I have both but the Cold Steal shovel is preferred. It’s lighter, sharper, and cheaper to replace. I can throw it like a throwing axe. Which isn’t all that useful but it is entertaining. It digs as good or better than the e-tool. The only drawback is it’s not configureable as a pick axe. But if you really need it to be a pick axe you can unscrew the handle, carve a tree branch with a “Y” in it and use that as a handle. If you have to dig a lot and don’t want to do it on your knees you can carve a longer handle. The name is pure marketing. The Russian Spetsnatz used it because it was standard issue to all Russian infantry since WW II. Though to be fair the Spetsnatz did do a lot of goofy exhibitions that included it.
I own 3 spetsnaz shovels, 1 I keep in the truck, and the other 2 I throw and stick like a tomahawks at my knife and tomahawk target. They stick really good. 😊
I've had this shovel for almost ten years now. I'll take it over ANY folding GI shovel every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Multiuse and durable. Like I said before I've had mine almost ten years so I can't say they are being made the same. You can also extend the handle with a sturdy branch.
You definitely shouldn't try to chop anything with an E-Tool. The Cold Steel is a good shovel. I think it might be time for some more extreme testing. Thanks for watching & happy trails
@@OliveDrabAlliance The objective is to carry multiuse items. The e-tool is a one trick pony. Not saying it's bad just limited. This is not to say it's bad for anyone carrying an e-tool as a matter of fact if there're two in the group one with e-tool and one with the cold steel it's a good one-two punch. Yeah, I know wishy-washy, stick to your guns but it's not really cut and dry, both have their uses.
@sams568 I love objects that can do multiple things. I know there is a give and take sometimes. If I don't have to carry a shovel and an axe, great, but the E-Tool (for me at least) is way better at digging and if I'm taking a shovel, that is the primary use and function. The Cold Steel is good because yes it can dig and yes it can chop, with the give and take. Still we'll built, still useful. You can't go wrong either way. The ability to chop roots is also huge!
I’ve lost count of how many years I’ve owned a Cold Steel shovel. I’ve also owned a Glock E-Tool for many years as well. Both have their place as far as I see it.
For sure. It's a matter of personal preference and what your situation is. I didn't want to take anything away from the cold Steel, that's for sure. Thanks for watching
I will take the etool over the cold steel shovel....one thing you did not mention is that you can sit on it if folded properly. Great presentation and comparison, Love the content.
Soviet Spetsnaz claimed to teach their troops how to use it to deflect pistol shots..... The Germans were the first, I believe in WW1 to sharpen their shovels for trench warfare. Cool gear. Cheers!
I have two and they are the best. I own a couple GI shovels. Never have used them, but I can testify that the cold steel is the best. The handle stay good and in tac after splitting and chopping through Osage orange wood for fire. Great demo. Special forces shovel all the way😎👍💯
I knew this video might be controversial, especially me saying I'd take the E-Tool, but I take nothing away from the Cold Steel Shovel. It is well built and solid as a rock. I would buy it all over again. Thank you for watching, I really appreciate it
@@OliveDrabAlliance ahhh nah it's all good. I'm just bias towards cold steel...lol...lol.. I've never worked with my E-tool yet might change my mind though
Over the years I have used (and still have) several camp shovels. I started out with the Vietnam era folding shovels. Only good for digging in soft dirt. Useless for prying up rocks etc. (broke the handle off of at least four of them). Tri-fold shovels. Better. Could be more durable. Soviet/Eastern European G.I. shovel, like yours, but mine has a square nose. I haven’t tried a pointy one, I don’t know which I’d prefer.These are built hell for stout. Has a false edge on one side of the blade. Could be sharpened into a usable substitute. for a machete. (I have an ongoing debate in my head about carrying mine in my pack instead of my bolo machete. It’s unresolved because I really like my bolo). Mini tri-fold shovels. So cute they’re adorable. A little bigger than a backpackers trowel, about as useful, and not as durable. Backpackerers trowel. Small and very light. I have a couple of plastic ones, and an aluminum one. Intended for digging scat holes. Not good for anything much bigger. They’d be good for digging Souix fire holes. The metal one lives in my hunting pack. As always, a great video. Thanks.
I edited out of the video a long rant on knockoff trifold shovels. I've broken several of them until I broke down and got the military surplus ones. They say Fiscars makes a good one, used by several NATO militaries and sold in the U.S. under the Gerber brand. Thanks for watching, have a great day!
