Camp shovel... Cold Steel or E-tool

D

darkdomino

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Oct 23, 2011
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I'm looking for some advice on a good camp shovel. I've got my eyes on either the Cold Steel special forces shovel...or an official army issue E-tool.

I like the E-tool because it collapses and seems very sturdy and portable. It also seems a bit undersized...especially for digging tasks.

The cold steel shovel appeals to me because the blade can be used as a hatchet. The reviews I've read generally indicate that it's a very sturdy tool...and they've got it smashing cinderblocks on the Cold Steel website...

So what do you all think?
 
Well, after about 8 years using the CS shovel, I can tell you it is pretty sturdy.

I throw mine. So it is mostly a fun toy, and less tool. I keep one in my car, because it makes a handy "back up".

As a weapon, it really is pretty darned nasty!
 
The Chinese e tool is awesome if you can get one but they are big money...yet they do everything. They are the Swiss army of shovels. Surprisingly they can take a beating as well. I hate to support anything made from a communist country in a sweat shop but these are pretty nice!
 
I like the Cold Steel shovel.

The edge of mine was dulled years ago, but it has worked great for digging toilets and fire pits while camping, and for digging my car out of the snow a few times.
 
I prefer the CS shovel over the etool. IMHO, it's one of those best buy products which is pretty much regret-proof. Every truck/car should have one. Take care.
 
I have a WWII German version that I love. It folds up and has a case. I sharpened the edge up as well as the sides so I can chop with it if need be. They are built like a tank for a folder! I got them both at cheaperthandirt.
 
The CS shovel. Though, it could be better. I would like for the bottom to be covered with metal, so that you could cook on it over hot cools.
 
Second the German WW II folding shovel. Built like a tank, pick on one end. Dirt cheap. Good leather sheath. Often army surplus joints have them.
 
Got my CS Shovel and I love it. The shovel blade wasn't sharp at all though which is annoying but nothing I can't fix.
 
kailacumings does a great job reviewing this M48 shovel. The video was up loaded a couple of days ago.

[video=youtube;p0cczF_vMkk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0cczF_vMkk[/video]
 
Anyone ever see or try a Crovel ?

xcrovel-extreme-shovel.jpeg.pagespeed.ic.pvkUsjalxn.jpg


http://www.buzzfeed.com/chadwickmatlin/meet-the-entrepreneur-behind-the-apocalypses-must

[video=youtube;n6UTxh74_sg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6UTxh74_sg[/video]
 
Another M48 dark ops monstrosity with a plastic chunk nailed to a metal chunk, I think I'll pass.
 
I really get a lot of use out of my Cold Steel Spetznaz Shovel. It's a serviceable cutting tool, and pretty good at digging. It's not the best at any one task, but a well rounded tool IMHO. 1055 can get pretty sharp, and hold a good enough edge. Everything from digging fire pits, to getting wood for the fire, and it even does well at dispatching snakes. For the money, it's almost an impulse buy.
 
I have the M48 shovel. I admit I only got one because it looked like you could chop and throw with it. Its very well made, and does chop. The T handle works really good for digging, but I ground the two small subhilt things off. They got in the way. It would make a hell of a weapon if needed, but for camp use, it's kinda big. It does not fold down like some of the folding shovels.
 
CS, one of the toughest cheap tools I own that gets used a lot........fun to throw as well.

Every truck should have one behind the seat with a bowsaw.
 
http://papaswamp.blogspot.com.es/2011/12/reviewcrovel-extreme-vs-glock-e-tool-vs.html

There you go... That should help you get an idea of how three of the ítems mentioned in this thread compare! I hope it helps.

I must say I still don't understand the joy of carrying a multipurpose shovel like the ones mentioned here. At least in the trunk. If you forecast the need for a shovel, carry a suitable one. In Winter I carry two shovels. A gardener one (Steel made, fibrous handle) for hard packed snow or ice, should the need arise. And then a climbing Black Diamond shovel meant for not-so-hard snow made of aluminum. If I need to chop something, I carry an axe.

Mikel
 
Mikel_24 said:
http://papaswamp.blogspot.com.es/2011/12/reviewcrovel-extreme-vs-glock-e-tool-vs.html

I must say I still don't understand the joy of carrying a multipurpose shovel like the ones mentioned here. At least in the trunk. If you forecast the need for a shovel, carry a suitable one.
Mikel
Click to expand...

Something like the CS Shovel is for when you don't FORECAST the need. A compact, cheap, tough shovel that's there when you need it and out of the way when you don't. I've had vehicles stuck a few times and it was never forecast:D
 
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