NEW Cold Steel Spetsnaz Trench Shovel (vs Special Forces Shovel)

[@jesmitty7367]

I wound up making a leather sheath for my big boy. Added a few feet of 550 and a firestarter.

[@drmaudio]

Dig yourself out of a trench, or storm one. I like it.

[@Biomass1]

Bought mine in the 90s and have used it ever since. I have targets out back for throwing it and a Cold Steel Bad-Ax and tomahawks and throwing Cold Steel throwing knives and shuriken. Bought my first Cold Steel in the 80s, a Mini Terrain Chopper in Carbon V. Still have that too. Own alot of what they have made. Carried a SRK in Carbon V during my service throughout the 90s. Still use it. Yeah, love their stuff.

[@baerleejohnson8364]

Got the original,just ordered the trench,cant freaking wait. Definitely a underrated piece of kit.

[@Tikimaninohio]

The Marbles brand shovel sheath fits it nicely and has a spot for a small sharpening stone to be stored

[@shoniquasheboon1247]

Which model sheath do I order ?

[@darthblade2016]

The Special Forces shovel is an awesome addition to any car camping kit! I mainly use it for fire pit maintenance when camping, but keep it in the car as well for an emergency tool. Thanks for the video comparison!!

[@mbuser781]

@@darthblade2016 I've used it to dig the car out of snow and on felled tree branches. Awesome tool.

[@donoberloh]

I went ahead and put an oak handle on it. Full length grain to with zero run off. Similar shape but flat on one side to index it unseen. At the same time I made a shorter handle and a longer handle also. I removed the screws and through drilled it and installed flush fit 3/16 carriage bolts with metal washers and 1/2 way countersunk knurled nuts for tool/less removal/replacement. Next... Kydex-lined full grain leather sheath with fasteners for pack or sling

[@Savage.Doomer]

I was just looking at picking one of these up yesterday.

[@hoplophile9846]

just ordered one exited!

[@Joe.dirt7909]

I was actually just looking at the Cold Steel site this week at their shovel offerings. Looking to get one for my patrol car (NC LEO). A good small shovel has so many options and uses.

[@billdanosky]

I have gardened with the shorter Spetznaz shovel for many years and say with conviction, when you're kneeling down, digging through some roots, being able to have your hands further apart is going to save your back. I'm getting that trench shovel for my yard and keeping the feldspaten in my vehicle.

[@tylerryancoleman]

I too have a gliding shovel story on that stretch of road! I was driving across it in late July towing my trusty pop up camping trailer when I hear a loud pop from my trailer followed another followed by a loss of control that put me in the sand followed by a dig out. Turns out that tiny trailer tires on 200 degree plus highway builds up a ton of friction and thus heat that can obliterate such things. Glad I had a shovel in my tool bag that day.

[@trynsurviven2440]

I’ve owned one for years and love it. I may have to get the bigger one too.

[@yannikoloff7659]

So, did you?

[@chasingthetrail9375]

Finally a review on one of these I’ve used the normal version before several times until I upgraded to the Russian titanium model. (Much lighter same performance I’ve found) but the trench model has me interested for things like kayaking, atv, trips, vehicle camping were extra weight isn’t a issue

[@chasingthetrail9375]

After seeing the side by side I think it’s definitely worth the investment to try for myself

[@raygixxer89]

I have the originals for both vehicles and the larger one. I got my nephews some and they love 'em! I haven't messed around with mine yet but I'll handle them on occasion and am satisfied with their build quality and heft. Awesome video and very informative!

[@Operationicecube]

Finally, a video review of the Trench shovel! Thank you!

[@longrider42]

Just ordered the short version, since I do a lot of back packing and mountain bike riding. I think I will put a longer handle on it. I also have a German Entrenching tool dated 1966, has the shovel blade and pick, but its heavy. That would be my car shovel, if I could drive. The blade can of course be locked into the 90 degree position, on the German E-tool. Any ways good review.

[@harvestblades]

Just stumbled across the trench shovel recently, and was intrigued. I have been a fan of the original Spetsnaz shovel since seeing military personnel kitted out with it, and then reading a magazine article about it's useful as a tool, & weapon on a AT trail thru hike. I have carried one for years, and have only used it for shovel stuff. It is very handy car camping, or short pack trips for cat holes, fire pit prep, and maintenance (moving coals, & packets of tin foil full of meat & veg), digging roots, and even as a machete for clearing some tall vegetaion, or light chopping, & splitting. Around the home it has been useful in my garden, or when cleaning/maintaining my rabbit warren. I definitely think the slightly larger head, & longer handle would allow more work to be done, or quicker, but while the added length is always nice as a weapon I could see it being a bit trickier to use as recovering from a strike could be slower. I can't see Cold Steel not supporting this with a sheath, but in the meantime a simple cardboard, & duct tape would work well, and a simple 3 piece stitched, rivetted, or even duct taped leather sheath with a leather welt would be a much better option.

