[Larkshall]

i agree with aunt sal we used to just use coarse wet sand because when we had real winters i used to cook bacon and eggs on my shovel this used to be cleaned 1st with sand

Was it a Pan shovel?      

[philskin]

i agree with aunt sal we used to just use coarse wet sand because when we had real winters i used to cook bacon and eggs on my shovel this used to be cleaned 1st with sand

Was it a Pan shovel?      

                     no it was a leaning shovel lol

[Varnish5000]

I'd use an angle grinder with a wire wheel attachment.
(Lazy man option).
Then coat it in WD40. The WD bit means Water Dispersant, and will prevent rusting.

[Larkshall]

For those who don't know: A Pan shovel is one that is stamped out of steel sheet and the socket wrapped around. They are normally all you need in the garden and you can get one for around a fiver.