Gerber E-Tool Tactical Folding Spade, Camping Shovel w/ Serrated Edge, Black

I never write reviews but this shovel worked so well I felt compelled to say something about it. I used this shovel to dig 225 feet of trench for a drainage system in my 30 inch crawlspace. The trench was 14 to 16 inches deep and 12 inches wide. I was on my knees or belly for most of the work. The shovel was perfect for the job. Once locked into position it stayed there-no constant resetting and retightening. It's light. It remained sharp throughout the work and in addition to digging I used it to hack out roots from nearby oak and camphor trees that had spread under the house. A great shovel and solidly made. If you need something like this is the one to buy. And, it folds up into a very small, manageable size and combined with its light weight it would work well for camping should you need it for that.

Very good very compact great for light contracting work

I'm very glad I made this purchase. I already have an actual military E-Tool, which has had a very useful life. It is starting to fall apart and that's why I wanted to get another, but I didn't want to spend $60 on one so I chose this model. Gerber makes very nice multi-tools and knives so after reading some reviews on this product and experience with their other products I felt safe purchasing it. I live in the mountains and used it on a camping trip last weekend and used it to dig a fire pit and holes for posts, it did the job flawlessly. The shovel does lock at an angle (not quite 90 degrees though even though another review said it doesn't.) Very easy to fold and unfold even if there is still mud on it. When it is locked in either position it feels very sturdy and comfortable in the hands. I would definitely buy this again. I do wish it had a carrying case though. I will pick one up later.

Specs on the box: Head material: Powder-coated boron carbon steel handle material: class-filled nylon overall length: 23.2" closed length: 9.4" weight: 2.32 lbs (1050 G) Appears to be a solid tool (approved by NATO, so should be), but there are a few things I don't like about it. It does NOT lock in 90 degrees. I also got the USGI military issue E-tool and it not only locks in 90, but can lock in a wider stance (~135) that this Gerber model also can't do. This tool can lock straight out, but then the next notch that is available on the locking mechanism is approximately 65-70 degrees. While I haven't tried digging with this because I plan on returning or gifting it, I don't like that angle if used as a pick. 90 degrees seems more natural, like the USGI one offers. Not to mention it can't be used as a makeshift seat, since it can't lock in 90 degrees. The grappling hook configuration angle is about 35 degrees, and the saw side of the shovel head seems quite adequate (much better I will say compared to the joke looking USGI serrated edge) This e-tool places the plastic sleeve locking mechanism at the base of the handle, which is a nice size and location (covers up sharp corners that would otherwise be exposed at base of handle like the USGI one has, and is easy to manipulate given its size and raised grip lines around its perimeter. If you hold the left and right sides of the looped part of the handle (i.e. the shovel is locked int he 65/70 degree position and being used as a pick) it is not very comfortable in your hand compared to the USGI one which is a smooth ergonomic cylinder like the bottom of the handle is. However that said the shaft of the shovel and base of the shovel head are much more comfortable than the USGI model. Lastly, this e-tool is much lighter than the USGI one, so if your priority is to shed weight then you'll want this one over the USGI model (not to mention lighter tools being swung repeatedly over time tend to fatigue you less than heavier ones). Gave it 4 stars because I'm a fan of heavy duty all steel / aluminium products that can last the apocalypse. Handle is probably amazingly reliable, but I bet it would break before the USGI handle would.

This little thing folds down small enough that I can keep it in my car, tucked away in a small emergency box where I keep some road and off-road items to get me out of trouble. It came in handy this winter when I got my Cherokee stuck (beached basically) and I had to literally dig the car out of the little hill I got it stuck in. Ground was frozen, it was 28 degrees outside, and it took me 3 hours. But I couldn’t have done it without this incredibly strong and durable trenching tool. It would have taken me 6 hours doing it by hand, or with a wooden stick. Plus, the plastic handle prevented my hands from dealing with cold metal. Which I appreciated very much. Buying a second one so next time some one else can help me dig. And probably a third to keep around the house, just in case. Will also make an awesome gift for anyone you know that might drive in hazardous areas, or in crazy weather.

This is a fantastic tool to have around. Keep one in your vehicle! Bring one camping! It's made in the US, composed of material from the US and Finland. I was in the Army and was issued the latest design of the military issue e-tool. This Gerber seems to be just as strong and lighter. I'd even say that the design is better. The handle has a good shape for digging and swinging. This nylon/plastic material is STRONG. I read another review where someone complained about the plastic material in the cold. I live in central Alaska where it is often colder than -40F in the winter. I see absolutely no issue with the plastic construction. Like I said, it is extremely strong, and an added benefit is being able to grasp the handle without your hand freezing to steel. The steel is nice and solid. The joints and locking mechanism seem to be well built. The serrated edge is nice and sharp. I love this tool. Buy one and you'll love it too!

LOVE this shovel. I keep one in the back of every vehicle just in case and I take it camping. It is indispensable during wintertime if you run the risk of getting stuck. Pros: - Folds down to the size of the spade, very compact. Folds into thirds. - Extremely durable (used it for digging trenches while camping and for breaking ice and digging out stuck cars in the snow) - Serrated edge can be used for cutting applications, though it is not ideal for this use if often required Cons: - Heavy, this can be a con if you want to take it backpacking, which I wouldn't recommend, but otherwise it just makes it more durable. I bought one of these about 4 years ago and it has served me wonderfully. I purchased another one last year for our other car and it gives me the peace of mind knowing that if I get stuck in a snow drift or in the mud I'll be back on my way in no time with this awesome shovel.

Purchased this shovel for camping etc. Tested it out when it arrived. Shovel folds out easily into position. There are three notched positions the blade can be folded into that allow for straight up digging, grappling hook action and right angle pick digging. You can easily hold both handles and plunge the shovel deep into the ground all the way up to the handle. Steel blade is sharp and well made. Smallish size blade does the job for a good swing down from overhead. Don't know about the use of the serrations as a saw or a hammer. Please. Would recommend this well designed shovel to anyone wanting a light weight sturdy digging device. Must buy the case seperate if wanted.

Great product. Using it at the beach. Perfect for my purposes.

ペグ打ちにも苦労する石の混じった硬い土や、木や草の根が張った地面でもしっかり掘れます。 頑丈な作りで手荒に扱ったとしてもびくともしない剛性は、ホールディングにも関わらずさすがの一言。 使い終われば小さく折り畳め、バイクツーリングのシビアなパッキングの邪魔にもなりません。

What do you do when you live in an apartment with no space for fullsize tools? You buy this thing! It's a mature design and none the worse for it. Very solid in the hand, surprisingly functional for something the size of a paperback, and feels tough enough to get the job done - unlike cheap tools, it's not a jiggly mass of clunking after a few hours' use. The bonus: many people think this tool isn't the same as models that lock the blade in different positions. Actually, it is! The blade locks out as a normal shovel, or at about 90 degrees from horizontal (actually about 95) as a pick, or with the blade folded back flat as a bludgeoning whacker thing. (Which probably has a better name, but SHOULD be "bludgeoning whacker thing".) What people miss: to lock the blade in position you need to position it first, then tighten the locking screw HARD ANTICLOCKWISE - it feels solid at least half a twist before it really locks the blade, so it's easy to think you've reached the limit before it actually locks. Rest assured, this tool does indeed have 3 positions, and does indeed lock the blade in place. Compact, hardwearing (at least on earth!) and with a saw edge unlike the cheaper Fiskar's version. That said, compare it to the Fiskar's if you get a chance; I've no idea if that cheaper tool is equally well made. But I'm happy with my Gerber's.

pelle pliable prend une petite place est solide et trés légère

Great product