Entrenching Tool: A Compact Folding Shovel for Survival
Do you have an entrenching tool? Do you even know what exactly that is? Because if you don’t have one… YOU SHOULD.
In instances of camping or survival scenarios, there may be times when excavation becomes necessary. We have experienced such circumstances, and an entrenching tool came in handy. Essentially, it’s a small, collapsible shovel that can make a significant difference.
In this article, we will dive deeper and explore all the beneficial aspects of an entrenching tool and the reasons it may become your essential equipment.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Entrenching tools started as simple digging items and became key for soldiers in wars. They evolved from trowel bayonets to foldable shovels.
- Modern entrenching tools are small, strong, and can do many jobs like dig, cut, or saw. They are made from tough materials like high carbon steel.
- People use these tools in the army, camping, or in emergencies because they’re easy to carry and work well for many tasks.
- Some popular models include the SOG Entrenching Tool, which folds up and is light to carry around easily.
- When picking an entrenching tool, look at how strong it is, what it can do besides digging, how heavy it is, and if you can take it with you easily.
Historical Evolution of Entrenching Tools (E-Tools)
Entrenching tools have a rich history evolving alongside warfare and survival needs. They’ve adapted from simple trowel bayonets to more versatile designs during World War I and II, enhancing their utility for soldiers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
The entrenching tool’s historical evolution reflects the constant innovation to meet the demands of both military tactics and civilian needs, ultimately leading to the modern compact folding shovels we rely on today for various tasks.
1. Trowel Bayonet
The U.S. Army made something cool in 1870. They mixed a tool and a weapon together. This was the trowel bayonet. It could dig and fight. Then, they made more with the Model 1873 Trowel bayonet.
To be precise… they made 10,000 of them.
We find this mix of tools smart for survival. You can cut and dig with one thing in your hand. People back then knew how to make tools work hard. This shows us how tools have always been key for staying safe and ready out there.
2. World War I Developments
World War I changed how soldiers fought. Trench warfare made digging tools a must. British soldiers got a new tool then. It had two parts: a metal head and a wooden handle. This made it easy to carry and use for different jobs like digging trenches or cutting wood.
The Model 1910 entrenching tool was another big step. Soldiers carried it on their backs, ready to dig in when needed. It showed just how important these tools became in battle, not just for fighting but for survival, too.
We keep this history in mind as we pick the best entrenching tools today.
3. World War II Folding Designs
The German Klappspaten, a foldable spade, came out in 1938. It made things much easier for soldiers. They could carry it without trouble. This design had a big impact on future ones.
The U.S. made its own version in 1943. It was also easy to carry and use.
The British weren’t left behind. They introduced the 1937 Pattern entrenching tool with a bayonet lug. This meant the tool could serve more than one purpose on the battlefield — very handy for soldiers.
Modern Uses of Collapsible Entrenching Tools
Entrenching tools have become essential for various modern uses. They are extensively utilized in professional settings, outdoor activities, and even for everyday carry due to their versatility and compactness.
1. Professional Use
Entrenching tools have been widely adopted for professional use by the military. The U.S. Army’s entrenching tool, developing throughout history, forms a crucial part of an infantryman’s gear.
These tools are crafted to help in creating fortifications and trenches swiftly during combat scenarios, aiding in the strategic maneuvers required for close combat situations.
Similarly, folding entrenching tools such as the German Klappspaten have become indispensable for various operational tactics undertaken by military personnel.
Modern multifunctional entrenching tools like the Russian MPL-50 play a pivotal role in providing versatile capabilities for professional use across different tactical operations, including digging latrines and creating defenses and fortifications.
This adaptability highlights their essentialness within professional spheres, offering strong support to individuals navigating complex terrains.
Moreover, given their compact nature and multifunctionality, which includes acting as a shovel or pick, these entrenching tools provide essential assistance to professionals working within outdoor environments — from emergency response teams dealing with natural disasters to forestry workers and miners requiring efficient excavation capabilities.
2. Outdoor Life
In outdoor life, having the right entrenching tool is crucial. The Glock Feldspaten, for example, weighs 650 grams and extends to 630 mm. It comes with a hardened metal spade blade with three locking positions and a fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle that includes a 175 mm saw blade.
When trekking or camping, this compact tool can assist in digging trenches, cutting through snow or dirt, and even being used as a pick when needed. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry in your backpack or store it in your car trunk.
With its multifunctional capabilities and durable construction made from high carbon steel, modern entrenching tools like the Glock Feldspaten are essential survival gear for outdoor enthusiasts seeking more than just a typical shovel or pickaxe.
3. Daily Carry
Entrenching tools like the SOG Entrenching Tool are practical for daily carry. It’s lightweight, weighing only 23.00 ounces, and its compact, foldable design makes it easy to keep close at hand.
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Preppers and survivalists can rely on its durability and multifunctionality in everyday situations.
When choosing an entrenching tool for daily carry, it’s important to consider portability and weight. The SOG Entrenching Tool offers a great experience as it is easy to use and sturdy enough for various purposes while being easily carried wherever you go.
Features of Modern Entrenching Tools
Modern entrenching tools are designed to be highly portable, durable, and versatile, offering functionalities like a shovel, pick, and saw in compact designs. Let’s dive into some of the entrenching tool uses and help you choose the right one for your needs.
1. Foldability and Compactness
The entrenching tool we’re talking about is super compact. It’s designed in a tri-fold manner, making it way less bulky compared to other shovels out there. When folded, it turns into a compact powerhouse that can go with you anywhere.
