Aye Up,
It's interesting how often this subject of entrenching tools/shovels comes up on the site. I think that I have replied to threads on at least a couple of previous occasions. I'll come to the 'spetznaz' shovel shortly.
Some are not quite sure where a 'shovel' fits into bush-crafting, I suppose it depends on how deep (pun intended!) you take your bush-crafting activities.
I
can see uses and always have some kind of shovel with me as part of my field tool set.
In two different careers digging-in was a fundamental part of my job, you could say that I used to dig for England
so I've used most types of shovel on the market (and some not). I'm all for versatility, multi function and improvisation however, -
First up, you can't beat
the correct tool for the job -
If you want to dig - use a shovel;
If you want to cut/chop - use an axe/knife/saw etc.
Fair enough, knocking in the odd peg now and again shouldn't hurt but if you start to regularly use a shovel like an axe, sooner or later it's only going to end one way - damaged folding/locking mechanism; loose/sheared rivets; broken shafts and handles.
Mousey - I've seen more 'entrenching' tools damaged and broken (dozens!) through 'normal' poor-digging technique, never mind misuse as an axe/hammer etc.(And that goes for cheap Far East clones of military hardware right through to those made by pistol and knife makers).
The quickest way was usually where someone thought that they could
prize roots out crowbar stylee!
There is definitely value in having a sharp
leading edge to a shovel, you can cut the ground more accurately, for instance when spit-locking, as well as driving it through
light roots as you go. (IF that is necessary AND you have permission to do so). For anything larger diameter than your thumb - use a bahco saw or similar.
Entrenching tools mostly have straight shafts with no 'T' or 'Y' handle at the end as they are only intended for light/quick excavation - try digging at length with one and discomfort will follow! If you ever see footage of the British Army (especially infantry) keep an eye open for
full sized shovels strapped to their loads and that is despite having been issued with the older mattock set or the more recent folding shovels.
The 'spetznaz' shovel
should be a cheap, relatively lightweight, simple, no frills light earth mover. It is short so fairly easily carried in/on a ruck. It has no locking mech to jam and if you do break the shaft you could easily fashion a new one 'in the field' (or later buy a commercial one and cut it down).
If you use it frequently and protracted-ly to
dig (especially in hard ground) as opposed to shallow scrape and scoop, you may find the shaft securing screw works loose (on some) and eventually the shaft at the point where it enters the metal socket wears. Used correctly though I would say that it can be a useful bush-craft tool.
As for
throwing a shovel..................!