[@Cz82]

as a weapon you could choke up on it but you'd lose the added force from the increased leverage of the longer handle, I think the added length could also lend itself to two handed chopping for wood or plants

[@rmsg7504]

I have 3 short cold steel shovels, they are okay. Broke one handle digging out of the snow when my vehicle got stuck. Ordered another handle online, easy to replace. Weak point is where wood connects to handle. Of course not as good as a full size construction shovel but better than nothing.

[@lancegaerte6778]

Great review scout, I’ve had the spetznaz shovel by cold steel in my Jeep for digging me out while off roading. Its been great for that purpose👍🏻

[@Cetok01]

I have both CS shovels; I've carried an original model on my pack for more than 20 years. I bought the Trench model a few months ago and have it in my "pioneer" ('engineering' tools for building shelters, etc.) kit. They're simple (no moving parts), rugged, multipurpose, practical tools. Oh, and I made a sheath for the Trench model from a plastic document folder spine and duct tape.

[@felixcat9318]

Thank you for the idea of using a plastic document folder to make a sheath, I'll look out for one. I couldn't agree more with what you said about adding it to your Pioneer Kit, its immensely more capable than its compact companion.

[@jfilm7466]

Good idea

[@felixcat9318]

My Special Forces Shovel has just been delivered and its a very impressive piece of kit! Over engineered is the phrase that springs to mind, its very good quality and well worth buying. Neat touches like the handle tube being welded and a wider handle diameter than the handle tube to give greater digging force and to relieve stress on the screws are nice. I'm so impressed with this one that I think the larger version will definitely be worth a look. Edited to say that I've now ordered the Spetznaz Trench Shovel to complete the Cold Steel duo. It will be interesting to see how they compare to the Fisksrs/Gerber NATO Shovel which I also have. Its a funny thing, but as soon as I held the Special Forces Shovel I could feel what the fuss was all about, it just immediately felt 'right'.

[@ApocGuy]

have spec forces shovel) for years now, absolutely LOVE it. did fit longer handle on it, now i can use it as emergency paddle for my packraft too.imho one of better e-tools on market.

[@jfilm7466]

You can walk around with a shovel on a pack without raising the same sort of eyebrows as an axe or machete

[@Revsut]

Does the handle from the Special Forces shovel fit the bigger one? Been looking around and it seems the little one is being discontinued. Like the idea of the shorter handle but the larger shovel head would be a plus.

[@wfgit3380]

Does anyone know if the trench shovel handle will fit on the smaller shove?

[@bobwampler3387]

Great review! I have the smaller one. Also I’ve been to Windover a couple of times. Interesting town with interesting WWII history.

[@ToddTheGunGuy]

Nice little shovels. Always need one, thx for sharing🤙

[@williamhardy7977]

Solid content. Thank you for the comparison.

[@adamoneill2660]

found this really useful, so thank you. decided to go with the larger shovel off the back of this review. I agree tho, need to find a good cover for it.

[@raphlvlogs271]

The best option would be a combination/ hybrid of those 2.

[@DamionJR4923]

Those shovels are great for landscaping. Real sharp for hard dirt.

[@KOAnonymously]

Use the floor mats in the car or if you have a longer rug or mat put it in front of the tires and that should pull you free also letting air out of the tires helps too. If you need to get out of mud or sand.

[@wheatlandsoul]

I keep an old Army folding shovel in my vehicle. So useful for digging catholes, putting out your campfire...but you will wear yourself OUT digging your car out of sand or snow with one of those little shovels. Still, way better than nothing.

[@happykal11]

I don’t need another shovel. I own the spetznaz shovel. Ok I’ll just look up the price…for research purposes.

[@eadghe]

Coming up next: The Cold Steel special foces rake.

[@ApocGuy]

nah, that would be fiskars motto :P

[@Soli_Deo_Gloria_.]

😆

[@ArcticGator]

I wonder if the handles are interchangeable.

[@darrellbaxley9315]

Wondering that myself.

[@TheLateBoyScout]

I'm 90% certain they are, but I'll take a closer look later and confirm it.

[@harvestblades]

.@@TheLateBoyScout It sure looks like it. My son made a 4' handle for our original shovel after snapping the several year old original handle, and being able to quickly fabricate, & install a long handle is very handy. I recommend for a vehicle kit having the short handle on, & a pre fit 3'-4' (trunk or cab length) handle ready to go. the small spade size with a long handle is great for clearing out a high centered vehicle, or even as a bit of a poll axe. for instance getting some fruit out of a tree without having to climb.

[@TheLateBoyScout]

I just examined them more closely. The two handles are definitely interchangeable. The large one can go on the small blade, and the small one can go on the large blade.

