[chrisjsmith]

A friend sent me this today.  Very interesting tool: http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/m-DmaTXvgl8

Seems to do everything.  Can't seem to source one anywhere though.

It's in Chinese by the looks but you will get the idea.

[Manlea1]

Im sure the british army has something similar,try a army surplus store 

[Slowgrind]

Oh Man ! My life would be complete if I could get my hands on one of those!!!

[8doubles]

You can get them from army surplus, search for `entrenching tool'.

[smud6ie]

The folding shovels are also good, i have a couple and keep one on my tractor the other is handy to have around and is good when i go out with my metal detector..
I have not paid more than a few quid for one at a CB sale but if you do buy one make sure its ex military,
 bear in mind that you have to be kneeling when using one.
http://www.google.co.uk/products?hl=en&q=army+folding+shovel+spade&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=7c3aS63UOpD40wSa6qGCBg&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=image&resnum=3&ved=0CB8QzAMwAg

[Carrotcake]

The tool looked a bit like hard work to me.

Could make use of one or more of those energetic soldiers for a day though. I bet I'd have my polytunnel cover on by now if they were around 

[8doubles]

Those tools will not work as well on the plot,

People firing stuff at you is a huge incentive to dig fast.

To be honest the entrenching tools are not that useful for the grower, i tried them out  when i did a bit of ferreting.

[Trillium]

Looks like you need to be very energetic to use one