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Spear Head Spade 40" with D‑grip Model SHFD3

$60.00
353 Reviews Read reviews

Over 600,000 sold

In stock
Color

Color: Red

  • Backed by our family. If you are not satisfied, contact us and we will do whatever we can to make you happy.
  • Ships in 1 to 2 business days. Flat $18 shipping in the contiguous US, however many spades you add. Orders with the Long Handle ship for a flat $25.
  • Questions? Call us at (732) 297-9240, 8am to 5pm Eastern, Monday to Friday.
  • Built for comfort and control. 40 inches overall with a 9 x 11 inch beveled blade, for digging tough soil, dividing perennials and transplanting shrubs.
  • Steel-reinforced fiberglass handle. Lightweight, with a cushioned, UV-resistant D-grip; about 3.5 lb.
  • Finds the path of least resistance. The double-patented spearhead wedges its way around a rock instead of hitting it and stopping. Tempered carbon-manganese steel, 33 percent thicker and 25 percent harder than standard shovel stock.
  • Never needs sharpening. Pre-sharpened at the factory to a 35 degree bevel, tip to tail. The powder coat wears away gradually and keeps exposing the factory edge, so the more you use it, the sharper it gets.
  • Foot rests and D-grip do the work. Wide, forward-bent foot rests on both sides let your body weight press the blade home, and the D-grip lets you steer without clenching.
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View

See it at work

A quick tour of what this tool does in a real garden.

A spade that finds the crack, not the wall

A spade that finds the crack, not the wall

A flat garden spade meets hard ground and stops. This one meets it at a point. The spearhead tip drives into the single seam in packed clay or around a buried rock, and the outward-curved edges, sharpened tip to tail, keep cutting as you rock the blade down. That is why it slices through fibrous roots a flat blade would only bruise.

Built to outlast the shovel you are replacing

Built to outlast the shovel you are replacing

The blade is tempered carbon-manganese steel, 33 percent thicker and 25 percent harder than standard shovel stock, then epoxy powder-coated so a fresh edge stays under the surface as it wears. The handle is steel-reinforced fiberglass: lighter than wood, and it resists rotting, splintering, and cracking when you lean your weight into it. It is weather resistant and low maintenance.

Which Spear Head spade is right for you

Three sizes, same blade design. The 40-inch is a popular starting point. Pick by your height and the job.

Spear Head Spade 30" Mini Garden Shovel Model SHMini
30-inch Mini

The lightest in the family. Bulbs, small containers, raised beds, and close work. A good fit for shorter gardeners and anyone who wants the least weight.

Spear Head Spade 40" with D-grip Model SHFD3
40-inch D-grip You are here

The all-rounder for gardeners roughly 5 foot 6 to 6 foot. Transplanting shrubs, dividing perennials, and precise digging. A popular first spade.

$60.00This one
Spear Head Spade 58" long handle Model SHLF2
58-inch Long handle

More reach and leverage with less bending, best for taller gardeners over about 6 foot and for prying up big root balls.

How it compares to a standard spade

 Spear Head SpadeStandard spade
Blade edgePointed, sharpened tip to tailStraight and unsharpened
Cuts rootsYes, slices through root matsA flat, unsharpened blade tends to bruise roots rather than slice them
Hard, rocky, clay soilBuilt for itBogs down; best in loose, worked soil
HandleSteel-reinforced fiberglassUsually wood, can splinter
RecognitionBest Shovel/Spade, Better Homes and Gardens 2025None

What owners say

353 Reviews 4.93 out of 5

Named Best Shovel/Spade by Better Homes and Gardens, 2025.

