Expediton shovels - axes - bow saws - what kind?

[Desertdude]

Just wanted to post that I found one of swedish carving axes while I was in Moab ( at Gearheads outdoor store). It is a real fine tool and the axe book that comes with is very informative - thanks for that link!

Still looking for the killer shovel

 

[vanguard]

I've been thinking of getting this one. I don't know how it will hold up but I have a very high opinion of lee valley.

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=2&p=44171&cat=2,42706,40721

 

[AndrewP]

Here is a saw that I carry-it's a little more compact and works great:

http://www.svensaw.com/

I think REI carries it.

 

[Desertdude]

Thanks for both those links - Gearheads outdoor store in Moab had both- I should have listened to my instincts and bought one -


Still looking for the right shovel and mount - I wanted to get the Kamar type shovel mount but have not located a vendore

 

[calamaridog]

I've been meaning to buy one of these Glock entrenching tools and give it a try:

http://www.glock.com/e-tool.htm

I've seen them on ebay for around $50.

 

[robert]

I keep an old US folding shovel- the kind with the wooden handle not that tri-fold POS- in the truck at all times. When I'm going wheeling or camping I also carry a D handle shovel. I also carry one of the boy's axes (sometimes also called a camp ax)- shorter and lighter than a regular ax and a compact bowsaw. When working in the swamps I'd also carry a machette or bankblade.

 

[maineman]

What's a "bankblade"?

 

[SAR_Squid79]

I am thinking of getting this Land Rover Expedition Shovel. The shovel I carry around now is a piece of crap.

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/products/​

 

[DaveInDenver]

I am thinking of getting this Land Rover Expedition Shovel.

You're kidding, right? That thing is $60!
https://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/product.php?productid=19030&cat=0&page=1

I carry a Union 43516, round nose 28" long #2 digging shovel. It's a D-handle instead of a T, but it cost about $25 and I got it from my local Ace. They also make a cheaper 43106, which has similar dimensions but the blade a lighter duty. Also the Union tool I bought was US-made with a nice ash handle, if that's important.

View attachment 12254

 

[ntsqd]

I've been meaning to buy one of these Glock entrenching tools and give it a try:

http://www.glock.com/e-tool.htm

I've seen them on ebay for around $50.

Granted, this post is over a year old, but: http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PartNumber=GLOCK-ET17170 Pricing may get better than that, that was the first search return.

I have one of the GLOCK shovels. Paid $45 for it wholesale over 10 years ago. I carried it in the dune buggy when it was my primary off road vehicle. The included saw (inside the telescoping part of the handle) happens to also work well on fiberglas and didn't noticeably dull from that use.
For a small shovel it's my first recommendation.

 

[SAR_Squid79]

You're kidding, right? That thing is $60!

Yes.

...but I am looking for a new - higher quality - shovel.

 

[ckkone]

Yes.

...but I am looking for a new - higher quality - shovel.

Take a look at this thread:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8173&highlight=shovel

It's dhackney approved so it must be good!

 

[ckkone]

Granted, this post is over a year old, but: http://www.gtdist.com/ProductDetail.aspx?PartNumber=GLOCK-ET17170 Pricing may get better than that, that was the first search return.

Cool shovel, here is a better price $35.97

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/GLOCK107-56148-1403.html

 

[SAR_Squid79]

I'm not too keen on folding shovels. I've seen too many bend/break/warp.

 

[ntsqd]

I'm not too keen on folding shovels. I've seen too many bend/break/warp.

Ordinarily I'd agree with you, but the GLOCK deserves looking at. I would not put it in the same catagory as the old GI entrenching tool design.

It still is a short shovel, with those limitations. Depending on use/need it may or may not be appropriate. For those cases where a folder is appropriate I rank it as the best I've ever seen.

Something I've never seen noted is that one side of it is made with a false edge. It could be used as a dull machete or sharpened.