Kent & Stowe Stainless Steel Digging Spade

Kent & Stowe Stainless Steel Digging Spade: £39.99*

*Price correct from Kent & Stowe at time of publishing.

Tested July 2026

I put the Kent & Stowe Stainless Steel Digging Spade to work across the gardens at Barnsdale, using it for general digging and turning bare areas of soil to prepare for new planting. A digging spade is one of those tools that quickly shows its worth — if it is uncomfortable, too heavy, too flimsy or awkward to use, you soon know about it.

It has a traditional look, with an FSC certified ash wood handle and a stainless steel head, it feels like a proper, solid garden tool rather than something lightweight and short-lived. The D or YD shaped handle is comfortable to hold, and like the rest of the wooden shaft it’s extremely smooth and well finished. The overall length from the tip of the blade to the top of the handle is 110cm and weighs around 1.7kg. The blade is 29cm long and 18cm wide and has a large tread on the top of the blade for added digging power and comfort.

With the current ongoing drought conditions I knew that the heavy ground at Barnsdale would be hard to dig but I had to get the planting done.

The blade is a useful size for border work and general soil preparation and the larger tread edge is a definite benefit when pushing the spade into heavier ground. Smoothed rivets also make a difference, as there are no sharp or uncomfortable edges where your boot or hand naturally finds them.

I used it on a range of jobs rather than just trying it once in easy soil. It coped well with routine digging and turning and it felt strong enough for normal garden use. The double riveted extended shank gives a reassuring sense of strength when levering soil, although, as with any stainless steel spade, I would still avoid forcing it under large roots or using it as a crowbar.

Conclusion: Overall, this is a very capable, well-made digging spade that feels comfortable, sturdy and built to last without being overly heavy. The stainless steel blade, generous tread and smooth handle make it a pleasure to use for everyday digging and soil preparation, especially on heavier ground. The 15 year guarantee adds extra reassurance, and while smaller gardeners or those wanting a very lightweight tool may find it a bit on the large side, it remains an excellent all-round choice.

Our Tools on Test reviews are based on genuine day-to-day use at Barnsdale Gardens. Each tool or machine is assessed in real gardening conditions, from maintaining ornamental borders and lawns to working on our allotments and woodland areas, giving gardeners practical insights beyond the manufacturer's specifications.

Please note: The tool featured in this review is not sold by Barnsdale Gardens. Our assessment is based solely on practical use and is intended to help gardeners make informed decisions when choosing equipment.