They also weigh next to nothing, which means you can easily carry them around wherever you go without feeling weighed down — perfect for when portability is key during your outdoor adventures!
2. Durability with High Carbon Steel
High-carbon steel adds strength to the entrenching tool. It helps it handle tough situations better. This robust material makes sure the tool works effectively in extreme conditions, boosting its reliability and longevity.
3. Multi-Functionality (e.g., Shovel, Pick, Saw)
Then you have things like the Boundary Emergency Survival Compact Folding Shovel/Pick/Saw Multi-Tool, which excels as a versatile 3-in-1 tool for preppers and survivalists. Here’s how they excel in multi-functionality:
- The shovel function allows for excavation, relocating dirt or snow, and organizing supplies.
- With the pick-axe, you can effectively break and extract through resilient surfaces or fortified trenches.
- The saw edge is crafted to trim small branches and assist in strengthening shelters or bug out locations.
By integrating these functions into one robust tool, you streamline your gear loadout while improving your adaptability in various survival scenarios.
Top Rated Entrenching Tools on the Market
Looking for the top-rated entrenching tools on the market? Check out our expert picks for reliable, multifunctional options that will be indispensable in any survival situation.
These compact and durable tools are designed to handle a variety of tasks with ease, making them essential for preppers and survivalists alike.
1. SOG Entrenching Tool
The SOG Entrenching Tool is a heavy duty, steel construction 18.25-inch folding survival shovel that weighs 24.5 ounces and folds to about 10 inches. It’s both a great shovel as well as a usable saw edge for cutting.
Personally, this is the entrenching tool that I purchased and own. I keep it in my car with my get home bag. It also comes in handy in the snow if you need to do some quick shoveling to get out of some deep snow where you’re stuck. The SOG Entrenching Tool is super simple to use and even easier to store in a bag or vehicle.
2. RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel
The RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel weighs only 2 pounds, making it easy to carry. It’s made from heavy-duty carbon steel with a black powder-coated finish for durability.
This entrenching tool is available in multiple colors, including green, black, red, blue, and orange.
This folding survival shovel offers multifunctionality as it can be used as a shovel, pick, or saw due to its serrated edge and sharp blade. Its compact design makes it convenient for backpacking and camping trips while being strong enough to handle tasks like digging trenches or cutting through tough materials.
3. Genuine Surplus Military Issue Entrenching Tool
The Genuine Military Issue Entrenching Tool is a compact folding shovel tailored for survival situations.
This all-steel construction military style tool features a sharpened shovel head, triangular handle, saw blade, and serrated blade for cutting and slashing — making this military entrenching shovel an essential addition to any prepper or survivalist’s gear.
Choosing the Right Entrenching Tool (E-Tool)
When choosing the right entrenching tool, consider its material and build quality. Evaluate its multifunctional capabilities and consider its portability and weight for your needs.
1. Assessing the Material and Build Quality
When choosing an entrenching tool, it’s important to guarantee the material and build quality are robust and durable. Opt for carbon steel for the shovel head, as it provides high durability.
In addition, give preference to strong materials such as nylon or metal for the handle to withstand heavy use. Regular upkeep, like cleaning and oiling, is crucial to extend the shovel’s lifespan.
These standards are pivotal to guaranteeing that your entrenching tool can withstand rigorous use in various survival situations, rendering it a dependable asset during emergencies.
2. Evaluating Multi-Functional Capabilities
When choosing an entrenching tool, it’s important to evaluate its multi-functional capabilities. Look for features like a serrated edge for sawing and trenching capability. Also, consider whether the survival shovel can dig, chop, and open bottles.
By assessing these multifunctional capabilities in a survival shovel, preppers and survivalists can ensure they have a versatile tool that meets their diverse needs in various outdoor or emergency situations.
3. Considering Portability and Weight
When selecting an entrenching tool, we need to think about its portability and weight. Here are the aspects to consider:
- Size: The tool should be small enough to fit comfortably into a bug out bag or emergency kit without adding unnecessary weight.
- Mass: We require a tool that is light, preferably around 1.5 pounds, to guarantee it’s simple to carry for outdoor activities or in survival situations.
- Flexibility: Search for a tool that can fulfill numerous purposes (e.g., shovel, pick, saw) while remaining light for ease of use.
- Strength: Despite its lightness, the tool should be constructed from heavy-duty materials such as high-carbon steel for reliability in demanding situations.
- Mobility: Assess how easy it is to carry the entrenching tool — whether it has a sheath for portability or if it can be attached to gear for quick access.
Keep these points in mind when choosing an entrenching tool to make sure you have a versatile and portable option in your survival kit or outdoor gear collection.
Get Yourself an Entrenching Tool or Folding Shovel for Your Preps
The entrenching tool is a compact folding shovel for survival and holds a rich historical significance, dating back to ancient Roman legions and evolving into modern collapsible designs.
These tools are not just for military use but also cater to outdoor enthusiasts, offering versatility in fieldwork. The top-rated entrenching tools like the SOG Entrenching Tool and RHINO USA Folding Survival Shovel showcase durability with high carbon steel and multi-functionality.
When choosing an entrenching tool, consider factors such as material quality, multifunctional capabilities, portability, and weight. This essential tool serves purposes beyond digging trenches; it can be utilized for cutting and even as a weapon in survival situations.
With its foldability and sturdy construction, the entrenching tool is an indispensable companion for preppers and survivalists alike.
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