But you never get a garden spade that snaps in the middle of you building your sandcastle or digging a huge hole. I had that many time with beach spades. Function over form. Besides a nice new shiny garden spade can look nice too.
I like your thinking, Jack - a diplomatic solution. But this is an issue for your heart not your head! All these logical, reasoned arguments - where's your passion, people? We're talking SPADES!