Solid simple construction, these are very popular in Korea. This has become my number one short handle digging tool, it has a fine point, a wider corner, a wide flat side, a scraping edge, and a great handle angle. It replaced all of my typical spades and tine cultivators for planting, weeding, smoothing/pushing, small furrows, holes, mixing, even has enough curve for picking up mole traps and pail/basket handles(to avoid bending as much).
I ground mine to a bit sharper edge to help cut weed roots, but probably not necessary.
Several years ago when I got mine they were bare carbon steel and bare wood. If this is still the case be sure to oil the handle and the metal. Any oil or even soft wax will do in a pinch but linseed or tung oil work well as they soak in then become plastic-like after polymerizing for several days in the air. (A week in winter, 2 days in summer, or only a few hours in a 150f oven but it will make the house smell funky. Thin coats only.)
