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Posted: 7/16/2022 10:16:19 AM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Cold Steel is the only one, unless you find a real Russian surplus. I have Cold Steel, but bought one that is supposed to be titanium. It's shit. Stick with Cold Steel. It's tough as nuts. Yeah plus once the Russians realized there was a market for them they started cranking out piss poor repros marked like the originals with the pine trees and 1984r or whatever. Nowadays you can still find those poor repros sold out of Belarus wheras originals are still available from Bulgaria. Neither is worth the trouble vs a Cold Steel. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 11:02:30 AM EDT
[#2]
Don't know how good the shovels are.... but I've ordered from these guys a couple of times and they've been good-to-go.
Russian Army Ratnik LPM 6E5 Russian Army MPL-50 *edited* Just realized they were both sold out. Don't know if they'll resupply or not with the whole Russia - Ukraine war going on. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 11:36:56 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: USGI folding e tools break more easily than my cold steel shovel. I’ve used the cold steel to chop, dig and pry and iit is still in one piece. I seem to remember a US Marine called “E tool”. He used a nonfolding e tool in close combat. I don’t think the cold steel,shovel is impractical. A chandelier or bidet would be impractical. MajGen Smith backstory |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 12:15:11 PM EDT
[#4]
I've had a variety of e-tools over the years and the Cold Steel (CS) one is the best. I had a Spets shovel but the handle snapped off when I was using it to pry rocks out of the ground. Seems ALL of them will snap right at the collar if you use them to pry rocks out of the ground.
 Except the CS, the wood is exceptionally thick and so far it's held up well. I also got the longer "trench shovel". Just a heads up, the e-tool sheath does NOT fit the trench blade!!! I'm using that around the property and it's every bit as tough as the e-tool and the longer length makes it very handy!The US tri-fold is crap. I twisted the handle right off mine and I've seen a thousand others over the years do the same thing. That bolt joint is just not that strong. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 3:09:41 PM EDT
[#5]
Like others have said, before you try anything else, for under $20 plus shipping you can get the cold steel shovel. Great item for the price, no frills, tough, and utilitarian. They have a larger version as well. I have that too, and it makes a good garden tool, about 10% bigger than their original spetsnaz shovel and a longer handle. It's still an entrenching tool, not a full size shovel, but it works.
The smaller original shovel handles better as a hatchet type defensive tool, because it is small, light, and indestructible. In that role it would be devastating, WW1 soldiers in trench warfare learned that their entrenching tools were ideal close quarters weapons when they could not reload their 4 foot long rifles. Don't bother with any of the gimmicks, the folders, or the titanium ones. A cold steel shovel will get the job done, and you can get one for every vehicle you have and one for the yard. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 3:50:51 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted: A comment in the Cold Steel Gunstock Club thread got me thinking. I believe it was SirenSong who said something like “every man needs an impractical melee weapon”, and I cannot find any fault in his logic. I began to realize that while I have many practical melee/edged weapons, I don’t yet have any impractical melee weapons, and I’ve decided it’s time to fix that. The impractical melee weapon I’ve chosen is the tactical shovel/spade: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTXy4zyBZC7tRkf8tyBn93CljjFDPqKFOxGCQ&usqp=CAU https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPL-50 So, which one should I get? Should I go the classical Spetsnaz simple wood and steel version like the Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel, or should I get a modern tacticool all-black version with folding handle, serrated edges, compass, and stress ball? Who makes good ones, and which ones should I avoid? I would prefer to have one that stays on the shorter end to make sure it’s as impractical as possible for use as anything other than a melee weapon, and to keep it compact while sitting on the shelf. Pics with links would be helpful and appreciated! I have a couple of Russian ones I picked up years ago, they seem to hold up well throwing them. I don’t get out digging much with them though.  
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Posted: 7/16/2022 4:01:35 PM EDT
[#7]
I've had the Cold Steel version since they became available - it's gotten me out of a jam or two.
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Posted: 7/16/2022 4:08:00 PM EDT
[#8]
I do believe a consensus has formed. I’ll order up a CS spade here in a bit
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Posted: 7/16/2022 4:52:21 PM EDT
[#9]
ordered the cold steel shorter shovel.
thanks.... 
