The message
from Gary Woods contains these words:

"jrbuk" wrote:

Does any one know of a thoroughly
reliable stainless steel spade?

Perhaps I'm missing something: Is it that important that the spade be
stainless steel? I believe stainless is more difficult to weld, which may
be the problem.

I've had a "regular" steel one for years, indifferently maintained, and
rust isn't a problem.

The advantage of stainless steel tools is that less earth/mud/clay
sticks to the sleek surface and it slips through earth/turf more easily.
Useful if you're gardening on heavy soil.

Janet.