The Cold Steel Shovel

I

IA Woodsman

Joined
Sep 21, 2009
Messages
534
I have owned this tool for a very long time. I am sure a few of you who have camped with me have seen this little shovel. For the money I think it is a great addition to you kit.

Most of the time I use it as is. It can be used in different configurations and for different tasks.

[video=youtube;jq8MtSbSq8w]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq8MtSbSq8w[/video]

[video=youtube;knexRajLn90]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knexRajLn90&feature=related[/video]

For mods I put 2 holes in it, wrapped the handle in 550 sheath, drilled a hole in the handle, and sharpened one side.

Shovelmods.jpg


You can remove the short handle and improvise a long one. Much more efficient digger.

Shovellonghandle.jpg


If you find the right branch you can make a pick/scraper. This works well for collecting debris for a shelter.

Shovelscraper.jpg


Shovelhoe.jpg


With the 2 holes drilled in the blade and a long handle snow can be piled quicker

Shovelwith550.jpg


If you get it sharp enough if will work for ok as a chopper and for smaller work like making shavings.

Shovelandshavings.jpg
 
Another inexpensive tool from Cold Steel that offers versatility and value. Thanks for the new ideas on using this little guy. I also like how innocuous it appears to non-knife enthusiasts.
 
I feel comfortable carrying mine when it may be needed in a s.d. situation and they're fun to throw and stick in stuff too!--KV
 
love the CS shovel, and the European mil surp models I also have (both spade & flat point models)
 
I have one, but other than using it to mix a few wheelbarrows of concrete, I haven't dinked with it. Gotta wait for this heat to come down now to even get in the shop, but you've given me some good ideas.
 
My brother has one and I'm very impressed with it I've watched him hack down several trees with it and also use it during arrowhead hunts IMO it would make a nice addition to someones offroad vehicle or BOB all in all it's a very nice piece of kit for the money.
 
The only complaint I have against the CS shovel is that the 'steps' are bent the wrong way for using it as an actual shovel. Dirt would stay on it better if they were bent forward instead of backward. So, as an improvised defensive tool and a fair chopper, it's ok. As a shovel? Meh.
 
VA27 said:
The only complaint I have against the CS shovel is that the 'steps' are bent the wrong way for using it as an actual shovel. Dirt would stay on it better if they were bent forward instead of backward. So, as an improvised defensive tool and a fair chopper, it's ok. As a shovel? Meh.
Click to expand...

That's what I've always thought...if those 'steps' were bent the other way it would make more sense. I will say that CS's shovel is 10x than the 'ol USGI folding shovel!

Great vid IA! I think I have 4-5 of these shovels and really like what they offer. As a weapon, they are very under-rated to the ignorant. I've chopped small trees down with mine. I've also used it as a paddle in our smaller kayak:D

ROCK6
 
Thanks for the vids!
Now I have one more thing to add to my "Must Have" list.

Looks like a good addition to my vehicle survival kits.
 
ROCK6 said:
As a weapon, they are very under-rated to the ignorant. ROCK6
Click to expand...

LOL, never really think of my tools (and particularly) shovels as weapons. But maybe that is because I am a paci-palm (fist has no place in the word :D :D :D).....Really, I am not a pacipalm

IA has done it again with an excellent video series. It would be pretty cool if ColdSteel actually incorporated his mods into their line-up. I rarely take a shovel with me, but I do like having a trowel.

Winter is different though. Terry, what is your take on plastic snow shovels versus an e-tool like the cold steel shovel. Does the versatility ofa steel blade like this trump the lighter weight, larger surface area afforded by a packable plastic snow shovel for the winter. (Friggin windows turned my keyboard into international language and I canèt put question marks on the post. And YES I have been drinking!).....
 
kgd said:
LOL, never really think of my tools (and particularly) shovels as weapons. But maybe that is because I am a paci-palm (fist has no place in the word :D :D :D).....Really, I am not a pacipalm

IA has done it again with an excellent video series. It would be pretty cool if ColdSteel actually incorporated his mods into their line-up. I rarely take a shovel with me, but I do like having a trowel.

Winter is different though. Terry, what is your take on plastic snow shovels versus an e-tool like the cold steel shovel. Does the versatility ofa steel blade like this trump the lighter weight, larger surface area afforded by a packable plastic snow shovel for the winter. (Friggin windows turned my keyboard into international language and I canèt put question marks on the post. And YES I have been drinking!).....
Click to expand...

To be honest Ken, if I am winter camping it is nice to have both. The snow shovel is the best choice for piling snow, but a smaller shovel is easier to use when digging out a quinzee or cave. If you have had a fire at a static camp for a few days it sure is nice to have a good digging tool to be sure all of the dirt is cold to the touch.
 
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