Thanks so much! This is exactly the tool I remember. A co-worker who raved about it brought it to work years ago to show me when I was a new gardener, but then I was too poor to buy any but the most basic tools. I used to see it advertised on TV. I followed the links and saw several variations by different manufacturers: a straight-bladed one and one with a scalloped blade by Wolf-Garten. I wonder which design is better... I would think the straight because you could sharpen it easier. Could you tell me, which handle do you find yourself using most often? The long or the short?

Or could it be goosegrass? Check out Randy Lemmon's Gardenline website: http://www.randylemmon.com/lawns/gardenline-crabgrass.html

I don't know the real name but I have always called the sandburs. They are all over the high plains. The early plant looks like a heavy crabgrass. Do yourself a favor before you start cutting or pulling put a tarp or several layers of paper slid under the plant to contain the seeds. The seeds will come up for years unless you remove them. My best suggestion is to burn them on a very hot fire until completely gone. They will survive fire if not hot enough.

If you keep it, know that it seeds profusely. Then when you do decide to get rid of it, it has a large tuberous root which is difficult to dig out. If any piece remains, it will resprout! Further, this is now your garden. If you don't like some of the plants that are there, you can remove them at will.