Gardeners like you

I’m in love with my new shovel
I am in love with my new shovel. I never thought I would be able to get through the hard packed, filled with weeds, dirt so easily. I have told everyone I know about my new favorite gardening tool, and those that are gardeners understood my enthusiasm. Thank you again
Robin W.Verified buyer
Phenomenal
I am a 5’7” woman who struggles to have enough body weight to actually dig with a shovel. this allowed me to dig a large hole by myself and gave me independence in the garden. even my dad tried it and said it was smooth like butter.
Ashley
Makes digging so easy
I love this spade. #1 it’s super sturdy; you can use the shovel’s leverage and will not have to worry about snapping the handle or bending the head. And the slim face cuts through dirt/grass like butter. So glad I found this.
Deb C.Verified buyer
Easy to use
I have tons of burdock weeds to remove. This spade makes it so much easier to cut into the soil to go after those huge, deep taproots.
Carol R.Verified buyer
Great shovel - makes hard work easy
I love my new spearhead shovel. Was great for digging out old plants and planting new ones! I had a question about the shovel and contacted the company and the President actually called me back about it!! That is fabulous customer service!! Love working with small businesses that have a passion about their products!!
LisaVerified buyer
Bought two, one as a gift
Purchased two. One as a gift and one for myself. The handle and height are comfortable to use. Blade goes right thru the soil with plenty of room on the foot ledge for assistance. Being able to choose different colors was a bonus as I could order my gift in their favorite color, purple. Very sturdy product, would buy again.
Jean N.Verified buyer
Spearhead spade
I recently bought the spearhead spade for my husband who is an avid gardener. He is 76 with some hip problems and he loves the spade! He said it makes digging so much easier for him!
Sheri B.Verified buyer
  • 5 stars: 341 (97%)
  • 4 stars: 7 (2%)
  • 3 stars: 1 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 1 (0%)
  • 1 star: 3 (1%)
A
Anonymous

Very satisfied with this shovel. It’s well made and performs exactly the way the company advertised.

Hi Laury,
When we say 'makes your toughest digging up to 80% easier' we mean it! Who knew high school physics and geometry would help in the garden?
Keep diggin' it!
Hugh

V
V Moss

A friend of mine showed me hers and I had to have one! It’s a great shovel. I’m getting ready to plant a 2k square foot pollinator garden in NC clay. This will definitely help make the job easier.

Hi Valerie, we're thrilled to hear you're happy with the spade! Best of luck with your pollinator garden—it's going to be beautiful. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Happy Gardening!
Hugh

M
Michael Hayes

A perfect tool. I wish I got one 30 years ago

Hi Michael,
'Perfect' is a pretty good compliment! We're glad you discovered us now, so you can enjoy using your Spear Head Spade for the next 30!
All the best,
Hugh

A
Anonymous

Love it

Hi Nancy,
We're so glad you love our flagship model, the 40' with D-grip. It'll make the toughest tasks up to 80% easier!
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

D
Debi Lampman

It's very pretty, haven't used it yet. Still using my second shovel just bought the new one for the future, I know I'll ware it out eventually

Hi Debi,
It's not only pretty, it'll make your toughest gardening tasks faster and easier!
It'll be ready when you are!
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

D
Doreen Rayba

Love my Spear Head Spade! Light weight and easy to handle. I'm only 4ft 10in. Sharp point digs into the soil nicely.

Hi Doreen,
Thanks so much for your great review! We are glad your Spear Head Spade makes every task in the garden easier!
All the best,
Hugh

M
Maria Chigas

Best tool I have ever bought. It makes quick work of thick roots, especially for someone who is not very strong. No huge effort required on my part.

Hi Maria,
We love being the 'best tool (you) ever bought'! Making your work in the garden easier is our #1 goal.
Keep Diggin' It!
Hugh

A
Anonymous

Giving as a gift. New homeowner requested this item.

Hi Judith,
Can't think of a nicer housewarming gift for someone who loves to garden!
Thanks for your generosity!
All the best,
Hugh

A
Anonymous

Works great! Easy to pop out my perennials with little effort, even the ones that have been in the ground for years! Highly recommend!

Hi Sandra,
We're happy to hear your Spear Head Spade is a great perennial popper outer!
As we say, it makes the toughest digging up to 80% easier.
Keep Diggin' It!
Hugh

A
Anonymous

Love this tool. I'm getting another for my son in law for Christmas

Hi Connie,
We love the fact you're giving a Spear Head Spade to your son as a gift.
We're confident he's gonna love it!
All the best,
Hugh

A
Anonymous

The spade is wonderful, exactly as described. It slices through the dirt like butter, requires less effort than my old shovel.