E Tool for me good sir. I have always liked the look of the Cold Steel, just haven't bought 1. I always carry a hatchet anyway and usually a boys axe. Fmaily trips I bring the maul too. Besides, I can fold the etool and have a seat as well. Have a great weekend brother.
You have a good one too. The Cold Steel is solid and well built, but it is mediocre at digging and mediocre at chopping. It can do both, just not very well. Yet still, I like it and recommend it.
They are both nice. Always wanted the e tool. I acquired a small fire axe from a school bus with the spike on the back of the head. It's good for chopping and splitting and the spike is really good for digging and prying. It's not real good for moving snow or sand but its breaks up packed dirt and prys out the rocks.
That's awesome. You saw how I dug with the E-Tool, basically like a pick. So the fire ax would be good to break up soil with the pick, then maybe scrape it away with the ax head. Happy trails and thanks for watching
Fun fact, Cold Steel makes a new shovel, called the spetsnaz, that is both longer in the handle, and bigger in the blade... Enough that the blade does not fit in the sheath for this one here... ... And they don't have a sheath for it... But it fits nicely in the roof rack holders of your overland keep...
Nice! I've been wanting to learn to sew canvas so I can make my own things that I'd want, but they don't make, like a sheath for a shovel like that. Thanks for watching
Right on! I was trying to put together a vintage boy scout kit, and I know they used to use old WWII military surplus shovels and gear. The Cold Steel is pretty close. Thanks!
Judging by the comments, most people are going with the cold Steel. I am regretting not demonstrating seat mode... but my big butt would probably require 2 E-Tools. Thank you
E TOOL ANY DAY. I'VE BEEN USING MINE FOR YEARS AS A CARPENTER ITS GREAT FOR MANY DIFFERENT JOBS. I HAVE THE REAL U.S.A.VERSION AND THE ORIGINAL BUNDESWEHR VERSION.👍👍
The genuine G.I. issue (Ames) is the only way to go. I've bought a couple cheap knock off ones over the years and they are garbage! I've never had a chance to use the newer Gerber (Fiscars) one, but they say it is excellent. Thanks for watching
@@OliveDrabAlliance Yes I've got the AMES E.TOOL. GREAT QUALITY STEEL AND CONSTRUCTION. THE GERMAN🇩🇪 ORIGINAL BUNDESWEHR IS TOP NOTCH ALSO. I'VE USED IT FOR YEARS TOUGH KIT. I'VE ALSO GOT A COUPLE OF WW2 U.S. E TOOLS WOODEN HANDLE FOLDING TYPE. THEY ARE TOUGH AS NAILS TO THIS DAY.🇺🇸👍👍
Yes I own 3 of the cold steel shovels!! I love'em a bunch! E-tools are 50/50 with me. Weight not withstanding use what suits your needs! Carry what is handy/practical, soyou will have it on you! Thanks! 🤝👍🎯✌️🫡
Excellent. I have nothing bad to say about the Cold Steel Shovel. I've dug a couple Fox holes in my day with an E-Tool and I guess old habits are hard to break. Thanks for watching
I miffed the last chop on the watermelon. And... I have to admit, I was trying not to mess up that tree. All this stuff sounds great in my head, then I go to film it and sometimes... most times... it isn't as good as it was in my head. Thank for watching anyway.
That shovel is gonna look great mounted on your tactical shopping cart..!!🤘
Ohhĥ....
Why didn't I think of that.
Stay tuned, this winter the Arctic Tactical Shopping Cart will be put into action.
I have both but the Cold Steal shovel is preferred. It’s lighter, sharper, and cheaper to replace. I can throw it like a throwing axe. Which isn’t all that useful but it is entertaining. It digs as good or better than the e-tool. The only drawback is it’s not configureable as a pick axe. But if you really need it to be a pick axe you can unscrew the handle, carve a tree branch with a “Y” in it and use that as a handle. If you have to dig a lot and don’t want to do it on your knees you can carve a longer handle.
The name is pure marketing. The Russian Spetsnatz used it because it was standard issue to all Russian infantry since WW II. Though to be fair the Spetsnatz did do a lot of goofy exhibitions that included it.
That is true, now they call it "the special forces shovel"
Again with marketing I guess.
Thanks for watching
I own 3 spetsnaz shovels, 1 I keep in the truck, and the other 2 I throw and stick like a tomahawks at my knife and tomahawk target. They stick really good. 😊
Have you sharpened them? Or just leave them as is?
Thanks for watching
@@OliveDrabAlliance I sharpened them and keep them sharp with a good file.
