Also known as a flat nose shovel and a spade A flat shovel, often known as a spade, is a shovel with a flat cutting edge. These are less efficient in digging but have more scooping and moving strength. They also cut straighter edges in sod or other surface materials. The term "flat nose" indicates that there is no curvature to the blade; it is completely straight. Flat-nosed spades were widely used for turning over soil before planting because they did not break up hardpan (the solid layer of compacted organic matter under soil) like curved-tine spades do today. The word "spade" comes from the French word espée, which means sword. This refers to the cutting edge of the tool which resembles the edge of a sword. Before the introduction of steel into general use, tools were made out of hard materials such as wood or bone. As technology has improved, so has the design of spades. Modern spades usually have a plastic or metal shaft with a rubber or leather grip attached. There are two main types of spades: curved-tine spades and flat-nose spades. Curved-tine spades have a curved tip and come in various shapes including triangular, round, and square. They are used for turning over soil before planting because they break up hardpan.