Hi Kelly,
That's what we like to hear! 'Slices thru dirt like butter' and 'requires less effort than my old shovel'....that's the Spear Head Spade, as promised! Thanks for a great review!
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

J
Judith Spillers

I used my spade to remove 5 rose bushes. They all came out without a problem. I would like you to know I found out about your spade from following Amy Powers face book pages.

Hi Judith,
Rose bushes are no match for the double-patented blade of the Spear Head Spade!
Glad it's making tough tasks easier to accomplish.
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

A
Anonymous

Finally a shovel that conquers the difficult SC clay!

Hi Lisa,
Glad your Spear Head Spade is making digging that SC clay up to 80% easier!
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

P
Pam Schmidt

Life-changing garden tool!!

Hi Pam,
That's a high complement, indeed! We're glad your Spear Head Spade has changed your life in the garden. We'd settle for nothing less!
Keep Diggin' It!
Hugh

A
Andrea F. Clardy

I have had my Spear Head Spade for more than ten years. When I recently hired a young gardener to help me, she was so impressed with the shovel that I decided to give her one of her own, with a purple handle to distinguish it from my yellow one. She loves it.

Hi Andrea,
What a kind and generous gift for your gardener! Bravo! So many folks who use our Spear Head Spade can't believe they've ever gardened without it. It makes planting, transplanting and digging in tough conditions up to 80% easier. Thanks so much for being one of our most loyal and generous customers!
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

A
Anonymous

Well built. Nice tool.

Hi Steve!
We're glad you find the Spear Head Spade well built and nice to use. Thanks for your positive feedback!
Keep Diggin' It!
Hugh

J
Jane Barnett

Easy to use!

Hi Jane,
Thanks for your comments and 5 STAR review. You now know what we advertise is true: 'Makes your toughest digging up to 80% easier!' It's the secret to success!
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

D
Deborah

Excellent quality and design. Made digging in lousy soil so much easier

Hi Deborah,
We're so glad you appreciated the quality and design. A lot of time and effort went into the final design including choosing the right materials that will last a lifetime. The fact that it makes digging in "lousy soil" so much easier we count as a win!
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

C
Cheryl Marino

Such a fabulous design- easy to use in the difficult spaces. Thank you!

Hi Cheryl, thank you for your kind words! We're so glad you find the Spear Head Spade easy to use. Happy gardening!
All the best,
Hugh

C
Carol Warfel

It is great!!!

Hi Carol,
Glad you love it!
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

M
Michelle Caron

Excellent shovel for digging all things! Planting new beds, digging up old grass and weeds to make room and splitting lots of perenials - hostas etc. This does the job!! Can't believe I went so long without it!

Hi Michelle,
The 40' is our flagship model that makes digging up to 80% easier, especially in difficult conditions, like tough perennial roots, or dry clay. Glad it did the job!
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

A
Anonymous

Fantastic product that has cut the time it takes to dig up and relocate plants in half.

Hi Max,
Our flagship 40' SHFD3 with D-grip is a workhorse in the garden, for sure!
Glad it's making your digging easier and faster.
All the best,
Hugh

T
TU

This shovel was recommended to me by a friend who has been a gardener for 30+ years and I am so happy she told me about it! It is solid, yet light weight, and has done a great job of allowing me to dig out established perennials in order to split them. Better than any shovel I have used. So very happy with my purchase. Thank you.

Hi Tu,
So glad your friend recommended us. Our Spear Head Spade excels at digging out and transplanting stubborn perennials like hostas due to it's double-patented blade.
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

J
JT in VA

Easily handles Virginia clay soil for this gardener!

Hi JT,
Glad to hear it!
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

S
Sandy

Oh my! I absolutely love this shovel! I was so excited when I received, I took a picture to show my fellow gardening friends! Where has this shovel been all my life. Perfection!

Hi Sandy,
When you took the picture with your Spear Head Spade, did it say CHEESE? Thanks so much for sharing our shovel with your friends. I think they're gonna want one!
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

A
Anonymous

Love this spade. Woman gardener for many years and was tired of spending hours digging holes for shrubs. Wish I'd had this spade 20 years ago!

