I should also mention that the Mil Spec shovel is attatched to the handle with pins that are visible. The West German shovel uses pins, but they are welded over and ground down to where you can barely see them.
My father used that old one, I had the Z-Folding entrenching tool in the plastic attachment. The folding out Pickax was sure helpful in rocky terrain on the old one with the wooden handle. The cheap ones of the Z-folding spade come loose at the link between the blade and the handle. The handle is aluminum, I think, the blade is steel. The folding one can be used to sit on and as a pan to fry stuff ;-)
I was thinking that pick would help with rocks and such. I think your soil and your circumstances should decide what shovel to use. Rocky soil? Go with the heavy duty West German shovel for sure. Thank you so much!
My favorite was the US Army wooden handle with a pick and shovel came in a canvas and leather pouch with Alice clips. Had on issued for twenty years until a supply SSG got me and made me switch to trifold and plastic case. If you had to fight with one it was the winner. Have fun stay safe.
They don't make them like they used to. I would live to have a T handle GI shovel or one like you described. Also.... frick'n supply SGTs... ain't that always the way?!?!?!
This is an amazing country we live in when I get up on a Friday morning after thanksgiving and watch one of my favorite RUclips channels geek out on military E- tools. Absolutely love it!! I bought my W German E-tool at Army/Navy store in north Georgia about 30 years ago, they had a large tub stuffed with them for about $20 with the sheath. Once again it’s nice to see I’m not the only one enjoying the military collection bug! Cheers
Cheers to you and thanks for being here. This shovel was another gift from my oldest brother. He has 2 of everything. I've been working on a project of something I know neither he or anybody else in the world has as a thank you gift for him.... stay tuned.
Here in Florida we have alot of surplus stores , infect a new one just opened up , I believe its called liberty surplus in Okeechobee, Florida I believe that is the name but anyway great video love your channel. Keep it up, buddy. You’re doing great.👍😂🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍
Thank you. Around here in Northwestern Illlinois, it used to be that any town with more than 10,000 people had a military surplus store. Now, there a there are only 2 in this quarter of the state. Florida is doing it right! Thank you
I thought for sure that when you dug up your treasure you were going to slice it up and cook it on that shovel face. Lol I too have an E tool/shovel addiction. I have a WW1/WW2 T-handled shovel, M1943 shovel, M1951 shovel, 1986 Ames tri-fold shovel, A cold steel Spetsnaz shovel, Oh, and a couple of original WW II German shovels. And no, I'm not bragging, I've just been collecting for 45 plus years. Things were a lot cheaper then. And this was an in-depth explanation of all three of your shoves. Thanks.
I would live to have a G.I. issue T handle. I am jealous of your collection. My hat is off to you Sir. Thank you for watching & commenting. Fron somebody who has been collecting for 45 years, that means a lot.
@OliveDrabAlliance I found all of my stuff at garage sales, mostly out in the country. I haven't been to any in about 2 years though, but I'm going to start hitting them again this springtime. And I tell you what, if I come across another t-handle shovel, I'll get in touch with you, get your address and I'll send it to you, no charge. 👍
Enjoyable Video, my Veteran Grandpa always carried the Trifold E tool and a Bowsaw behind the seat of his Pickup. I bought a 1964 German E Tool close to 25 years ago. If I'm not packing too far, I'll choose the German everytime. Also makes a frying pan in a pinch. 🔥
I really Dig this video.👍That West German version. I found 1 brand new in a modern camping shop back in late 90s when saw it and the price i had to buy it. £5. I still have it. I used to keep it in the car or van for winter. I will have to get it out again. Also i came across a National Volks Army. East German version. Twist screw type. With grey H.Duty carrier. The blade is black with a deep serrated edge. Also a wall hanging key hole on the blade.Maybe iam wrong. Anyhow good subject. Just shows you what shovel collectors are going around. As I've got loads of original E.tools.👍.