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Posted: 7/16/2022 4:58:35 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I do believe a consensus has formed. I'll order up a CS spade here in a bit they're fun to throw and make damn fine gifts for the females in your life. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:02:09 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: get a couple. they're fun to throw and make damn fine gifts for the females in your life. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I do believe a consensus has formed. I'll order up a CS spade here in a bit they're fun to throw and make damn fine gifts for the females in your life. I’d need females in my life first |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:06:46 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'd need females in my life first
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:09:49 PM EDT
[#13]
Real thing has a better handle, cold steel has a better shovel head
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:10:07 PM EDT
[#14]
 Firestarting with Shovel | ON Three |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:11:33 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Real thing has a better handle, cold steel has a better shovel head 
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:20:34 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: i no longer have access to a lathe but i've always wanted to turn down a cold steel bat into an indestructible handle for the spetznaz shovel. Damn, that would be something to see! |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:22:32 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Real thing has a better handle, cold steel has a better shovel head Better than the CS handle? Mine broke, the CS hasn't. Yet. Maybe mine was old and dried out or something but it didn't seem any better than any of the other WarPac e-tools I had. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:25:41 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posteempos_Peligrosos: Damn, that would be something to see! 
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:27:00 PM EDT
[#19]
This french ice hammer would be a great melee weapon.
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:42:37 PM EDT
[#20]
I need to work on my somersaults before I purchase a tac shovel...
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:48:31 PM EDT
[#21]
Got a Marbels Fireman Shovel ages ago. Used it for everything from cathole trowel to hatchet and it hasn't been bad.
It has some quirks that will kill you if you aren't careful though. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 5:55:35 PM EDT
[#22]
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Posted: 7/16/2022 6:04:45 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Better than the CS handle? Mine broke, the CS hasn't. Yet. Maybe mine was old and dried out or something but it didn't seem any better than any of the other WarPac e-tools I had. The cold steel handle has a more slippery grip. I've beat on mine some, but not much |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 6:07:06 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: WW1/WW2 German flat spade e-tool. ETA: the Swiss and Romanian versions are similar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5395fbd3e4b003747ed3b60a/1622327645698-H2OFM5BQKU1BXSFT3F06/Screen+Shot+2021-05-27+at+1.42.10+PM.png?format=1500w https://www.ima-usa.com/products/german-wwii-square-head-entrenching-tool-schanzzeug Another suggestion: Commercial aircraft cockpit/crash axe I have post-war East German one like the far right and it is a beast - mostly use it while camping to split wood into kindling. Wouldn't want to carry it everywhere but since getting it I understand how these shovels became poplular hand-to-hand weapons. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 6:19:18 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This french ice hammer would be a great melee weapon. https://www.keepshooting.com/media/catalog/product/cache/f7b906d53d787e3daacd095a2c7fcc0e/f/r/french-alpine-troop-ice-climbing-hammer.jpg The Kray twins ( London gangsters ) were known to dual wield carpenters claw hammers. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 6:51:08 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This french ice hammer would be a great melee weapon. https://www.keepshooting.com/media/catalog/product/cache/f7b906d53d787e3daacd095a2c7fcc0e/f/r/french-alpine-troop-ice-climbing-hammer.jpg That is far too practical for my current desires |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 6:51:42 PM EDT
[#27]
Bought several of the Cold steel ones, they sharpen easily.
Keep one in my truck, you can use it to dig a hole and then stick it in the ground to hold the toilet paper for you. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 7:07:18 PM EDT
[#28]
Are the handles interchangeable between the 2 Cold Steel models?
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Posted: 7/16/2022 7:17:04 PM EDT
[#29]
Holding toilet paper on the handle of the CS is exactly what I do with mine.