Hi Monique,
Glad you discovered us NOW. It means you have at least 20 more years of easier digging, planting and transplanting ahead of you! :)
Happy Gardening,
Hugh

a
annie edwards

Perfect gift to my worker.
I have one and use it always.

Hi Annie,
We love perfect....hope your worker loves it too!
Keep Diggin' It!
Hugh

Specifications

ModelSHFD3
Overall length40 in
Handle lengthabout 31 in
Blade size9 in wide by 11 in long
Blade shapeSpearhead, outward-curved edges, open-back scoop with forward-bent foot rests
Blade materialTempered carbon-manganese steel, epoxy powder-coated
Handle materialSteel-reinforced fiberglass with a cushioned poly D-grip
Foot restsYes, forward-bent on both sides
EdgeSharpened bevel, 35 degrees, tip to tail
Weightabout 3.5 lb
ColorsRed, Lavender, Teal
CareRinse and dry after use and store out of standing water. The blade never needs sharpening; digging keeps exposing the factory edge.

Questions gardeners ask

Will it cut through roots and divide tough perennials?

Yes. The Spear Head Spade divides even iris, hosta, and daylily clumps, and slices the fibrous root mats a flat spade just skates over. The pointed tip does the cutting, so you are not sawing at it.

Is it good for rocky, compacted, or heavy clay soil?

Yes. The Spear Head Spade has a pointed, spearhead blade that finds the path of least resistance and works into rocky, compacted, and clay soil with less strain than a flat-edged shovel. It is built for the hard ground a standard shovel bounces off.

How much does the 40-inch spade weigh, and is it light enough for an older gardener?

The 40-inch Spear Head Spade SHFD3 weighs about 3.5 lb. It is light enough for gardeners in their 60s and beyond, and the blade geometry does the levering to reduce back and shoulder strain.

Is the handle fiberglass or wood?

The Spear Head Spade SHFD3 has a steel-reinforced fiberglass handle with a cushioned, UV-resistant D-grip sized for gloved hands. The fiberglass resists rotting, splintering, and cracking, and it is weather resistant and low maintenance.

Which size should I choose, the 40-inch D-handle, the 58-inch long handle, or the 30-inch mini?

The 40-inch D-grip suits most gardeners, roughly 5 foot 6 to 6 foot, for transplanting and dividing. The 58-inch long handle gives taller gardeners over about 6 foot more reach and leverage with less bending. The 30-inch mini is the lightest, made for bulbs, small containers, raised beds, and close work.

Does it come sharpened, and how do I keep the edge sharp?

Yes, and you should never need to sharpen it. The 40-inch Spear Head Spade SHFD3 arrives pre-sharpened at the factory to a 35 degree bevel along the entire edge, tip to tail. The powder coating wears away gradually at the edge as you dig, continually exposing that factory edge, so the more you use it, the sharper it gets. The steel is tempered carbon manganese, 33 percent thicker and 25 percent harder than standard shovel stock. A regular file or grinder will not touch it, and it should never be needed.

What colors does it come in?

The Spear Head Spade SHFD3 comes in three colors: Red, Lavender and Teal. All three are the same spade at the same price. Yellow is sold out on this site.

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, a one-time replacement if your tool ever breaks.
Covers
Breakage and defects in material or workmanship, under normal residential use.
Does not cover
The powder coat wearing away, commercial use, or willful abuse.
Who and where
The original purchaser, in the United States. If you bought outside the US, the retailer you bought from handles the claim.
How it works
Send us a photo that clearly shows where the tool is broken. We replace it directly at no cost to you, apart from shipping and handling. One replacement per tool purchased.

Need to make a claim? Contact us.

Hugh, co-owner of Glorious Outdoors Harry, co-owner of Glorious Outdoors

Hugh and Harry

Our promise to you

If you are not satisfied, contact us and we will do whatever we can to make you happy.

Every order comes from our family business in New Jersey and ships in 1 to 2 business days.

The Spear Head Spade family

Questions before you dig in? Contact us.

$60.00