@kirkterwilliger6407 excellent.
Definitely a sturdy tool, rare these days to find such a thing.
Thank you
I have the version with the slightly longer handle. I love it. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching. Cold Steel makes a good shovel and as you mentioned, a couple different varienents.
Thanks for watching
Have you used the Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel?
What do you think of it?
I've had this shovel for almost ten years now. I'll take it over ANY folding GI shovel every day of the week and twice on Sunday. Multiuse and durable. Like I said before I've had mine almost ten years so I can't say they are being made the same. You can also extend the handle with a sturdy branch.
You definitely shouldn't try to chop anything with an E-Tool. The Cold Steel is a good shovel. I think it might be time for some more extreme testing.
Thanks for watching & happy trails
@@OliveDrabAlliance The objective is to carry multiuse items. The e-tool is a one trick pony. Not saying it's bad just limited. This is not to say it's bad for anyone carrying an e-tool as a matter of fact if there're two in the group one with e-tool and one with the cold steel it's a good one-two punch. Yeah, I know wishy-washy, stick to your guns but it's not really cut and dry, both have their uses.
@sams568 I love objects that can do multiple things. I know there is a give and take sometimes. If I don't have to carry a shovel and an axe, great, but the E-Tool (for me at least) is way better at digging and if I'm taking a shovel, that is the primary use and function. The Cold Steel is good because yes it can dig and yes it can chop, with the give and take. Still we'll built, still useful. You can't go wrong either way. The ability to chop roots is also huge!
Absolutely
Always love your humor another awesome video you take care my friend and GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
Thank you so much. It's a serious world with serious problems, but I don't see why we can't have a little fun here.
Thanks so much.
I’ve lost count of how many years I’ve owned a Cold Steel shovel. I’ve also owned a Glock E-Tool for many years as well. Both have their place as far as I see it.
For sure. It's a matter of personal preference and what your situation is.
I didn't want to take anything away from the cold Steel, that's for sure.
Thanks for watching
I will take the etool over the cold steel shovel....one thing you did not mention is that you can sit on it if folded properly. Great presentation and comparison, Love the content.
Thank you, and you are correct about the chair. I might need 2 E-Tools for my big butt.
Thanks for watching and have a great day.
Soviet Spetsnaz claimed to teach their troops how to use it to deflect pistol shots..... The Germans were the first, I believe in WW1 to sharpen their shovels for trench warfare. Cool gear. Cheers!
I'm thinking of doing an extreme test of this shovel.... you just gave me an idea...
Thanks!
I have two and they are the best. I own a couple GI shovels. Never have used them, but I can testify that the cold steel is the best. The handle stay good and in tac after splitting and chopping through Osage orange wood for fire. Great demo. Special forces shovel all the way😎👍💯
I knew this video might be controversial, especially me saying I'd take the E-Tool, but I take nothing away from the Cold Steel Shovel. It is well built and solid as a rock. I would buy it all over again.
Thank you for watching, I really appreciate it
@@OliveDrabAlliance ahhh nah it's all good. I'm just bias towards cold steel...lol...lol.. I've never worked with my E-tool yet might change my mind though
Over the years I have used (and still have) several camp shovels. I started out with the
Vietnam era folding shovels. Only good for digging in soft dirt. Useless for prying up
rocks etc. (broke the handle off of at least four of them).
Tri-fold shovels. Better. Could be more durable.
Soviet/Eastern European G.I. shovel, like yours, but mine has a square nose. I haven’t
tried a pointy one, I don’t know which I’d prefer.These are built hell for stout. Has
a false edge on one side of the blade. Could be sharpened into a usable substitute.
for a machete. (I have an ongoing debate in my head about carrying mine in my
pack instead of my bolo machete. It’s unresolved because I really like my bolo).
Mini tri-fold shovels. So cute they’re adorable. A little bigger than a backpackers trowel,
about as useful, and not as durable.
Backpackerers trowel. Small and very light. I have a couple of plastic ones, and an
aluminum one. Intended for digging scat holes. Not good for anything much
bigger. They’d be good for digging Souix fire holes. The metal one lives in my
hunting pack.
As always, a great video. Thanks.
Sorry my text is all wonky. pootube buggered up my spacing.
I edited out of the video a long rant on knockoff trifold shovels. I've broken several of them until I broke down and got the military surplus ones. They say Fiscars makes a good one, used by several NATO militaries and sold in the U.S. under the Gerber brand.
Thanks for watching, have a great day!