That is awesome, and 5 bucks is a great price! I will probably keep this in the truck this winter. 20 degrees F here today, so it won't be long now. Thank you
@OliveDrabAllian .Perhaps i was lucky. But i had a good eye for quality surplus.My boss was looking for a romantic Christmas card for his girlfriend. BUT I SPOTTED THE E TOOL IN THE NEXT SHOP. He was amazed how i purchased a old E. Tool for £5.
I could definitely see using that pick for rocks or roots. My favorite full size tool for digging is a pick are, so I can definitely see this being very useful. Thank you & I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
An excellent choice. A lot of people poo-poo military surplus gear & some of it is trash, but a LOT of it is top shelf and a similar quality item would cost triple if it wasn't surplus. Thanks for watching
I have that wonderful old German shovel and it works better than any other folding shovel! I found mine at a military surplus store for about $20.00 😊I’ve dug fire 🔥 holes 🕳️ , trenches around my tent ⛺️ and camp, even moved coals in the fire when camp cooking. I’ve also dug out my car in the snow and mud with it. That hinge needs greased sometimes but like anything, it’ll work if you maintain it! 😃
Hello! What an awesome Video. I Like all three shovels: I used the foldable nato style one eight years Long when i was in the Bundeswehr. I own the cold Steel one and i Like it also. I gave it new paint Job and so on. And i have the Bundeswehr one that you have also!!! Same Brand, but from 1964. The little man with shovel is from the Manufakturer: Ideal. Just Google Ideal spaten. A compamy from 1899, its still active! I also own a Big spade from 1965 from that Brand (from my wifes gandparents) and its still strong 💪🏼 The Number on your bw shovel and on the leather sheat are nato Stock Numbers. I Always have Mine in my Car Trunk. Thanks for the overview. Best regards from Germany, GR 🤘🏼
That is awesome and me and everyone reading your comment are happy to hear from you. There really isn't much information available to us in the U.S. about this shovel. I am going to look up Ideal Spaten and check them out. Hello Illinois, just a few miles from the Mississippi River and very near the birthplace of Ronald Reagan.
I have the German model, with the edge sharpened. It rides in the stowage compartment of my Mule. Great design, never had much use for the pick though.
Thank you. I learned from the comments that the little symbol of a guy holding a shovel is the symbol for a company called Ideal Spaten. They are still making shovels to this day. Thanks for watching.
That logo on the West German E-tool is for the company IDEALSPATEN. They still make shovels in Germany. Very pricey ones. Their Panzer Field Shovel (basically a non-folding version of that e-tool) sells for $130.
I learned that from here in the comments. I had to check out Ideal Spaten. It was cool to see their logo is the same as on this shovel. Very pricey, but I bet they make high quality stuff. Thanks
I had one of those West German Shovels , I believe it was Hansen , and the transition between shovel head/pick and handle was cast iron that's why it was so heavy and the leather cover is also heavy duty . Too heavy for the backpack or ruck , but real solid choice for a vehicle or other conveyance . I no longer have it , but thanks to your video I am tempted to re-acquire one .
This shovel would be perfect for the overland 4x4 crowd, or van lifers. I could see carrying it in a group or squad, where not everyone. Needs to hump a shovel, but just 1 or 2 for the group. Thank you
I have got one, it is a heavy duty piece of kit, as for anything made in China, I give it a miss, I have had several Chinese garden shovels break on me, either the haft, or the weld, I dunno what they make their steel out of, some kind of aluminium I think :)
I haven't met a Chinese tri fokd shovel that has survived digging even one hole... they suck and are a total waste of money. The Cold Steel is made in China and is very sturdy. I should really really abuse it and see what happens Thanks for watching
Happy Thanksgiving brother. I think I'd have a hard time picking just 1. My father served in the Army and has his old shovel which is real similar to the old Germany one you showed. The handle on his doesn't have the bubble on the end, and his uses the threaded collar to lock similar to the tri fold one. Have an awesome weekend brother.
