Is there a good compact shovel out there?

Woodrow F Call

Woodrow F Call

Joined
Jan 3, 2013
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There are times where I could use a compact (possibly folding) shovel. I bought one that had some good reviews, but it lasted less than the first time I needed it. Anyone have some recomendations?
 
There is a thread out there by 42 blades that is called the shovel thread. It's pretty good.
 
For a trowel-sized rig I like the Zenbori Soil Knife. For larger, check out Predator Tools. Bully Tools has some good options as well. :)
 
The GI folding shovel is not a bad choice. I have one of those very small flat shovels that are sold in hardware stores that I use in cramped spaces but I wouldn't carry it in a backpack. It would be fine for car camping.
 
I migth catch some fire by saying this but I'd suggest the Special Forces shovel by Cold Steel. I have one; no complaints.
 
panzertroop said:
USGI folding shovel
Click to expand...

It was one piece of gear I couldn't smuggle out of the Corps and the first piece of surplus I bought after leaving. I consider it mandatory whenever I go out. I was issued and own the Gerber version. Eventually I'll get a coyote pouch for it. It makes a dandy field stool as well.
 
How compact? For doing what? For carrying in what? I don't know what kind of recommendations you expect when you give people nothing to go on.
I've got a "compact shovel" that's a folding trowel, and a "compact shovel" that's 3 feet long.
 
The Gerber Goerge is a nice piece. The only downfall is the size. Don't bother with the SOG.

For what it's worth -- back in the day--we dug a very nice hide position for our M1 Abrams with 3 e tools and 1 spade!!
 
Monofletch said:
The Gerber Goerge is a nice piece. The only downfall is the size. Don't bother with the SOG.

For what it's worth -- back in the day--we dug a very nice hide position for our M1 Abrams with 3 e tools and 1 spade!!
Click to expand...

And now for the rest of the story...... It only took 3 years to complete :D
 
USGI folding shovel
It was one piece of gear I couldn't smuggle out of the Corps and the first piece of surplus I bought after leaving. I consider it mandatory whenever I go out. I was issued and own the Gerber version. Eventually I'll get a coyote pouch for it. It makes a dandy field stool as well
Click to expand...
.

Another vote for this..fantastic piece of Kit, with proven reliability.
 
Bully Tools garden shovel is small and sturdy.

As soon as we get a thaw, I'm going to beat on it.
 
I love Bully Tools. :D

Seriously if you're ever in the market for a NICE full-sized shovel go for their "rice shovel" model and sharpen it up. Best dang general-use shovel on the planet as far as I'm concerned.
 
I don't think I need a folding trowel, they are pretty small as is. Looking for something the size of the USGI shovel that won't fall apart.

As far as the USGI one, are we talking the one with the triangle type handle? Like:

41QWwdQc6aL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
I love Bully Tools. :D

Seriously if you're ever in the market for a NICE full-sized shovel go for their "rice shovel" model and sharpen it up. Best dang general-use shovel on the planet as far as I'm concerned.
Click to expand...

Trunk shovel is nice as well...I'd like to see an OAL of 24"...I'd have to buy one.
 
Woodrow F Call said:
I don't think I need a folding trowel, they are pretty small as is. Looking for something the size of the USGI shovel that won't fall apart.

As far as the USGI one, are we talking the one with the triangle type handle? Like:

41QWwdQc6aL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
Click to expand...

Similar, but the Gerber version is a little more sturdy.

2012-02-06_14-03-13_498.jpg
 
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