Multifunctional folding spade?!

A must see (and must buy?)… The “Chinese Military Shovel WJQ-308” looks like the most useful thing you could carry in your dig kit nowadays.  Awesome for digging holes and trenches, cutting down trees, you name it… AND it folds.  The tool looks amazing, and the video is indescribable.  I’m not sure if it’s because archaeologists just enjoy watching people dig, especially those with truly amazing skill, or if it’s the Indiana Jones-esque background music that makes you just want to get out and start using this thing, but I, for one, was bright-eyed and bushy tailed.  Let me know if you find a deal somewhere.  Right now, eBay seems the place to go.

Thanks DH for sharing this on Facebook!

The Ingalls Handpick

We love tools that are specifically designed and built for archaeology (see earlier post). This handpick is no exception. Designed by archaeologist Larry Ingalls (not to be confused with Laura Ingalls), of Ingalls Archaeological Supply, this pick comes in four different sizes, depending on the amount of dirt you need to move, and is made of lightweight alloy steel. The most important thing? It’s easier on your arm, shoulder and back… so you can dig all day long.  Get yours here.

Safe Digging Month! (a.k.a. Buy a New Trowel)

The Alberta Damage Prevention Council proclaims April as Safe Digging Month!  Who knew?  This really refers to not hitting buried facilities, but we are gonna roll with this…  Archaeology is not a dangerous practice at all.  Our greatest risks include driving and getting dust in our eyes, perhaps wildlife (ooh, scary cows).  Alright, and back pain (which I regularly have).  Some folks might have wrist injuries and knuckle drag, but that may be because you still have some things to learn… like get a proper trowel!

I have found that North American archaeologists generally love the Marshalltown, which I find has great flexibility and is generally sharper (because it has a thinner blade).  However, I am the #1 fan of the WHS, which you cannot purchase anywhere in North America (if you know somewhere, please let me know).  I challenge any archaeologist to try a WHS and not love it.  It’s specifically designed for archaeologists, by archaeologists.  (This photo was taken by Jonathan Bateman, and is part of a write-up on the WHS Trowel by the University of Sheffield.  It’s aptly titled, ‘Give me WHS or give me death!‘)

If you want to order the WHS trowel online, three great places are the Past Horizons Tool Shop, ArchTools, and Archaeology Tools, but if you live in North America, you will pay hefty shipping fees.  If anyone wants to participate in a bulk order to save on shipping, let me know!