How does this quality compare to an actual US Military issued $50 shovel? Especially in terms of durability. Thanks for all answers!
1037733
In all honesty it would be like comparing a Hyundai Accent to a Cadillac, since military issue shovels are of far higher quality. That said I have used this particular shovel to help dig out roots and other light work, just to see what its capable of. Its also far lighter weight than a military grade shovel. Its hardly a spade, but for the price you pay it gets the job done.
1037734
It's good enough for my sons camping troop, but honestly it's no where near a military shovel, I was a marine so I know good luck
1037735
Not sure how it compares, but I used my shovel to dig out roots from a yard in addition to taking it camping and it held up very well. I'm happy with it, even if it is considered slightly larger than normal for a camping shovel. Just make sure you tighten the threaded collar correctly which stiffens the pan and handle connection. There was a complaint here that said the shovel was loose. They didn't tighten it correctly.
1771643
The value in having this piece of equipment as a coin shooter cannot be diminished by infrequent use. It is an investment and its really up to you to decide if its worth it. if you have success using a small shovel or perforated plastic grain scoop at the beach, then maybe the price is not cost effective for you personally. I not only use this one successfully at local beaches, I also bought a long handled version at a recent prospectors expo in Fresno. The longer handle make sit easier on my 65 year old back!
990415
This is a great knife. Super smooth when deployed. It is solid, maybe even considered heavy. Great steel. For similar $$- look into the ZT 566.
1035534
Yes it is and very lightweight. Easy to handle, efficient for shoveling the snow. I've always liked aluminum shovels for shoveling snow as the snow doesn't stick/build-up on the shovel.
1309804
Much better than a Walmart machete(I've owned several of both), and a little better than any surplus machetes I've seen.In my opinion, Cold steel doesn't have the best machetes, but they're the best for the price.
1787655
No, the shovel is not heavy but it doesn't feel like a cheap plastic shovel. The handle adjusts shorter for storage and getting into tight spaces and longer for normal use. This shovel is not meant for everyday use, rather, it is designed for emergency use for your vehicle in the event you get stuck or plowed in.
2080567
I've not used a plow type shovel, so I can't compare them. But I love my snow sled. I'm 70 yrs old, and this is so awesome. You don't have to lift it. Just tilt it and the snow falls off. It also can be "sledded" up a snow bank to dump.
361310
If I remember correctly, it's in the 56-58 range. On the more practical side, I can say definitively this is tough steel with just enough flex to take some serious abuse. The edge sharpens easily but holds up well to carving, hacking, and batoning...though I would recommend using a machete or axe for such rough chores. A gentleman running a site (I believe) named Knife Tests did a destruction test on this series of Schrade and it outlasted the $300-400 Chris Reeve custom made knife the Schrades were patterned after. It finally broke when a 3-lb maul was uses to hammer the blade through a cinder block. The video may still be on YouTube, and I recommend giving it a look. That was test 7 or 8, by the way.
1202286
The blade and handle are very, very small. It would be extremely slow to use this shovel to get a car unstuck or even to clear off snow. I would not advise using it for that unless you have lots of extra time on your hands and a very high frustration tolerance. You want a standard folding shovel. By the way, I like this shovel; it fits in my jacket pocket (with room to spare), and I find it is a great size for hiking (to use for emergencies and small tasks).
1308439
The -092 handle is held on by a 1/2" aluminum ferrule at the butt end, and the handle squirms after just a few minutes of use. But the great quality of the blade is worth the price of admission. It will definitely chop down a sapling, but at 14 oz. is a little light for extended wilderness survival applications. This is more of a medium-duty weekend-camper utility bowie, and will give many years of good service in a structured setting (campground). For heavier applications, look at the MTech mt-151, which is thicker and heavier and still in the same price range. I own an extensive collection of fixed-blade knives, and can highly recommend both of these MTech knives for their price and durability.
1202290
Definitely is bro, I used it last year to dig my girls car out of the snow. The metal is good and can really take a beating if you need to break ice or anything.
738296
The blade is steel. About 1/8th inch thick. Coated with about 1/32 inch of clear epoxy.The shaft is fiberglass and the handle is plastic.The blade is strong enough to stand on with one foot to push into the ground. This is a small shovel. 2.5 fee tall. Half-sized blade. Small-duty shovel.
1492362
I think it's pretty heavy. I'm 51 but fairly weak and I do my own shoveling also. The shovel is on the heavy side but is easy to push. However, when you get to the edge to try to tip the snow off the edge of the driveway or sidewalk, it's pretty heavy. I think a snow thrower is a better option for you.
1056181
I've been carrying the same Blur almost daily for the last 5 years or so, two of which were spent on active duty in the Marine Corps and included a deployment to Afghanistan. I've beaten the heck of mine without a single issue, though it does look worse-for-wear at this point. Very solid and highly recommended as a general-purpose utility knife.
50636
The blade has ample thickness comparable to that of two silver dollars placed side by side. The blade has a very even balance despite how it might first appear, I have put mine to the test time and again and had excellent results. This machete can be used for anything from camping to the jungle and it will holdup to any test or task you may give it. I would strongly recommend this machete if you are looking for something to use all the time and need a blade that lasts. Cold Steel in general has very well made products that more often then not exceed expectation, you can't go wrong with their products. The blade has ample thickness comparable to that of two silver dollars placed side by side. The blade has a very even balance despite how it might first appear, I have put mine to the test time and again and had excellent results. This machete can be used for anything from camping to the jungle and it will holdup to any test or task you may give it. I would strongly recommend this machete if you are looking for something to use all the time and need a blade that lasts. Cold Steel in general has very well made products that more often then not exceed expectation, you can't go wrong with... » Read More The blade has ample thickness comparable to that of two silver dollars placed side by side. The blade has a very even balance despite how it might first appear, I have put mine to the test time and again and had excellent results. This machete can be used for anything from camping to the jungle and it will holdup to any test or task you may give it. I would strongly recommend this machete if you are looking for something to use all the time and need a blade that lasts. Cold Steel in general has very well made products that more often then not exceed expectation, you can't go wrong with their products. « Show Less
675897
The sword I purchased is nice quality. The blade came semi-sharp, I sharpened it and it took a nice edge. I notice no wear or loss of integrity after using it for cuts. The tang (full) is still pretty sturdy, looks well made to me. If your's is not of the same quality I would contact them about it.
1698835
It's metal. Very sturdy. If you are a smaller person (or not very strong like me), this shovel can be difficult to use. It is great for light snow. But once you start to push heavy snow, it is very difficult to push and flip the snow out of the shovel. For me, it's not that much better than a regular sized, good shovel. But that's me.