This is not going to answer your question so feel free to skip it.

I find it very easy to "sharpen" a shovel. I have a ten dollar 4 inch / 100 mm snag grinder from the House of Junk, Harbor Freight, loaded with a thin cut-off disk instead of a thicker grinding disk. It takes the place (fully) of a hacksaw and a mill cut file. A quick swipe will dress the pointy edge of any shovel in a few seconds, including house brand junk.

Also, when looking at shovels, compare more expensive forged ones against cheaper stamped sheet steel ones. The decision to be made is, I think, whether to treat it as a throwaway or as a permanent tool.

I have a garage full of shovels, spades and all manner of implements. The best shovel I have is a "Lady Gardener" that my brother rescued from someone's trash. It was like brand new; doubtful it had ever been plunged into the ground. Sharp and easy with a short "D" handle. LG is made by Union Tools, but they don't seem to be carried in stores - at least not here since I've been looking for 2 years. Most of what's out there have thick and not even remotely sharp blades.

I do think some Ace Hardware's have a sharpening service - if they do lawn mower blades, I imagine they could put an edge on a shovel.

I got a spear head shovel at the Atlanta Home show a few years ago and it has been the best shovel for our Georgia red clay soil. I am not that big but this shovel will cut thru the soil and I don't have to jump up and down on it like a pogo stick. It is narrower than a regular shovel so I break up all of the soil with the spear head and clean the planting hole out with a regular shovel.

Ames are my shovel of choice for 30 years.

lilyfinch-
Can you provide more info on the tasks you want to accomplish? I have about a half dozen shovels ranging in price from$10 to $175, and each has its functions.

The spear head looks to be the ticket for me. I see on line Walmart sells them - sure didn't see anything like that on the racks when looking there though. We'll see come early spring - special order for pickup maybe. I'd pay $55 for something that actually pierces ground.

Google king of spades. Aircraft aluminum handle, steel head that holds a brutally sharp edge. I paid around $120 for it, awesome tool.

For a good value shovel, I would recommend Groundwork sold at Tractor Supply. I've had one for a couple of years and have been impressed with how sturdy and well made it is for 20 bucks. Good for prying. There's a link below. Of course, any shovel will dull with use, so you'll need to sharpen it periodically with a grinder or file. I've been happy with everything I've bought in the Groundwork brand.

Here is a link that might be useful: Groundwork round point shovel

Thank you for all the excellent responses!
I wondered if sharpening myself was an option too. Good to know I can.
Kudzu, I need it mostly to break thru the sod to start new garden beds and then into rocky clay. My Pennsylvania sod wasn't even an issue . However this feels similar to trying to cut thru carpet with a butter knife. Every shovelful seems to have a rock or two. Then in the middle of summer the clay is hard and dry and even more difficult ! I need to work{{gwi:807}} on my beds now while it's rainy enough to make it workable .
Tractor supply is a favorite place to stop by so I will look there. I'm reading about the king of spades place too. Frankielynn I am excited to go to our nashville garden show ! So fun. Lots of goodies!

Eta : Frankie , the reviews for this spear head shovel seem to be very favorable . Will it cut thru the sod too ? That's the hardest part . I think I may order it from amazon .
Thanks again!!

This post was edited by lilyfinch on Sun, Dec 28, 14 at 8:26

For that kind of work I use my "Bamboo Spade." It's expensive, but it works like a slide hammer and goes through the toughest stuff.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bamboo Spade

The spearhead cuts thru the sod and pries out rocks without any problems. I have broken the wooden or composite handles of so many shovels that my son bought me a shovel for Christmas last year that he says I can't break-it has a metal handle and is reinforced everywhere. The only problem is it is sooo heavy.

I tend to use shovels for things they weren't intended for. Prying up things is really hard on the handles. Our yard grows boulders so every fall there are a few that have reared their bald heads and need to be removed to save the mower blade. I am dragging them to the back yard with the 4 wheel drive geo tracker and making a succulent garden with them.

I use Bulldog shovels. So far, I can say they're the best shovels I have used. I bought it online with free shipping. Linked below where I bought it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bulldog Shovels

Just wanted to do a quick update , and thank you ! I ordered the spearhead spade from Frankie's recommendation. After a slight mishap if being sent the short D handle model from amazon ( way too short and I prefer a long handle) , I ordered it from Walmart online . I tried it out and it does cut right thru the sod just like I wanted ! So thank you, well worth the 50$.
The amount of positive reviews this shovel receives online is amazing , btw. I am very pleased too !! :) hurry up spring !!

I am so happy that it is going to work for you. I wish they would come up with a garden trowel that would work this way.