Given the degree of roots out here in Calfiornia, a number of archaeologists 
modify their Marshalltown trowels by grinding notches in the shoulder (the 
part near the handle) to a sharp edge, so they can slice through roots. As a 
young archaeologywog, I carved notches in the handle for each new and exciting 
project...got too pockmarked after a while.

Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.