The German army has a trifold entrenching tool. That would be my favorite. The West German tool featured in ther video would be a second. I used it when serving in an ERT. The weight is a bit of a deterent. The special forces shovel may be the better tool for hand to hand work. Realistic scenarios for the use of a shovel do not include combat for me. For CQB I might use a tomahawk and my boar dagger.
Yeah, I agree... now watch, it will be just my luck that I get taken out while digging a hole. I will say this, the Cold Steel is head and shoulders above the others when it comes to cutting through roots. I could see carrying a heavier shovel or even a pick axe if I was part of a group and we shared the weight of gear. Thanks for watching
@@OliveDrabAlliance In th ERT we used to sharpen the entrenching tool. That made cutting through roots easier. We were non combatants. So CQB was not an issue. In the army sharpening the entrenching tool was prohibited and soldiers would be punished and billed for the repair if they did. They were also expected to use the flat of the shovel for CQB.
You are correct!!!! Maybe Santa will bring me one! If any of my kids or my beautiful wife sees this.... the Mil Spec shovel is at the top of my list! Thank you very much!
Does the serrated edge make it easier to cut through roots when digging? A beveled edge on the side of the blade allows the shovel to also be used as a machete.
On the Ames ETool, the serrations are almost like crimps in the steel. Maybe they would help prevent a suction cup effect in wet soul or heavy clay? For roots, put it in hoe mode and chop away. The Cold Steel is sharp all around and is very effective at chopping through roots large or small.
For your information, that Mil-tec shovel you showed is not their copy of the West German shovel. The actual copy is an almost identical clone, I have one dated 2014.
Great video my friend… very informative… Thank you for sharing…‼️ Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍽🍁 Take Care…‼️ Just wanted to mention that the Spetnaz shovel was designed not to fold because the Russian Spetnaz soldiers were trained to throw that shovel like a knife accurately while parachuting 🪂 down…
Oh yeah... I did a video about it... kind of tounge in cheak.... actually way beyond lounge in cheek It is a durable stout shovel though, even though it is made in China...... barf!!!
They vary WILDLY, keep looking, there is bound to be a deal that comes your way. East German & West German distinct items are becoming scarce for sure. Thanks for watching
I should also mention that the Mil Spec shovel is attatched to the handle with pins that are visible. The West German shovel uses pins, but they are welded over and ground down to where you can barely see them.
I personally just use the tactical wooden spoon for my entrenching needs.
Be careful!
That thing could dig a hole through the Earth's core if you aren't careful!
Hahahaha
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
My father used that old one, I had the Z-Folding entrenching tool in the plastic attachment. The folding out Pickax was sure helpful in rocky terrain on the old one with the wooden handle.
The cheap ones of the Z-folding spade come loose at the link between the blade and the handle.
The handle is aluminum, I think, the blade is steel. The folding one can be used to sit on and as a pan to fry stuff ;-)
I was thinking that pick would help with rocks and such. I think your soil and your circumstances should decide what shovel to use. Rocky soil? Go with the heavy duty West German shovel for sure.
Thank you so much!
Wow! That spam looked like it had just been buried. That stuff is indestructible!
I know!!! What a great find!
Dinner is served.
My favorite was the US Army wooden handle with a pick and shovel came in a canvas and leather pouch with Alice clips. Had on issued for twenty years until a supply SSG got me and made me switch to trifold and plastic case. If you had to fight with one it was the winner. Have fun stay safe.
They don't make them like they used to. I would live to have a T handle GI shovel or one like you described.
Also.... frick'n supply SGTs... ain't that always the way?!?!?!
This is an amazing country we live in when I get up on a Friday morning after thanksgiving and watch one of my favorite RUclips channels geek out on military E- tools. Absolutely love it!!
