Root Slayer 22311 Nomad Garden Spade, Serrated Edge, Red

The Root Slayer 22311 Nomad Garden Spade is a compact digging tool engineered to tackle dense ground and stubborn roots in tight quarters. Designed specifically for gardeners working in raised beds, small garden plots, or crowded landscaping areas, this spade combines sharp cutting teeth with a reduced frame. It provides a practical solution for digging holes, cutting through thick root networks, removing deep weeds, and handling outdoor chores like trail work or camping.

At the heart of the tool is a powder-coated carbon steel blade built for strength and corrosion resistance. The blade features aggressive ripsaw-style serrated teeth along its edges and a sharp inverted V-shaped cutting tip at the bottom. This structure allows the spade to drive directly into hard soil and sever root systems that would stop a standard rounded shovel blade. The carbon steel construction ensures the cutting edge stays resilient during heavy garden bed maintenance.

User control and comfort are managed through a durable fiberglass shaft equipped with non-latex grips. The grips offer steady traction and hand support while pushing down into dense ground or twisting to clear weeds. Sized at approximately 70 percent of the original Root Slayer shovel, the Nomad frame allows quick maneuvering in tight spaces between delicate plants without damaging surrounding vegetation.

The primary trade-off comes directly from its scaled-down design. Measuring roughly 70 percent the size of the full-sized shovel, this spade has a smaller blade footprint that moves less loose dirt per scoop. While this smaller size excels at precision cutting and tight-space maneuvering, gardeners looking to dig large excavation trenches or shift bulk soil quickly will need to take more bites than they would with a full-size spade.

Verdict: The Root Slayer 22311 Nomad Garden Spade is a top recommendation for gardeners, landscapers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need high-cutting power in compact work areas. Its combination of serrated root-cutting edges, carbon steel strength, and compact maneuverability makes short work of tough planting tasks.

• Blade Material: Powder-coated carbon steel
• Shaft Material: Fiberglass
• Grip Material: Non-latex
• Blade Features: Serrated ripsaw teeth with inverted V cutting tip
• Size Scale: Approximately 70% the size of original Root Slayer shovel
• Color: Red

A great fit if you:

• Work in raised beds, small garden plots, or narrow planting areas where standard shovels are too bulky.
• Need to cut through tough roots, dense soil, and stubborn weeds while planting or landscaping.
• Want a compact spade for portable outdoor uses like camping or trail maintenance.

Consider something else if you:

• Need a full-sized shovel for moving large volumes of loose dirt quickly.
• Prefer traditional rounded or flat shovel blades without sharp serrated edges.

What makes the blade design effective against roots?
The blade features aggressive ripsaw-style serrated teeth along the edges and a sharpened inverted V-shaped tip. This combination allows it to cut through roots, dense ground, and compact soil easily during digging and planting.

How does the size of the Nomad compare to standard shovels?
The Nomad garden spade is approximately 70 percent the size of the original Root Slayer shovel. This smaller footprint makes it much easier to maneuver in raised garden beds, small plots, and narrow planting spots.

What materials are used in the spade construction?
The spade is built with a powder-coated carbon steel blade that resists corrosion and maintains cutting strength. It also features a fiberglass shaft with non-latex grips for comfortable control while working.

What tasks can this spade handle?
It is a multi-purpose tool suitable for digging holes, removing stubborn weeds, cutting roots, planting flowers, and maintaining garden beds. It can also be used for outdoor projects like camping and trail work.