[@ArcticGator]

@@TheLateBoyScout nice that could make for some interesting flexibility for different tasks, at 5'7" i do get that a shorter handle gives you a bit more working room in front of you, i use my original one for metal detecting, need to get a new handle though as mine was cracked from throwing lol

[@ARAW-__-]

Love my SF shovel. Would like to try out that trench one. I upgraded the handle, video is on my channel

[@spectermad9180]

Yep I wish I would seen the bigger Shovel because I just paid for one and it get Tomorrow from Amazon... BUT not to worry you can just put a longer Handle on the Shovel...thats Is what I am going to Do

[@johnwizeman3894]

They're great for yard work too.

[@hawkknight4223]

Excellent video! I’ve had two of the spec ops shovels for a long time. And I absolutely love them. But I really want to get one of those trench shovels! By the way there’s a few people making Kydex scabbards for it now.

[@piningbuck]

Why not just make different handles for one? Is there a difference in the concave to either shovel?

[@mikethomas5412]

I just cut the handle down on a standard shovel for a car/truck tool. I do like the lg Cold Steel for a pack.

[@mpolito]

Thanks for the Vid. I need a shovel in my car/ camping with my honey kit.

[@ditch1776]

I'd been looking at these for a while. Checking Amazon this afternoon the were on sale the Big one was half off. It's going to replace the cheap shovel my daughter lost somehow ••• It's going to live on my roof rack in the 4x4.

[@homeyv]

People arent looking for shovels? this tiny shovel is an axe, a weapon, something to eat on, something to cook on, what else do you want from a tool?

[@NicholasWolfwood-md7vm]

I have the folding chinese special forces shovel and its awesome.

[@stevewalcott9546]

Nice review! I like how either shovel doubles as a deadly weapon. I’d hate to be struck by one of those!

[@Iknowonlywhatimtaught]

I have a cold steel SF shovel. I also have the Swedish shovel. If I am hard pressed for space weight I carry the cold steel. If weight is not a big deal I will take the Swedish shovel all day long. It has a larger head on the Swedish shovel. It heavier, yes! But this weight works for the task not against you. You throw down this shovel in soil it digs down deep and you can really haul dirt in a hurry.

[@dudley5658]

Love cold steel products including their shovels. My only complaint is why did they roll the step backwards? If rolled to the front it helps hold material and doesn’t grab the ground when digging. Makes no sense.

[@shadowstalker130666]

I think i might get myself one for in my blazer. Good vehicle shovel size, and can do some light chopping work. Do carry a boys axe as well.

[@dvonehrlich]

I dig it.

[@donoberloh]

Has anyone else wondered what type of “hardwood” the handle is said to made of? As a carpenter and furniture maker since 1980 I know what hickory looks, smells and works like. When using a draw knive rasp and hand sanding the handle to fit my grip i was appalled by how soft the wood was. No hickory grain, color, weight, Or smell. would bet my bottom dollar that my handle is a soft wood. About the same softwood that factory AKs from Russia came with.

[@beltfedTODDRULZ]

Agreed it's not looking like hickory, my son throws it like " if it breaks Dad will fix it"...... I wrapped it with 2 layers of fiberglass cloth and resin after he threw it so hard that it split long ways and stuck handle first into a 2x4 block endgrain target!

[@donoberloh]

Good son ya got there. If he can’t break it, Keep it!

[@wiktorgrotek9540]

Great review 👍

[@alzathoth]

its been 4 years since this video. has cold steel made a sheath for the speznaz yet?

[@gunfighterzero]

Thanks great review

[@1530786]

Is the smaller E tool made in the USA?

[@qdivision4120]

The world is pretty weird right now. Exactly!! Nice review. I think I will get both.👍

[@rhysmcclune904]

Omg I wanted the shorter one I didn’t realise there were 2 I thought it just looked way smaller

[@bunyan6101]

I want to put the trench shivers handle on the original shovel. Best of both worlds.

[@tabithadebolt1708]

Hey, Cold Steel your bigger shovel needs a sheath. I like the small one,I have two, hope you are still making the small one.

[@666toysoldier]

I paid $2 for a cosmetically-challenged Cold Steel shovel at a yard sale. Cleaned and sharpened it and put it in my pickup. For hard, stony soil, the WWII U.S. pick/mattock entrenching tool is superior. As for throwing it, sure, it's easy to do, but why would you throw away your weapon? You're not likely to hit with it.

[@alexcox5064]

Whats that optics planet mat called?

[@MisterTengu]

But can you make an AK out of it? .... Brandon!

[@harvestblades]

better then the 3D printed Plastikov. "Does it AK?" -AKGuy

[@Luigi110067]

I can’t find a sheath that fits

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Neither can I.

[@guycalgary7800]

I highly recommend carrying two full size shovels in your vehicle, one should be an aluminum scoop shovel for snow , and the other a full spade shovel with pointed end.