I bought my W German E-tool at Army/Navy store in north Georgia about 30 years ago, they had a large tub stuffed with them for about $20 with the sheath. Once again it’s nice to see I’m not the only one enjoying the military collection bug! Cheers
Cheers to you and thanks for being here. This shovel was another gift from my oldest brother. He has 2 of everything. I've been working on a project of something I know neither he or anybody else in the world has as a thank you gift for him.... stay tuned.
Here in Florida we have alot of surplus stores , infect a new one just opened up , I believe its called liberty surplus in Okeechobee, Florida I believe that is the name but anyway great video love your channel. Keep it up, buddy. You’re doing great.👍😂🙏🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍
Thank you. Around here in Northwestern Illlinois, it used to be that any town with more than 10,000 people had a military surplus store. Now, there a there are only 2 in this quarter of the state.
Florida is doing it right!
Thank you
I thought for sure that when you dug up your treasure you were going to slice it up and cook it on that shovel face.
Lol
I too have an E tool/shovel addiction.
I have a
WW1/WW2 T-handled shovel,
M1943 shovel,
M1951 shovel,
1986 Ames tri-fold shovel,
A cold steel Spetsnaz shovel,
Oh, and a couple of original WW II German shovels.
And no, I'm not bragging, I've just been collecting for 45 plus years.
Things were a lot cheaper then.
And this was an in-depth explanation of all three of your shoves.
Thanks.
I would live to have a G.I. issue T handle.
I am jealous of your collection. My hat is off to you Sir. Thank you for watching & commenting. Fron somebody who has been collecting for 45 years, that means a lot.
@OliveDrabAlliance I found all of my stuff at garage sales, mostly out in the country.
I haven't been to any in about 2 years though, but I'm going to start hitting them again this springtime.
And I tell you what, if I come across another t-handle shovel, I'll get in touch with you, get your address and I'll send it to you, no charge. 👍
Enjoyable Video, my Veteran Grandpa always carried the Trifold E tool and a Bowsaw behind the seat of his Pickup. I bought a 1964 German E Tool close to 25 years ago. If I'm not packing too far, I'll choose the German everytime. Also makes a frying pan in a pinch. 🔥
Nice!
I bet that those tools would have some great stories to tell.
Thanks for watching
a lot of history in that shovel there
If it could talk, I'd bet it would have some great stories.... or maybe not so great? A lot of digging and being used for work it wasn't meant for.
I really Dig this video.👍That West German version. I found 1 brand new in a modern camping shop back in late 90s when saw it and the price i had to buy it. £5. I still have it. I used to keep it in the car or van for winter. I will have to get it out again. Also i came across a National Volks Army. East German version. Twist screw type. With grey H.Duty carrier. The blade is black with a deep serrated edge. Also a wall hanging key hole on the blade.Maybe iam wrong. Anyhow good subject. Just shows you what shovel collectors are going around. As I've got loads of original E.tools.👍.
That is awesome, and 5 bucks is a great price! I will probably keep this in the truck this winter. 20 degrees F here today, so it won't be long now.
Thank you
@OliveDrabAllian .Perhaps i was lucky. But i had a good eye for quality surplus.My boss was looking for a romantic Christmas card for his girlfriend. BUT I SPOTTED THE E TOOL IN THE NEXT SHOP. He was amazed how i purchased a old E. Tool for £5.
I've had one of those for years, with the leather cover. Its a very good shovel, and the pick on it, is extremely useful.
I could definitely see using that pick for rocks or roots. My favorite full size tool for digging is a pick are, so I can definitely see this being very useful.
Thank you & I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
The main draw with the cold steel spetznaz shovel is that it’s super fun to throw and stick in tree stumps while you’re walking through the woods.
That is very true!
I enjoy throwing into the ground also!
Thanks!
Enjoyed the video , I like shovels and all military gear. Carry in my truck the 60’s USGI folding shovel with the case, have had it bout 40 years
An excellent choice. A lot of people poo-poo military surplus gear & some of it is trash, but a LOT of it is top shelf and a similar quality item would cost triple if it wasn't surplus.
