

This design and variations of it are also known as the Irish potato spade, the Devon spade, the Lurgan shovel, the Cornish shovel, the Cardigan spade, the Somerset shovel, the Celtic shovel ...

For an independent review of this tool, check this blog by user Dean (opens in a new window)