I continue to be pleased with my CS shovel. It's held up very well over a summer of digging and chopping. It certainly stands up to a fair bit of (ab)use -- I didn't baby it one bit, though I didn't set out to destroy it either. Based on this, I bought two more, one for each car.

As an all-in-one tool, it's a compromise. It doesn't dig as efficiently as a spade, or chop as well as an axe. But it gets the job done. So it's like a Leatherman -- not as effective as individual tools, but darned handy to have with you.

It's also a lot of fun to use. Or maybe that's just me.

Random notes:
- I wrapped the handle in hockey tape (sticky cloth tape) to get a better grip and reduce hand fatigue.
- For sharpening, just about anything will put a crude working edge on it, including Leatherman files or even a rough stone.
- It doesn't need to be razor sharp to chop effectively; I've gone to sharpening only one of the four edges, or the tip, based on the job I want to do next.
- It cuts heavy sod like butter.
- It cuts off weeds, grasses and shrubs very well at the base. But for cutting off seed heads or light branches, it's hard to get the high-speed snap of a machete. I guess it's the weight.
- You have to watch out for the double edge when you're chopping.
- I need to make an old-time-gunfighter-style leg holster so it's handy to carry in the yard.

Cheers,
Doug