Russian Army Trench Shovel

[Aristotle]

Having seen these shovels pop up in various articles and videos, I bought one. It is a well-used Russian army example, rather than a new Cold Steel one.

The handle was removed, coated with raw linseed oil (along with the head) a couple of times and left it a week to cure. The handle was re-fitted, shimmed a little to get a tight fit and using new, longer, wood screws.

The edge was tidied up with a flap wheel and file.

It may come in useful!

 

[matarius777]

Having seen these shovels pop up in various articles and videos, I bought one. It is a well-used Russian army example, rather than a new Cold Steel one.

The handle was removed, coated with raw linseed oil (along with the head) a couple of times and left it a week to cure. The handle was re-fitted, shimmed a little to get a tight fit and using new, longer, wood screws.

The edge was tidied up with a flap wheel and file.

It may come in useful!

They are a great little shovel, so sturdy. I use mine in the garden. I did file an edge on one side, but regret it a bit now, as it’s not really up to much. I might try to get a new one. I do like how yours looks without the black paint on, I thought you’d charred the handle to get it dark like that, but on reading, it sounds like it’s just from hard use? I got mine brand new from a Russian site, a few years ago when you could still buy from Russia. I also got a pair of the most crappily made Russian army Jack boots imaginable. They are atrocious!

 

[Aristotle]

Yes, the handle is just well used. I have not given it any artificial weathering. I did give it a bit of a clean before coating it with linseed oil. It was a bit loose and would rotate a little, so I shimmed it with pieces of aluminium from a beer can.

I considered painting the metalwork, but then decided just to give it a light rub-down and coating with linseed oil.

 

[matarius777]

Yes, the handle is just well used. I have not given it any artificial weathering. I did give it a bit of a clean before coating it with linseed oil. It was a bit loose and would rotate a little, so I shimmed it with pieces of aluminium from a beer can.

I considered painting the metalwork, but then decided just to give it a light rub-down and coating with linseed oil.

I think it looks really good, as if it was actually there at the siege of Stalingrad. I might give mine a similar treatment when I get a chance.