looking for small shovel or e tool

The cold steel shovel is my favorite. Way more deadly, easier for a variety of throwing methods than a tomahawk. But it's not just for throwing....

I have used the cold steel shovel this entire summer landscaping, tree and bush removal, chopping,.... it does it all. Digging with it and removing sod will take away the edge after a while, so if you want one that is always razor sharp for throwing and chopping get another one. What's nice about bush removal is that you have an edge to chop the roots while you are digging, you don't have to get a utility ax or mattock to take care of them.:)

My shovel would be still working if I hadn't got carried away throwing it last week. I was sticking at 10 yards, I very good distance for me, and got carried away trying to stick it at 15 yards. This is why throwing is so bad for a tool, a lot of shock goes into the tool. Somehow a big crack developed in the handle after hitting handle first somehow, and now I have to replace it, because it's broke. :(

Nevertheless, the cold steel shovel is one solid piece of tool. :)
 
I have lots of experience with folding shovels. This is what I've found:
1) the U-Dig it is too small and will buckle if you're picking away at tough ground.
2) You want a shovel with a "D" handle, not a straight handle, due to wrist fatigue after long periods of digging.
3) the standard US Army-issue is a decent tool. I can get you one at a local army-navy. There are LOTS of look-alikes that suck. The blade locks at 90 degrees, so it can be used as a pick, or more likely, a scraper.
4) Gerber makes a shovel that I think is identical to the glock (I think both are actually manufactured by fiskars; using the same material as the Fiskar hatchet handle, which is super-strong). http://www.tadgear.com/edged tools/gerber_folding_spade.htm
I haven't used it, but I would trust them.
 
patriqq said:
I have lots of experience with folding shovels. This is what I've found:
1) the U-Dig it is too small and will buckle if you're picking away at tough ground.
2) You want a shovel with a "D" handle, not a straight handle, due to wrist fatigue after long periods of digging.
3) the standard US Army-issue is a decent tool. I can get you one at a local army-navy. There are LOTS of look-alikes that suck. The blade locks at 90 degrees, so it can be used as a pick, or more likely, a scraper.
4) Gerber makes a shovel that I think is identical to the glock (I think both are actually manufactured by fiskars; using the same material as the Fiskar hatchet handle, which is super-strong). http://www.tadgear.com/edged tools/gerber_folding_spade.htm
I haven't used it, but I would trust them.
Click to expand...

great info! exactly the review i needed. i was leaning toward the rei and digit. both are cheap and i was gonna try both out.

think ill end up with the glock/fiskars/gerber model, though.
 
the glock is not the same as the gerber. the glock does not have the D handle, but it does have a saw hidden inside the telescoping handle.
 
I have the Gerber and it's a great spade. Cabelas.com has it for 30 bucks.
It has a very strong positive locking system. It's built tough as you can get in a folding spade in my opinion. It's not the lightest thing to pack around but it works well and folds up small.
 
s.c. said:
the glock is not the same as the gerber. the glock does not have the D handle, but it does have a saw hidden inside the telescoping handle.
Click to expand...

You're right... I knew the glock had a saw; now that I think about, you couldn't get a saw into a D handle.

thanks
 
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