5

I had used their smaller-blade version without the rake on the back and liked it, so when I saw this one with heavier head and rake I knew it was just what I needed to remove thatch rooted in soil and gravel - very tough ground to chop. I chopped in edge-wise; hit a lot of stones, but it kept its edge long enough to do the job, though now it does need sharpening. Found myself using the chopper - rather than flipping over to the rake - even to pull the chunks loose. It also doubles as a half-macleod in trail work. Supposedly comes in several handle lengths, but only the mfr sold the shorter lengths, which might actually be easier on your back. Watch out for sellers asking more than $20 shipping due to "oversize charges" - others charge as little as $12 to ship it across the US via the same carrier that supposedly charges "oversize".