I want to add a compact shovel to my 72+ hour kit, and I was looking at the Military Issue trifold shovel and the Cold Steel Spetsnaz shovel. Has anyone used these? I like the "compactness" of the trifold shovel, but have read that it is more flimsy than convenient. I've heard nothing but praise for the Cold Steel shovel, despite that fact that it takes up more room. Your opinions are greatly appreciated!<br><br>John McIntire

I have both in regular use, although I've logged a lot more hours with the issue tri-fold.<br><br>I've never broken a tri-fold. I have seen them broken. I have put some very hard use on them. The issue ones are a good tool. However - they are not a pick, and they are not maul (wood splitter).<br><br>The Cold Steel shovel is really tough. It can chop and split (use a file to put edges on it). It is not as "good" as the tri-fold at normal digging tasks, but it's servicable. The main difference is the handle shape (simple vs D handle), but there is one other more subtle difference: The tri-fold cups a load of loose soil better than the CS shovel. Regardless, I recommend them as a tough, servicable, useful tool at a real bargain (see BlueLine).<br><br>If you can also afford the tri-fold... get one and put them both to likely tasks. Pick the "winner" and toss the other in your vehicle.<br><br>Hope that helps.<br><br>Tom<br><br>

I don't have one, but I have a friend who swears by the Spetnaz version.<br><br>I do have an issue tri-fold, and it's held up pretty well for a long time... however, part of the problem is that there have been some convincing imitations made, and apparently there have even been military contractor "overruns" where the quality control is not up to snuff. It can be very hard to be SURE what you're getting.<br><br>I also have two of the Gerber/Fiskars version of the tri-fold that I picked up on sale, and I find that I prefer them over the military version. They appear to be thinner, tougher steel, a hair longer and noticeably lighter. They do not, however, fit in the molded plastic/rubber cases made for the military version.<br>

<< part of the problem is that there have been some convincing imitations made, and apparently there have even been military contractor "overruns" where the quality control is not up to snuff. It can be very hard to be SURE what you're getting >><br><br>On the nail head. I purchase mine through the Army system so there is no question - that's obviously not an option for everyone. The real McCoy is not cheap, which is one warning flag...

Precisley but i was lucky and i new mine was ex army as it was still covered in mud!!!!!!!!lol

I should have mentioned that there's a good shovel review on this site, though it only covers the Gerber/Fiskars and the Glock (which I haven't seen for awhile), not the Cold Steel or the miltary tri-fold:<br><br>http://www.equipped.org/devices25.htm<br><br>

While in the Marines I used my issued tri-fold alot. In the Gulf it seems like I dug a hundred foxholes and fighting positions. We filled what seems like a billion sandbags too. I still have it and keep it in my truck. I've used it on camping trips and to help dig out a stuck car once. Heavy, but like many military issue items, grunt proof and quite hard to break.

<br>The Cold Steel shovel is very nice, and can be sharpened nicely and used as an ax/hatchet. The Tri-Fold would be my choice if space were the primary concern. For my vehicle I chose the Cold Steel.<br>