E Tool for me good sir. I have always liked the look of the Cold Steel, just haven't bought 1. I always carry a hatchet anyway and usually a boys axe. Fmaily trips I bring the maul too. Besides, I can fold the etool and have a seat as well. Have a great weekend brother.
You have a good one too. The Cold Steel is solid and well built, but it is mediocre at digging and mediocre at chopping. It can do both, just not very well. Yet still, I like it and recommend it.
They are both nice.
Always wanted the e tool.
I acquired a small fire axe from a school bus with the spike on the back of the head.
It's good for chopping and splitting and the spike is really good for digging and prying.
It's not real good for moving snow or sand but its breaks up packed dirt and prys out the rocks.
That's awesome. You saw how I dug with the E-Tool, basically like a pick. So the fire ax would be good to break up soil with the pick, then maybe scrape it away with the ax head.
Happy trails and thanks for watching
Fun fact, Cold Steel makes a new shovel, called the spetsnaz, that is both longer in the handle, and bigger in the blade... Enough that the blade does not fit in the sheath for this one here...
... And they don't have a sheath for it... But it fits nicely in the roof rack holders of your overland keep...
Nice! I've been wanting to learn to sew canvas so I can make my own things that I'd want, but they don't make, like a sheath for a shovel like that.
Thanks for watching
I have two of those, and the longer trench shovel. Oh, and I only use them to dig holes :)
Right on!
I was trying to put together a vintage boy scout kit, and I know they used to use old WWII military surplus shovels and gear. The Cold Steel is pretty close.
Thanks!
Truly tacticool
Yes, but.... it is solid. I might do an extreme test of it and see what it would take to destroy it.
Thanks!
good video i dig it lol
I can dig it, you can dig it, he can dig it she can dig it.
Thanks for watching, have a good one.
got to love a dual purpose item that can kill
You could also fry an egg on it.
Thanks for watching
Have a good one!
I know which one I would rather sit on…A GOOD NCO SEAT…have fun stay safe.
Judging by the comments, most people are going with the cold Steel. I am regretting not demonstrating seat mode... but my big butt would probably require 2 E-Tools.
Thank you
I still call it the Spentsnaz shovel!
P.C. BE DAMNED!
😆👍👍🍻😅
I hear ya!
Call it what it is, or what it was designed after anyway.
Thank you
E TOOL ANY DAY. I'VE BEEN USING MINE FOR YEARS AS A CARPENTER ITS GREAT FOR MANY DIFFERENT JOBS. I HAVE THE REAL U.S.A.VERSION AND THE ORIGINAL BUNDESWEHR VERSION.👍👍
The genuine G.I. issue (Ames) is the only way to go. I've bought a couple cheap knock off ones over the years and they are garbage!
I've never had a chance to use the newer Gerber (Fiscars) one, but they say it is excellent.
Thanks for watching
@@OliveDrabAlliance Yes I've got the AMES E.TOOL. GREAT QUALITY STEEL AND CONSTRUCTION. THE GERMAN🇩🇪 ORIGINAL BUNDESWEHR IS TOP NOTCH ALSO. I'VE USED IT FOR YEARS TOUGH KIT. I'VE ALSO GOT A COUPLE OF WW2 U.S. E TOOLS WOODEN HANDLE FOLDING TYPE. THEY ARE TOUGH AS NAILS TO THIS DAY.🇺🇸👍👍
Yes I own 3 of the cold steel shovels!! I love'em a bunch! E-tools are 50/50 with me. Weight not withstanding use what suits your needs! Carry what is handy/practical, soyou will have it on you! Thanks! 🤝👍🎯✌️🫡
Excellent. I have nothing bad to say about the Cold Steel Shovel. I've dug a couple Fox holes in my day with an E-Tool and I guess old habits are hard to break.
Thanks for watching
I prefer the E-Tool, I have an ax and a machete for chopping things.
Judging by the comments, we are in the minority, but each person, location and situation is different.
Thanks for watching and have a good one!
I have been looking for a new tater slicer.
Look no further,
It slices
It dices!
Thank you for watching
I was hoping you would take a chunk out of that perfectly good watermelon lol and then you did
It was actually a good watermelon and was entirely consumed.
Those first five swings were vicious and it took it
That watermelon 🍉 didn't have a chance
I miffed the last chop on the watermelon. And... I have to admit, I was trying not to mess up that tree.
All this stuff sounds great in my head, then I go to film it and sometimes... most times... it isn't as good as it was in my head.
Thank for watching anyway.