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.