Spade recommendations

I bought a £5 spade from Asda and it broke (of course) - the lower steel shaft has started to split..

So can anyone recommend a spade that will take 20 years of abuse, I guess in the long run it's worth buying a decent one rather than constantly replacing cheap ones.

If you have seen some on-line at a good price as well please point them out

 

I have a Wilkinson Sword spade, it has been quite a faithful friend for about 5/6 years now. It`s strong and it didn`t break the bank. You get what you pay for that`s true, but you don`t need to spend quite as much as some would have you do.

Replacing cheap ones is expensive yes, but cheap spades are also dangerous.

 

I've always been fond of Burgon & Ball spades (although far from the cheapest...) but the best spades I find have wooden handles and are actually riveted to the metal part of the spade..not like the modern ones which use glue and a plastic ring over the top with a plastic/fibre glass? handle...:thumb:

 

I bought an expensive Wilkinson Sword stainless steel spade and it broke - so I have now have a £5 Wilkinson (from the shop Wilkinsons) one which is excellent.

 

You may also find this thread helpful as well::gnthb:

http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=18127

 

I use a Bulldog premiere strapped and treaded spade. £45 ish with a lifetime warranty. Bulldog do actually Honor the warranty.

 

For now i've welded my BnQ spade - I have to say the metal was surprisingly thin near the top of the blade (where it needs to be very strong...)