West country round mouthed open socket shovel from bulldogs premier range it has its origin in specific areas where long ash shafts are preferred because of the extra leverage they generate the timber used for the handle and shaft has a very low moisture content to avoid shrinkage or splitting the open socket blade is hardened and tempered so it can be used for light digging as well as for moving loose materials such as shingle sand and gravel blade 290 x 265mm 1112 x 1012in handle 137cm 54in