It doesn't necessarily follow that Glock's entrenching tool is the best folding shovel on the market, just because the word "Glock" is virtually synonymous with "Quality."

http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0049072512357a.shtml

Has anyone ever tried using the Glock entrenching tool out in the field ? I'm not sure that I can trust the locking pivot mechanism. The shovel would be rendered useless in the event that the locking mechanism ever breaks or if it fails to operate properly.

I've been looking around for a good, versatile & lightweight entrenching tool, one that I can add to my BOB, but it dawned on me that it would be a good idea to confer with you guys about it before I go out and make the purchase. LW.

The more hinged attachments, the weaker the tool is going to be and the more likely it will fail in the future, probably at the worst moment.

The old style of military entrenching tool is best. IE: US Army entrenching tool from WWII and the German (Wehrmacht) Army shovel: both have a single pivot point that positively locks in 2 positions; some of the US Army models and all of the German Army models have picks attached as well.

I don't personally trust the new design of entrenching tools that have multiple pivot points.

That's my 2 cents worth,,,,

The Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel is pretty good for the price. No hinges.

I haven't used the Glock but I have used the Gerber Gorge shovel which is very similar in size and style. I find it very rugged but heavy. It's a uni-tasker that I usually leave home unless I have direct plans to do some digging.

My East German Army entrenching tool is heavy but useful enough that I prefer to take it with me.

One thing that always amazed me was all the training the Army gives you about how to dig a hole.

Fire a few bullets a even the dumbest person and they will dig all the way to China with no training.


I have a US Army one (mid 1970s) and it works well and is tough, it will outlast me. I keep it in the back of my van.

"...US Army entrenching tool from WWII..."


Yup. I have one of those wooden handled folders that I got when I was about 10. Still going strong (altho not as pretty as it was brand new)...

I was given a Glock folding entrenching tool by Glock when they were first made, 15 years +.

Solid long lasting quality. Light and reliable. The joint has never given any problems. Easy to clean, easy to dismantle, the saw has a screwdriver on the end for the locking screw. (you did know that there is a root saw hidden in the handle didn't you)

I have both the Gerber folding shovel and the Cold Steel shovel. I worry about the Gerber's hinge mechanism. The Cold Steel shovel is absolutely bullet proof! I mostly use it for managing dutch oven coals and post-fire ashes - not the toughest digging, but not a place for plastics.

I've got the Glock and I've also got the Gerber/Fiskars NATO one. I think the Glock's lock is less solid, although I haven't had any problems -- yet. The shovel is still fairly new. The Gerber/Fiskars NATO shovel is more solid and the locking mechanism is way more solid, but it's too heavy for me to take on all but short hikes. I keep it in the trunk, though, as a just in case.

The lock on the Glock is basically just a knob that you tighten and the friction keeps the spade in place. I don't see it breaking per se, although I suppose you could strip it. It of course could loosen up on ya, perhaps precipitating an injury, but I just check mine every so often, and so far haven't had a problem.

For those of you who don't know Gerber makes 2 shovels. The NATO style with 2 hinges and the loop handle and the Gorge which is smaller and has one hinge and a telescopic handle.

I've used my Gorge for working with fire pits and cat holes more than anything else...there just isn't much other use for a shovel in the bush that I've found.

Yeah, that's pretty much right; not too much use for a shovel in the back country if on foot. Potty trowel is all I usually take. Like having shovel in the trunk when driving on dirt roads or in snowy conditions.

I bought my Glock shovel 'cause I wanted to do trail maintenance. The Forest Service hereabouts pretty much has abandoned regular trail maintenance. It's pretty much left up to the locals to keep the trails alive. I bought the Glock so I could easily hike it in to spots needing some work.

The only other thing I can see the Glock shovel being used for in the back country is for campsite leveling. A lot of the time, tent sites lose their levelness due to erosion. Nice sometimes to just level it out.

Along those lines, if you want to do some trail maint, have a fun camping weekend, meet new people, and have great FREE food, check out the High Sierra Volunteer Trailcrew . A friend of mine started this outfit years ago, and it just keeps growing and growing and growing...

I wonder if there is anything like that in Canada/Alberta. Every time I walk down a trail that could use some work I'm scared do anything for fear of having a bunch of Leave No Trace ninjas jump out nowhere.

I'm all for leaving things natural but when you get a dirty look for moving a rock so nobody trips on it, it makes you a little paranoid.

Actually, that shovel could be pretty handy with the LNT ninjas...

Stop! Or the root gets it!

iPood

They sell these at Campers Village here in Edmonton. I almost collapsed laughing out loud at the name when I figured out what it was for.

anyone tried the Gelert Mini Folding Pick and Shovel?

I have a couple old military collapsing tri-fold shovels....but after I smashed a finger once, I wanted something less adjustable too...and bought the Cold Steel one. Which seems bullet proof and plenty durable.
Someday I'll have one in every car all the time...neatly stored away ..just in case.
Have always thought the military surplas collapsing type stuff would be more durable than the commercial versions .. but have not actually layed my hands on every type of commercial shovel available ...but some are flimsy...which is how I just defaulted to getting the Cold Steel one.
One my stash of stuff gets too big though I start looking again for ways to shrink the size and weight.
Maybe one day someone will make a folding titanium shovel !!

I believe they are for "scat holes"..yes yes?

Hacksaw, the Waskahegan Trail needs guys like you!

Here's the link: http://www.waskahegantrail.ca/

I am very fond of the Saunders Lake, Coal Lake and Gwynne sections of this trail. Highly recommended!

Holy crap. How did I never know about this before!?!

Thanks!

Ah, that's the power of the interweb, my friend. Hope you like the trail. :-)

Back to the original topic: has anyone used one of these Lee Valley folding shovels?

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=2&p=46638&cat=2,44813,45713&ap=1