December 17th I was at a condo in Vermont with friends. We decided to have a fire but lacked kindling. After a slow start I decided to march out to my car and get my Cold Steel shovel to see how it might split wood. With the caveat that the wood was reasonably well seasoned, I was impressed by how well the shovel split wood.

I know the shovels have been discussed by me and others here before so I thought I'd share a positive use experience.

R

They were just on sale at Cold Steel. Down to something like $25 apiece (that's a rough figure). They might still be on sale if you move quickly.

Pete2

I see them on eBay now and then for <$20 shipped.

There is one there now with free shipping on buy it now for $17.29. No takers yet.

This thread reminds me of a survival tool that was used in the show ( Man, woman and wild). The guy had something like a hatchet, but he used it as a small shovel, and even as a flat pan for baking something over fire.

Cold steel shovel may be able to do that too, but have you seen something a bit smaller and stronger ??

Have you seen Chinese Shovel video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzpRh-ZE9Mo

It digs, it chops, it dices, it slices .... it even makes julienne fries!! No, really, it does!

I'd be concerned about destroying the edge hardness/temper of a hatchet using it in a fire. A shovel would not concern me as much.

How about the Chinese military novel? Has anyone used one of these? I hear you can open beer bottles with them. That seems like a functionality I definitely want in my shovel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b60OZhrTB6o

BTW, the REAL reason I bought a Cold Steel shovel ... when I go camping, its perfect for managing charcoal for the dutch oven.

No plans to split wood with it.

Oh, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ha! Great minds.

I like Cold Steel just fine and rave about the 12" Kukri machete, but the shovel turned me off. I'm glad to hear about this positive experience.

I think I will buy a surplus US E-tool & case from CTD today.

Happy New Year!