Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel

Solid entrenching tool with a durable wooden handle, sharpened edges make digging and cutting roots easier. I haven’t managed to let mine rust, as I keep it clean and dry.

I was so happy with my purchase that I bought a second one. Despite its small size, the sharp end lets you dig even in hard ground with no problem.

For me, the entrenching tool is almost perfect. Simple design with no folding parts, the whole thing is compact, although the metal part is quite large. Very well sharpened, which most new entrenching tools lack. Attached to the handle with two screws – it looks a bit cheap, but it holds firmly and there's no play. You can use it as a small axe or machete (of course, with caution).

Looking at other reviews, I won’t say anything new: the entrenching tool is solid and durable, and seems stronger than folding models. It digs and cuts very well; you can use it instead of an axe for thinner branches. I didn’t notice a cover in the set – can be bought separately.

It is perfectly suitable for the car. Digs great, and if needed, can replace a small axe. Supposedly indestructible, but time will tell.

Very solid and durable Cold Steel shovel. It handles root cutting well when digging, I no longer need to use a machete. The workmanship is of a high standard. I recommend it to everyone.

Very sturdy equipment, not just for digging. Strong and solid. Brand well-known for quality, especially in terms of self-defence. I recommend having one in the car just in case.

Easily cuts through roots when digging, can be used for chopping, and in case of need, will work as a defensive tool at camp (although I'd rather avoid that, because it’s a dangerous piece of equipment). After heavy rain or long downpours, you can easily dig out around the tent or tarps. With a Cold Steel entrenching tool, all you need is a folding saw, there’s no need for a large knife for batoning – a small one for cutting and whittling is enough, such a set lets you do a lot while camping. Everyone chooses their own tools: some prefer a small axe, others an entrenching tool – the latter seems safer because it has less inertia when being used. Both have similar functions, but they also differ, because each can handle different tasks. If you don’t want to take both tools (and usually you don’t), you have to choose. My entrenching tool arrived with very sharp side edges (I even scratched myself a bit), the front ones were a bit less sharp. A few strokes with a portable sharpener solved the issue, you can also sharpen it later with a knife sharpener, and then it becomes really sharp. Getting a dedicated, well-fitting sheath is a must. Shipping was very fast, as always from Militaria.pl.

The shovel works great (tested today). The handle doesn’t seem very hard and solid, so I'm not sure if it's suitable for throwing, but I could be wrong. I’m surprised by some reviews saying it’s sharp and suitable for cutting – mine was so blunt that I could press my hand and slide it over the entire blade without any risk of cutting myself. It's easy to sharpen with a file, and then a cover becomes necessary, as there’s no problem in cutting your backpack. After sharpening, it’s a really nice shovel for the price. I recommend it.

Cold Steel Special Forces is the best shovel I've ever held in my hands. Sturdy, well-fitted, made from thick, good steel – I think it is very durable. If you are looking for a solid entrenching tool for regular use, this is a bull’s eye!

The shovel is very solidly made, bought at an attractive price. It is handy, strong and well sharpened. The quality-to-price ratio is excellent. I am satisfied with the purchase and recommend it to others. I also bought a sheath.

A compact and comfortable entrenching tool, very durable, ideal for Jeep trips in difficult terrain. Solid, well balanced, and with a classic look – it handled roots, firewood, and also digging out of mud, snow, or rubble.

The entrenching tool is solid and has the right weight. The edges are well sharpened and even deal with roots. I also used it for throwing and nothing happens to it. Worth recommending.

Very nice entrenching tool, solidly made and looks elegant.

Nice shovel inspired by World War II models. Fulfils its purpose, though it is quite heavy, which may be an advantage for some.