The best shovel you can buy

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DrivebyTrucker

Joined
Nov 8, 2005
Messages
1,339
I know the Cold Steel shovel thread has gotten a lot fan. I personally just use a small Craftsman model but I'm not hardcore with it. It's really just for putting out camp fires and shoveling snow. I was wondering though what shovel that would be the absolute best for bush craft/survival. Not the "best for your money" I mean if it didn't matter if you paid $30 or $300. You just want the best. Predator tools seems nice, but they only have a five year warranty. Maybe there is a manufacturer I don't know about that produces a tougher, stronger shovel. Maybe busse combat put one out some time ago with Micarta grips I don't know.

Let's get the ball rolling (note: if you can come up with a great pun for this thread, I'll edit this post.....can you dig it?) :D
 
Simple. Predator Tools. The very best shovel. Period.

I've got a "Big Red" diamond point model on the way, and they were nice enough to modify it for me by adding serrations to one edge for cutting through roots. :cool::thumbup:
 
I have an East German surplus folding shovel & pick that's the toughest small shovel I've ever used.
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That's cool predator tools would mod it for you. I wonder if they would convex the edge on one side for chopping and the other side for sawing? Their warranty doesn't inspire confidence though. Just the number as I don't expect a lifetime warranty on anything even on knives. If they made it for 7 years instead of 5 some how that would convince me. Which if their models would you guys consider to be best for bushcraft/survival? The model 45?
 
For a folding model yes, that would be the one I'd grab. However, I'd go for the 88 Hercules myself. It'll avoid any joints to get banged up (which will ALWAYS happen with a folding shovel) and it's actually lighter! As far as the warranty goes, I'd say that if it doesn't break after 5 years of use under you it's not likely to in 6! When they say "normal digging use" they mean including jabbing with the point and levering stones. Metal detecting enthusiasts/relic hunters swear by these guys, and they're renowned for destroying multiple shovels a year. :p:thumbup:
 
I agree with Forty-two on the folders, they are bound to fail if you push them to their limits...and I tend to do that. I've gone through too many to try again. I'm on the hunt for a new short shovel myself and have been thinking about Cold Steels Special Forces shovel (based on the Spetsnaz design, but Beefier). But I'll be checking out 42's suggestion re: the 88 Hercules first.
Tell you what, if you buy the 88 and I buy the Cold Steel how about we come up with some criteria for a review?
 
I like the Glock folding shovel. I think it's used by NATO troops. An added bonus: there's a saw in the handle.
 
check out counciltool.com they have a folding shovel they sell to the forest service called the combi-tool.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Simple. Predator Tools. The very best shovel. Period.

I've got a "Big Red" diamond point model on the way, and they were nice enough to modify it for me by adding serrations to one edge for cutting through roots. :cool::thumbup:
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I agree about Predator. I am pretty hard core into metal detecting and know others that live for it. Predator is top shelf.:thumbup:
 
What about sheaths for a predator? I don't believe they make them. And if you sharpened up a side or two for some serious chopping, you'll want a sheath for it.
 
Something simple in canvas wouldn't be hard to whip up yourself. Some stout canvas, a stitching awl, and some pound-together rivets and you could make something pretty pro looking!
 
Predator tools seems nice, but they only have a five year warranty.
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Honestly, I am surprised there is a 5-year warranty. With hard use, any shovel will fail and I don't feel it is the fault of the manufacturer beyond a year. By then you should have tried it out.

I have power tools that don't last a year and I don't return them for warranty consideration. I often use them hard. I usually know within a few weeks if the tool is okay or will likely fail.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Something simple in canvas wouldn't be hard to whip up yourself. Some stout canvas, a stitching awl, and some pound-together rivets and you could make something pretty pro looking!
Click to expand...

Thanks FortyTwo. But you vastly overestimate my ability to make gear. :D I'd likely have to send it to someone to make some leather or kydex pants for me.

Speaking of pants..er..sheaths, I just found an axe yesterday in my truck. I don't even remember purchasing it. lol It was just there. A new Fiskars. But no sheath and I'm not sure it ever came with one. :D
 
Hey--it doesn't have to be pretty to be functional. Just take a drawstring bag and pull it over the head. :D
 
hy guys, nobody is interrested in snow/cold weather shovel. For me, in Quebec, I cary a cheap hardware store shovel in my car. Its made of preaty hard plastic and handle of aluminium . (i used it a few times to dig out a few cars.) Got it for 8$ on sale. usable as a winter backpack shovel.
I dont understand those who dont have such a great tool in snow country.

WH
 
I want the best. Not just something that will be good enough to get the job done. A shovel that may also be called upon to chop down a tree and dig through hard dirt without failing. I think I'm sold on predator tools but the lack of sheath sucks. Maybe I'll call and ask them some questions tomorrow. Their digging trowels look nice as well. Certainly nicer than a U-dig-it trowel.
 
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