Posted: 6/11/2011 12:05:40 PM EDT
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I need to know the best brands are. Which brands are light, compact, but still strong and sturdy?
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Most folks would be much better served by something other than the USGI/West German, Glock, and/or Gerber shovels. Neither fish nor fowl, they are too small to work with unless you enjoy working on your knees, and are a fair amount of weight/bulk to carry around as compared to their utility. OK if digging fighting positions in combat, but that's about it. Any of these shovels will do their intended tasks, but do not ask too much of them. The WW II USGI folder is something of a collector's item nowadays. The similar USGI Viet-Era folder-with-pick is uncommon, and its uniquely-sized carrier even more so. More easily had, and equally stout is the West German iteration of the previous, but its leather carrier is not easily adapted to PALS webbing, and the special vinyl carrier is almost unobtainable. Both of these shovels are very stout, very useful, and also the heaviest of the bunch. The later USGI and nearly identical West German tri-folds are good kit if not previously abused. Glock and Gerber shovels are likewise very serviceable; each has its devotees. In passing, the tri-fold, the Glock, and the Gerber shovels will definitely fit into a USGI MOLLE e-tool carrier.
An important point about using most all of these collapsible/folding tools is to [bfrequently[/b] check and tighten the adjustment knob/collar, so the tool doesn't loosen up, and have it's somewhat fragile joints loosened/weakened by battering. I would be remiss in not mentioning that a good many other countries made milsurp shovels that might fit the bill. Also, there is the Cold Steel copy of a straight-handled Soviet shovel. Stout kit, but its scabbard is a disappointment. If you anticipate a good deal of digging, especially in compacted and/or rocky soil, it is highly useful to also carry a small pick. The addition of a pick will speed digging up a [b]great[/b] deal. What most people actually need is a good hand trowel, such as this:http://www.seatosummit.com/products/display/60. Light, compact, and gets the small, but vital everyday jobs done. Fiskars makes an even lighter black polycarbonate garden trowel, but I am suspicious of how it will endure cold temps, not to mention frozen and/or rocky soil. Might be fine for some folks, though. If you need a litle more digging power, consider this mid-sized tool, which fits perfectly into a USGI MOLLE 1-qt Canteen/Utility Pouch;http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-22-41578-Gorge-Folding-Shovel/dp/B000WZCSTO. This tool might be indicated if one anticipated frequently digging small fire-pits and trenching around tents. Just remember that you will have to lug your choice every step of the way, and ounces have a way of becoming pounds towards the end of the day. As with everything, define your needs logically and without emotion, and the right tool will quickly become evident. |
| Currently, I have one US surplus with the pick, a couple of the german ones that are similar, and a tri-fold. The US and German are heavier but much more useful. The tri-fold packs easier because it is lighter and smaller when folded. The US and German models are carried in each of my vehicles, and the tri-fold in my GHB. In other words, what you need depends on it's use. |
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Any input on the Cold Steel shovel? $25.95 with sheath. 26.6 ozs For my use it'll be for the BOV. Good for that?
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The Glock is what I take camping....it is about 1/2 (approx) weight of German......but if you feel you may really have to dig in nasty rocky dirt....I'd probably have to go with the German.
I use the Glock for fire management and privy duty....heh heh....duty... 
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Any input on the Cold Steel shovel? $25.95 with sheath. 26.6 ozs For my use it'll be for the BOV. Good for that?
I have one of of em. There a great little shovel. When digging it will bust through small layers of rock no problem. The handle is very strong. I keep it in the truck. For me, it is not very an ideal tool to tote in a ruck. The handle is to long for this, but for your vehicle it's a great shovel. I would also like to know about the Glock, SOG AND Gerber shovels. |
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Tag. It sounds funny but im seriouse they are handy for droppin a duece while in the woods too. this is so true, one cheek on I remember them days. HAHAHAHA! I remember a butterbar going out FORWARD of our position to take a dump. He didn't take anyone with him for security. He was in the middle of taking a dump and all you heard in that calm morning was "BANG," then "BeeeeeeeeeeeP" (miles gear) then a very loud and irritated "SON OF A BITCH!" I laughed so hard I almost pee'd myself. That's OK, most of us didn't like that butterbar anyway..... 
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Thanks for the info. This tool will be on camping duty mostly, so it isn't going to be working at construction sites. I realize it won't be as affective as afull size shovel, but how will the gerber and sog handle camping duties? Can't speak to the SOG, but the company has a very good overall rep. The Gerber will handle most any chore you throw at it, as long as you stay within its' limitations, which are much the same as any GI intrenching impliment. If you buy the Gerber, make sure it has the latest MOLLE-style carrier (IIRC, it looks like an ALICE plastic/vinyl olive drab case), and I suggest you pay extra for the latest version which has a fold-down pick impliment in addition to the shovel. |
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Chinese Swiss Army Shovel
Pretty cool, but the price they are getting for them in The States is stupid. |
| Have the Cold Steel shovel in all 3 vehicles along with BOB. Have two more at home, along w/two of the Glock tools. Did manage to break one of the Glock hinges, so it is the desgnated "saw" now. The Cold Steel stuff is stupid strong, and I even sharpened one of the edges to use as an improvised weapon, just for laughs. |
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1940 Swiss E-Tool. Worth the weight IMHO. I've done darn near everything with that shovel. Chop/split wood, pound, and dig. For what it does all in one package I can live with the weight and do. Is that the one with the squared off shovel head and fixed handle? It has maybe 6 rivits holding the handle to the metal head? If it is then I agree. It is a beast. |
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Tag. It sounds funny but im seriouse they are handy for droppin a duece while in the woods too. this is so true, one cheek on I remember them days. HAHAHAHA! I remember a butterbar going out FORWARD of our position to take a dump. He didn't take anyone with him for security. He was in the middle of taking a dump and all you heard in that calm morning was "BANG," then "BeeeeeeeeeeeP" (miles gear) then a very loud and irritated "SON OF A BITCH!" I laughed so hard I almost pee'd myself. That's OK, most of us didn't like that butterbar anyway..... Your lucky, the new Scout LT we had decided to just stick his posterior off the top of a M113 and dump off the side. Unfortunately he misjudged the distance needed and cr@pped down the side of the vehicle. The only good news was that it wasn't MY vehicle... |
 - it should be renamed the 'FMT' for Freeman Multipurpose Tool!
Croval's inventor's explains his invention - youtube video I like it, but looks very heavy... |
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- it should be renamed the 'FMT' for Freeman Multipurpose Tool!
Croval's inventor's explains his invention - youtube video I like it, but looks very heavy... looks extremely heavy for a BOB, solid though no doubt there and how long after starting to dig until the saw and axe blades go dull? my gerber hatchet is light, razor sharp, could use the side opposite the blade as a hammer, and won't get dulled from digging in the dirt as I'll be using a shovel for that |