I dig seng with the same thing I dig arrowheads with(a masons hammer) and well about a hundred different other uses, I'd be lost without one. I keep the end sharpened to cut through roots. I had to buy a new one this year. Lost my estwing but these cheaper ones do just as well and about 10 bucks or so cheaper than an estwing. I also dig other roots with it to depending on what type of soil. I use it when I'm digging cohosh in rocky ground otherwise I use a regular size pointed shovel. I like a smaller 2 21/2 ft shovel for seal, but I break out the hammer whenever I'm in brushy spots or when there are logs down over patches etc hard to reach conditions. I carry it in my backpack. I usually only carry a shovel in when I know I'm not walking all day and will be digging patches all day. Otherwise just take the hammer so I can use my walking stick/bear killer
