Perhaps a bit early to be reviewing this shovel. I have only used it for one day. Anyway, I wanted a flat-ish blade with a tapered end, which the Ox has. It’s not for home work, but on the narrow gauge railway I volunteer at. The shovel is strong and well made. The handle is all steel, which makes it heavier than a wooden type. As the blade is no too large, the amount of ballast I can get on it, doesn’t become difficult to lift, and the chunky but narrow blade is great for packing. This is when you ram ballast under the sleepers for support. First impressions are that I have made a good purchase.
Just about to order my second one had my first for probably 10 years i levered the wrong way and snapped the blade . Excellent value for a well built tool . I spray all my tools this blue to save losing them .