[@felixcat9318]

I agree, in a vehicle there's no need to compromise on size and the full size tools will be a huge improvement over much smaller ones. Doing greater amounts of work, faster and without fatigue are three of the major benefits of the full size tools. Whilst these Cold Steel shovels are excellent tools, they're not intended as replacements for full size tools.

[@tom_olofsson]

I like shovel videos.

[@machinistmikethetinkerer4827]

Got one coming from Amazon, Cold Steel is out of stock. Still waiting for them to offer a sheath. I think they made a mistake not having the blades the same with just one sheath for both IMHO. They could've made the name a little different too because it adds to the confusion about the sheath. Again, just my opinion, nothing more. I am going to do the cardboard/ductape trick somebody mentioned here.

[@fookyff]

Are the handles interchangeable?

[@TheLateBoyScout]

it appears so, yes.

[@kova1577]

Nice to know I shouldn’t waste the extra money on the longer one since I’m about his height aswell

[@mozzberg590]

At that size, your better off with a real compact spade shovel.

[@FT4Freedom]

Yah. I love that Trench. But the Spetz is for my backpack. Spetz is my first purchase.

[@Larry-gs8gb]

If you just want a decent ,small shovel to carry in your car ; you can buy one at the local hardware store for about ten bucks. I have carried one in my car for years ,they work great .

[@baroneroberto3400]

stupidest comment in history of SM....

[@FT4Freedom]

I own the baby. But the handle design should not have a sharp shelf at the union. Smooth transition relieves the strain on the wood. Anyone who knows how to make an axe handle will understand. There is plenty of hickory there to shave it down. And full saturation will warm BLO will make the hickory much more resilient. Dry handles are not handles.

[@Joe.dirt7909]

Trench Shovel.....aka....Serial Killer Shovel 😎

[@danielcaballito4992]

Greetings, I see that you have a great soccer player and ax thrower!

[@rkeller1ify]

Interesting to think that as a “defensive device” several WWI American Soldiers won the Medal of Honor using only a entrenching tool inside a trenching clearing scenario.

[@escapetherace1943]

the smaller special forces one is all you need to dig cat holes and split some wood. The larger one would excel for those same things if all you do is car camp, but so would any similarly sized smaller d shovel

[@reallyhappenings5597]

We still need a sheath for the long one

[@yuriy641]

Спасибо за обзор - но я правда ни слова не понял))) Просто хотел увидеть лопату побольше в сравнении с малой. Ну хоть так))

[@PandA-yx5ne]

They should offer the original with the extended handle. The longer head creates its own separate problems

[@Big_D4ddy_V]

@@PandA-yx5ne how does a slightly bigger head create more problems

[@mklein5179]

I kept thinking, don’t get your clothes dirty. I’m old

[@harvestblades]

I'm 42 w/ 9 kids, and thought the same thing, and qualified it with "well at least he is on dirt so there won't be grass stains."

[@hekpacobctac616]

One of them is a backpack one. The other one is car one

[@johnmaher6327]

Lot of cannibals in Nevada salt flats? I wuld be careful there.

[@cassanoa]

why mess with perfection - its length was chosen for a reason

[@duanemiles1558]

How do you spell, "Great Video"?

[@Robertlynschultz]

Oh... Wendover, NV the enterance to the Great Basin N.P. I live in Elko NV... if you ever get the far West, let me know and I will buy you a cup of coffee. Cheers!

[@petemitchell6788]

That shovel has about 15 minutes of light use on it.

[@evillabrador1]

Keep it in a sandbag to protect your gear.

[@akadog6319]

I have something called a sharp shooter shovel. Great shovel to take camping in your truck, because I would never carry a shovel on my pack

[@slowtaknow]

I use the trench shovel (long) more than the special forces (short)

[@vermas4654]

the speznas shovel made in taiwan. great

[@yannikoloff7659]

You do need a bigger shovel for your car, than a MPL50.

[@bdwillis8284]

35% more diggyness!

[@bdwillis8284]

Hey is the area code 180?

[@bdwillis8284]

Trying to reply, my phone says "invalid area code"?

[@new2survival]

Me likey, just bought an Ontario rat 7 with a custom kydex sheath but what the wife doesn't know can't hurt me

[@some____qone8579]

u gotta learn that kid how to dig srsly man

[@billdanosky]

For safety's sake, you should be kneeling when using this or especially a hatchet. People cut themselves all the time breaking this rule.

[@trollmcclure1884]

get him some proper boots. It's uneasy to watch him use it as a scraper 😀

[@hbrownrigg2896]

Health Warning: A throwing error could easily kill your neighbour with the setup you have. Never throw near a boundary with low walls or fences.

[@rhysmcclune904]

I just put gorilla-tape over the sharp edge

[@johnmutton799]

The bigger one is the better tool.