Looking for a shovel..

V

VolundoftheForge

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Jan 3, 2012
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Well, since the shovel thread is here, this is where I shall post. xD so, I'd like a small shovel I can strap to a pack that will dig, chop, all that good stuff. Basically I'm looking at the Cold Steel shovel but if there are any others to consider I'd like to know about them. I've looked at folding e-tools but they mostly look like junk.

Edit: Not sure if I made it clear, but I'd prefer something small and compact, also preferably light.
 
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I've thought about requesting a Relic Pro from Predator Tools with a shortened handle for such a role. It would be compact and effective, but not light. The CS is probably the best combination available at the moment.
 
For a small working shovel you will be hard pressed to find better than the CS for the money. I love mine and have gifted 4 to my brothers and friends for a truck shovel. Have used mine landscaping, post hole digging as well as camping.

fun to throw too.
 
I am a big fan of the old west german army shovel. They can be ordered online, but I prefer to inspect them for handle cracks and excessive rust. That thing is a tank.
Plus there is that interesting Chinese military shovel: WJQ-308. Is the swiss army knife of shovels!
 
If you really want a small shovel, though, have you thought about just a stout trowel? Bully Tools makes one, as does Predator, and the Zenbori soil knife is a great option as well.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
If you really want a small shovel, though, have you thought about just a stout trowel? Bully Tools makes one, as does Predator, and the Zenbori soil knife is a great option as well.
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Well I was looking for more the whole e-tool design. All in one tool, hatchet, shovel, knife, shield, pick, toothbrush, comb, etc. ;)
 
Well if you're looking for one of the folding affairs (I don't like folding parts on a digging tool) then I've heard good things about the Glock one. :)
 
West German army shovel is a rugged tool, comes with a pick. Heavy, tho'. Mine lives in the SUV.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
If you really want a small shovel, though, have you thought about just a stout trowel? .....the Zenbori soil knife is a great option as well.
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You know, I've been thinking about getting one of those to keep in my day pack. I do a lot of day hikes and a bit of foraging - a very good survival skill. So often I've wished I had some little shovel in my day pack for digging edible roots. One of those hori hori style shovel-knives might be just the ticket.
 
VolundoftheForge said:
Well I was looking for more the whole e-tool design. All in one tool, hatchet, shovel, knife, shield, pick, toothbrush, comb, etc. ;)
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The problem with that is after the first time you use it as a shovel then it is totally useless as a knife or hatchet because the blade is duller than piss. (Can I say that on this forum? Apologies if not.)

Get a tool built for what it is designed for. If you need another tool then get another tool. You'll come out ahead in the end.
 
The Glock e-tool is a good piece of equipment. I've had one for five years and been really happy with it. Aerostich (a motorcycle clothing company) has them in stock at reasonable prices. Light, tough, good steel, and a passible saw if you don't really need to saw anything.
 
Square_peg said:
The problem with that is after the first time you use it as a shovel then it is totally useless as a knife or hatchet because the blade is duller than piss. (Can I say that on this forum? Apologies if not.)

Get a tool built for what it is designed for. If you need another tool then get another tool. You'll come out ahead in the end.
Click to expand...

My thoughts as well. A good digging tool is versatile enough WITHOUT adding a bunch of unrelated features to it, and doing so can impede its function for the tasks you were carrying a digging tool for in the first place.
 
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