Thanks for watching
I have that wonderful old German shovel and it works better than any other folding shovel! I found mine at a military surplus store for about $20.00 😊I’ve dug fire 🔥 holes 🕳️ , trenches around my tent ⛺️ and camp, even moved coals in the fire when camp cooking. I’ve also dug out my car in the snow and mud with it. That hinge needs greased sometimes but like anything, it’ll work if you maintain it! 😃
Mine definitely needs greased. It is finicky for sure.
Thanks for sharing and the good maintenance advice.
Good Evening ! Hope U had a HAPPY THANKSGIVING.I see we drink the same BEER.U can make a seat with the folding ones also. TAKE CARE..
We had a great Thanksgiving. We did ours yesterday (the day before Thanksgiving).
I hope you had a good one as well.
@@OliveDrabAlliance YEPPER ! TAKE CARE..
Happy Thanksgiving from Wisconsin
Ahhĥhhhh..... north of the Cheddar Curtain.
Happy Thanksgiving to you Buddy!
Thank you
Hello!
What an awesome Video.
I Like all three shovels:
I used the foldable nato style one eight years Long when i was in the Bundeswehr.
I own the cold Steel one and i Like it also. I gave it new paint Job and so on.
And i have the Bundeswehr one that you have also!!!
Same Brand, but from 1964.
The little man with shovel is from the Manufakturer: Ideal. Just Google Ideal spaten.
A compamy from 1899, its still active! I also own a Big spade from 1965 from that Brand (from my wifes gandparents) and its still strong 💪🏼
The Number on your bw shovel and on the leather sheat are nato Stock Numbers.
I Always have Mine in my Car Trunk.
Thanks for the overview.
Best regards from Germany,
GR 🤘🏼
That is awesome and me and everyone reading your comment are happy to hear from you. There really isn't much information available to us in the U.S. about this shovel. I am going to look up Ideal Spaten and check them out.
Hello Illinois, just a few miles from the Mississippi River and very near the birthplace of Ronald Reagan.
Wow, thank you very much for your great reply 😌
I have the German model, with the edge sharpened. It rides in the stowage compartment of my Mule. Great design, never had much use for the pick though.
Nice. I like the idea of sharpening it.
Thank you
Very cool.
Thank you. I learned from the comments that the little symbol of a guy holding a shovel is the symbol for a company called Ideal Spaten. They are still making shovels to this day.
Thanks for watching.
A man after my own heart - Coors, Spam and 'it's not you!'👍👍👍
I've been on a Coors kick lately, I do enjoy a Miller High Life every now and again though.
Cheers & thank you.
Nice shovel comparison. I would have to agree with your preference on the
different uses. Hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving. 👍
We did. My step kids were at their dad's, but my daughter came home from college, we played a board game and had a great meal.
Thank you
That logo on the West German E-tool is for the company IDEALSPATEN. They still make shovels in Germany. Very pricey ones. Their Panzer Field Shovel (basically a non-folding version of that e-tool) sells for $130.
I learned that from here in the comments. I had to check out Ideal Spaten. It was cool to see their logo is the same as on this shovel.
Very pricey, but I bet they make high quality stuff.
Thanks
My German shovel used to split wood for me. On occasion, in fact, it split more wood than it dog ditches.
It feels heavy enough to do so. The weight I'm sure helps it dig better than some of the lighter shovels too.
Thanks for sharing!
I had one of those West German Shovels , I believe it was Hansen , and the transition between shovel head/pick and handle was cast iron that's why it was so heavy and the leather cover is also heavy duty . Too heavy for the backpack or ruck , but real solid choice for a vehicle or other conveyance . I no longer have it , but thanks to your video I am tempted to re-acquire one .
