Spetsnatz shovel has arrived

LEGION 12 · Dec 14, 2013

Got one coming gonna throw it in the car for snow emergencies and such. Like I do with my hawks I'll be sanding and finishing the handle myself cut off the extra on the spade end. And of course put a edge on it any other mods anyone's done?

Blue Sky · Dec 14, 2013

I pretty much re-do the handle finish, that's about it. Don't see much reason to do more. What are you cutting off, exactly?

RevDevil · Dec 16, 2013

I'd like to see some stock pics compared to some folders. Just as an idea of relative size.

LEGION 12 · Dec 16, 2013

Blue Sky said:
I pretty much re-do the handle finish, that's about it. Don't see much reason to do more. What are you cutting off, exactly?

Was going to cut off this part of the shaft

So its like this.

Blue Sky · Dec 16, 2013

Could be wrong, but I think that "extra" helps support the blade, thin as it is. I've used mine quite a bit digging mostly and a little chopping and never felt like that bit was in the way at all. After you've used it a while please let us know it's held up.

LEGION 12 · Dec 16, 2013

Thanks for the input gonna leave it as is and give it a workout. Definitely not a shovel expert but doesn't look like it belongs there seems like at least to me like it might get in the way. Will be using it for chopping ice mostly Rev I'll post some pics with some folders as soon as it gets here.

jdk1 · Dec 17, 2013

RevDevil said:
I'd like to see some stock pics compared to some folders. Just as an idea of relative size.

Hopefully someone can come up with a pic. I can say that my CS shovel is lighter and less "clumsy" than the GI folder I have. It's green with a canvas cover making me believe it's Korea/Vietnam/1970's issue maybe. It's a best buy in my book.

Rhinoknives1 · Dec 17, 2013

If you look around, you can find one of the WW!-WW2 era Soviet ones. they are even stronger and all they did is sharpen the edge to fight with those because many of the Russian soldiers had nothing else until they took it off the battlefield.

Do NOT cut off the shaft! You will weaken the haft. It distrbutes the load and increases strength.

ron finkbeiner jr · Dec 17, 2013

That a coldsteel? I am surprised that they didn't offer a polypropylene handle?

Blue Sky · Dec 17, 2013

ron finkbeiner jr said:
...I am surprised that they didn't offer a polypropylene handle?

You're not alone on that one.

RevDevil · Dec 17, 2013

LEGION 12 said:
Was going to cut off this part of the shaft So its like this.

Thanks for the pics. That looks like a handy size, yet can do some work as well. Looking forward to any extra comparison shots. I was always curious about the overall size and carry options, as in a get me home bag for the trunk.

jdk1 said:
Hopefully someone can come up with a pic. I can say that my CS shovel is lighter and less "clumsy" than the GI folder I have. It's green with a canvas cover making me believe it's Korea/Vietnam/1970's issue maybe. It's a best buy in my book.

I have one of those from the Korean War era. One tough shovel for sure, it's been through hell, literally.

LEGION 12 · Dec 23, 2013

Got it the other day edge is nice and sharp all the way around the only thing I'm gonna do with this is refinish the handle sand it down BLO and wax its way too slippery . A picture with a Para 2, BRK Gunny and my Wetterlings large hunters ax for size comparison .

RevDevil · Dec 24, 2013

Thanks Legion, that looks like a perfect size.

Bigfattyt · Dec 24, 2013

Here is a very old pic of mine (about 8+ years ago).

I keep it in my 4x4 (along with a square nosed shovel).

Throws and sticks very very well.

asmith001 · Feb 25, 2014

This was my solution to the slippery handle... It works very well, but I also have huge hands and long fingers. If the handle seems large for your hands, this might make it feel quite different.

Poleaxe · Feb 25, 2014

I need to grab one of these, I don't think I've seen anything but pure praise from buyers.

LEGION 12 · Feb 26, 2014

Poleaxe said:
I need to grab one of these, I don't think I've seen anything but pure praise from buyers.

Honestly, this shovel has saved my bacon more than once this Polar Vortex winter. From digging out my car to chopping out the ice in my wheel wells. Bought a full sized shovel also it has sat in my trunk unused since. Can't wait until it warms up to use it to actually dig some dirt.

gomipile · Feb 26, 2014

Roughing up the finish a bit with sandpaper and wrapping it in gauze hockey grip tape should help too, if one is in a hurry.

Poleaxe · Feb 27, 2014

I just ordered one yesterday with amazon prime baby! Should be here tommorow. I'll update this thread with my thoughts.

dogstar · Mar 1, 2014

I love SFS as well. I don't use it as much now, but when I used to do volunteer Park maintenance, the SFS did its job very well. I take it with me every time we go up into snow country.