I have had this for a long time and decided that i can give an honest review now that I've used it as frequently as I have. I was skeptical about this shovel at first but decided to take a chance after reading numerous reviews and watching YouTube reviews. I'm glad I did because it is all that it is advertised to be. The edge is sharp enough to make fuzz sticks and tough enough to limb small trees and peel bark from them too. The edge retention is great and the shovel itself quite functional although it is a bit short. The handle length is not a huge issue though because if you really want a longer handle you can make one and easily install it by using just one screw. Added bonus? Yup...you can use the shovel head to make the handle if need be. The only fault is the dependency on that stupid screw which may be a challenge to remove if needed not to mention finding a replacement in the middle of the woods or at a campground. I recommend carrying a spare and am considering drilling the handle to allow a screw driver to be inserted into the end where the stress is at a minimum.
Back to functionality: My decision to write the review was clinched after a family camping trip that lasted for a week and required minimal woodcraft except the times I was teaching the grandkids. What did it for me after all the use I've had over the last year and a half was being able to show my granddaughter and grandsons how to make a bow and an arrow from scratch using only the shovel. My point to them was that one needn't have a work shop and a ton of supplies to take care of yourself in an emergency if you are resourceful. The bow was a success and shot the 18" arrow (with a one feather fletch and a fire hardened tip) a total of 145 feet. The bow was barely 3 feet long and
was a reflex/deflex profile because that was what the branch looked like, and had a 5 inch 'grip' area. The kids were skeptical to say the least and I would have been happy just to get a bow that didn't break. Grandpa had a point to prove and the heat was on. After an hour and a half of carving and tillering using only the shovel head I made my point to the kids. If I had to choose between this shovel and a machete, hatchet, or large knife I doubt if I could choose anything except the Cold Steel shovel. I just can't think of another tool that can make a bow and arrow as well as dig a fire hole, cut down a small tree and limb it, or entrench a shelter against the rain.
A final word for safety sake. This shovel comes very sharp and it is dangerous. I strongly recommend that a buyer purchase the cover for it unless you are handy enough to put together your own from kydex or heavy leather or even reinforced canvass. This thing can injure you if you are careless or just have an accident so please.....get the cover it is well worth it.
| Material | Blend |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Brand | Cold Steel |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 21 x 6 x 2 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.4 Pounds |
| Style | Spetsnaz Shovel |
| Handle Material | Wood |
| Blade Material | Carbon Steel |
| Handle Length | 16 Inches |
| Is Foldable | No |
| Grip Type | Ergonomic |
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 20.5 x 6 x 1 inches |
| Package Weight | 0.79 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 21 x 6 x 2 inches |
| Brand Name | Cold Steel |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Warranty Description | SEE MANUFACTURER |
| Model Name | Spetsnaz Shovel |
| Suggested Users | unisex-adult |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Cold Steel |
| Part Number | 92SF |
| Model Year | 2013 |
| Included Components | Cold Steel Spetsnaz Tactical Camp Shovel Tool for Camping, Survival and Outdoors, Special Forces Shovel |
| Size | One Size |
| Sport Type | Hunting, Tactical & Military |
| Hand Orientation | Ambidextrous |