This shovel would be perfect for the overland 4x4 crowd, or van lifers. I could see carrying it in a group or squad, where not everyone. Needs to hump a shovel, but just 1 or 2 for the group.
Thank you
Just found your channel and I dig it!
(Subscribed)
I can dig it, you can dig it, he can dig it, she can dig it.
Welcome to the Alliance and thank you.
I have got one, it is a heavy duty piece of kit, as for anything made in China, I give it a miss, I have had several Chinese garden shovels break on me, either the haft, or the weld, I dunno what they make their steel out of, some kind of aluminium I think :)
I haven't met a Chinese tri fokd shovel that has survived digging even one hole... they suck and are a total waste of money. The Cold Steel is made in China and is very sturdy. I should really really abuse it and see what happens
Thanks for watching
Happy Thanksgiving brother. I think I'd have a hard time picking just 1. My father served in the Army and has his old shovel which is real similar to the old Germany one you showed. The handle on his doesn't have the bubble on the end, and his uses the threaded collar to lock similar to the tri fold one. Have an awesome weekend brother.
You too Buddy. I hope you & yours had a great Thanksgiving.
@OliveDrabAlliance I uploaded a short video of the bird I smoked. Turned out amazing. Check it out if you are bored.
The German army has a trifold entrenching tool. That would be my favorite. The West German tool featured in ther video would be a second. I used it when serving in an ERT. The weight is a bit of a deterent.
The special forces shovel may be the better tool for hand to hand work. Realistic scenarios for the use of a shovel do not include combat for me. For CQB I might use a tomahawk and my boar dagger.
Yeah, I agree... now watch, it will be just my luck that I get taken out while digging a hole. I will say this, the Cold Steel is head and shoulders above the others when it comes to cutting through roots. I could see carrying a heavier shovel or even a pick axe if I was part of a group and we shared the weight of gear.
Thanks for watching
@@OliveDrabAlliance In th ERT we used to sharpen the entrenching tool. That made cutting through roots easier. We were non combatants. So CQB was not an issue.
In the army sharpening the entrenching tool was prohibited and soldiers would be punished and billed for the repair if they did. They were also expected to use the flat of the shovel for CQB.
Happy Thanksgiving! Now you need to do a comparison of the west German and the mil-tek shovel.
You are correct!!!!
Maybe Santa will bring me one!
If any of my kids or my beautiful wife sees this.... the Mil Spec shovel is at the top of my list!
Thank you very much!
Does the serrated edge make it easier to cut through roots when digging? A beveled edge on the side of the blade allows the shovel to also be used as a machete.
On the Ames ETool, the serrations are almost like crimps in the steel. Maybe they would help prevent a suction cup effect in wet soul or heavy clay? For roots, put it in hoe mode and chop away. The Cold Steel is sharp all around and is very effective at chopping through roots large or small.
For your information, that Mil-tec shovel you showed is not their copy of the West German shovel. The actual copy is an almost identical clone, I have one dated 2014.
You are correct!
Good eye!
Great video my friend… very informative…
Thank you for sharing…‼️
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍽🍁 Take Care…‼️
Just wanted to mention that the Spetnaz shovel was designed not to fold because the Russian Spetnaz soldiers were trained to throw that shovel like a knife accurately while parachuting 🪂 down…
Oh yeah... I did a video about it... kind of tounge in cheak.... actually way beyond lounge in cheek
It is a durable stout shovel though, even though it is made in China...... barf!!!
Dang, the prices go from $40 to $90 on ebay.
They vary WILDLY, keep looking, there is bound to be a deal that comes your way.
East German & West German distinct items are becoming scarce for sure.
Thanks for watching
Remember kids, I know john looked pretty kwel opening that can of Colorado koolaid, but NEVER drink and dig! ………..and if you on drugs, you a fool!
Save the Banquet Beers for after the digging is done.
Before and during the dig, stick to light beers.
Hahaha.
Thanks