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Posted: 7/16/2022 7:24:47 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I like the GERBER E-Tool. https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/activity/serve/serve-collection/e-tool-05942 Those are garbage, during the March to Baghdad about half of them issued to my battery broke digging survivability positions. |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 9:52:33 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Those are garbage, during the March to Baghdad about half of them issued to my battery broke digging survivability positions. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I like the GERBER E-Tool. https://www.gerbergear.com/en-us/activity/serve/serve-collection/e-tool-05942 Those are garbage, during the March to Baghdad about half of them issued to my battery broke digging survivability positions. This is good to know. It seems to me a lot of Gerber’s modern products tend to be of lackluster quality |
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Posted: 7/16/2022 10:09:05 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I do believe a consensus has formed. I’ll order up a CS spade here in a bit Haha, indeed! I have the Cold Steel and it’s a solid shovel. I take Russian Systema and it’s been a while but my sensei showed us how to use the shovel properly as a weapon. |
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Posted: 7/17/2022 12:47:23 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Haha, indeed! I have the Cold Steel and it’s a solid shovel. I take Russian Systema and it’s been a while but my sensei showed us how to use the shovel properly as a weapon. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I do believe a consensus has formed. I’ll order up a CS spade here in a bit Haha, indeed! I have the Cold Steel and it’s a solid shovel. I take Russian Systema and it’s been a while but my sensei showed us how to use the shovel properly as a weapon. I’d love to see teaching on how to properly utilize it as a weapon. I figure it’s probably not unlike an axe or tomahawk |
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Posted: 7/17/2022 8:31:28 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'd love to see teaching on how to properly utilize it as a weapon. I figure it's probably not unlike an axe or tomahawk  blood diamond shovel scene |
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Posted: 7/17/2022 9:23:35 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Are the handles interchangeable between the 2 Cold Steel models? Yes, the handle dimensions are identical (except in length). @brachiosaur |
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Posted: 7/17/2022 9:25:43 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryLOL except he did it all wrong using the flat of the blade. Edge on would have been a much shorter ass whuppin'! |
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Posted: 7/17/2022 9:45:59 AM EDT
[#37]
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Posted: 7/17/2022 10:30:44 AM EDT
[#38]
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Posted: 7/17/2022 4:59:42 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yes, the handle dimensions are identical (except in length). @brachiosaur Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Are the handles interchangeable between the 2 Cold Steel models? Yes, the handle dimensions are identical (except in length). @brachiosaur Thank you! |
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Posted: 7/17/2022 5:06:59 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I'd love to see teaching on how to properly utilize it as a weapon. I figure it's probably not unlike an axe or tomahawk  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yH9k646okTg*Taking notes* Is the feral screaming proper form, or…? |
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Posted: 7/17/2022 5:37:01 PM EDT
[#41]
Wait, I thought we hated post-Lynn Thompson Cold Steel?
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Posted: 7/17/2022 5:54:37 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Wait, I thought we hated post-Lynn Thompson Cold Steel? There is no post-Lynn Thompson. There is only pre-LT history, and the world as it is after He graced us with His mustachioed Cherubic presence |
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Posted: 7/17/2022 6:50:16 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: *Taking notes* Is the feral screaming proper form, or ?  |
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Posted: 7/17/2022 7:13:22 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryETA: Upon closer inspection of the details, I see this has a very short handle. Carry on, I was thinking it was the longer version than just fits neatly in a car's trunk. |
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Posted: 7/18/2022 12:45:18 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: *Taking notes* Is the feral screaming proper form, or ? Well if Amos says it it’s gospel. Man knows his feral screaming and beatings |
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Posted: 7/18/2022 12:58:39 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Wait, I thought we hated post-Lynn Thompson Cold Steel? Depends on where their shit’s made and what value it provides. Lynn at least tried to get good quality manufacturing at decent price tiers. |
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Posted: 7/18/2022 1:00:35 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryMeh I've snapped the handles on those. They’re relegated to dogshit scoopers now. |
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Posted: 7/18/2022 11:16:51 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Well if Amos says it it's gospel. Man knows his feral screaming and beatings |
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Posted: 7/18/2022 7:09:28 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: WWABD? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Well if Amos says it it's gospel. Man knows his feral screaming and beatings Where can I buy the shirt/bracelet/bumper sticker/poster for that phrase? |
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Posted: 7/18/2022 7:13:45 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Where can I buy the shirt/bracelet/bumper sticker/poster for that phrase? but when you find it let me know. |
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