Folding shovels

Brad Greulich · Aug 13, 2006

Hello,
I just purchesed a new folding shovel but have no previous experinces with them and wondering how well they worked in general, held up to abuse and normal use. So any stories -good or bad would be cool.
The one i got is 12" folded and about 2 1/2 feet open and folds at the top of the spade and the base of the handle. the brand is world famous.
thanks

mete · Aug 14, 2006

I have a WWII army one that's still in great shape and seen lots of use .Also a Glock in my truck. While not a full size shovel they do have their uses .

ahgar · Aug 15, 2006

i've had a couple over the years and they both did pretty good. a few years ago i got a shovel from cold steel {groan} and it is great. no hinge to break it is a small fixed straight handle shovel. for the price you can't beat it. later, ahgar

phatch · Aug 15, 2006

Get a solid non-folding one. Much better tool. Every folding shovel I've tried failed in the first use. Most hardware stores now carry mini shovels for $5.00 or less that will outwork any folding shovel.

Phil

orthogonal1 · Aug 15, 2006

I have a Glock version.

I've cut down a couple of trees (small 6-8 inch dia), dug a bit (full size grave 8X8X4 (why? who knows), and used it in a garden.

Seems okay, but won't hold a shaving edge very long in use.

fruitbat · Aug 16, 2006

I recently got a Gerber folding shovel. So far, so good. It says it's the one approved by NATO (as if that means much).

Shann · Aug 16, 2006

I got an old Army Surplus folding one for like 12 bucks. Its really heavy and i haven't used it much. It just sits patiently behind the seat of my truck, in case I need it.

shecky · Aug 17, 2006

I have a German Army surplus folding shovel/pick that's quite stout. The folding mechanism is a lateral sliding button at the hinge, much nicer than the screw type mechanisms that seem common with folders. I've seen them in the $10-$20 range.

I also have a Cold Steel non folding shovel that pretty decent. It's lighter than my German model and still pretty small despite not being foldable. The edges actually came pretty sharp, and it'll do slicing/chopping/self defense work pretty well.