How To Forge a shovel.

[I JUST NEED HELP]

I need help. I want to make a spetsnaz shovel and don’t have a swage block and I don’t want to spend a lot on one. Any alternate to this? I wanna make something similar to Alec Steele’s shovel. Help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Salem Straub]

Lack of a swage block won't be the main difficulty you encounter in forging that shovel. The block can be substituted by the step on an anvil, a piece of angle iron held in a post vise, or almost anything.
I'd suggest trying to forge a shovel of that style, starting with sheet metal or plate rather than large round stock, as I'm assuming you don't have a power hammer.
Really what I'd suggest is starting by making easier things and working your way up...
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[Lieblad]

If a spetnaz shovel is like a regular shovel. (not something what simply uses ”shovel” in its name)Its handy to create radius of its socket or collar but you dont need a swageblock. You can do fine just with a mandrel(and anvil, duh...) And if you are really good, can get by without if you are not welding its collar closed or instead making a strap riveted shovel.

Btw, just looked up Spetsnaz shovel.
Lucky you, tiny thing like that. Virtually no curved neck and very minimal lift to deal with, will be easy to make.
Also, just looked up a video what Mr. Steele made. (Had to turn off its dammed anoying audio) What he made is not a shovel. Its very broad blade socketed spear.
Have fun...