Random notes:
- I wrapped the handle in hockey tape (sticky cloth tape) to get a better grip and reduce hand fatigue.
- For sharpening, just about anything will put a crude working edge on it, including Leatherman files or even a rough stone.
- It doesn't need to be razor sharp to chop effectively; I've gone to sharpening only one of the four edges, or the tip, based on the job I want to do next.
- It cuts heavy sod like butter.
- It cuts off weeds, grasses and shrubs very well at the base. But for cutting off seed heads or light branches, it's hard to get the high-speed snap of a machete. I guess it's the weight.
- You have to watch out for the double edge when you're chopping.
Absolutly !
You could see on the "picture with CS shovel" that most of your modifications was already made.
*It's nice also to have a different bevel on each sides (one for chop work, one for cutting) depend if you are a lefter or righter. Due to the curve of the shovel one side is better for heavy work.
*I agry with you for speed, but you could have a double hand grip.
*You could see also see on picture that some of these guys had a CS cordura holster + rope with a loop.
The CS shovel is like a russian WWII shovel who are like germans WWI shovel. Improvement is in using martensitic steel (SK5).
After WWII, most of western army adopted "trench tool" like US shovel of WWII....and kept them until now.
Didier.
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