What is a Survival Shovel?

What is a survival shovel?

A survival shovel is a survival tool. It can be used to dig, build shelter, and even to signal for help in an emergency situation. The survival shovel has been around since the early 1800s and was originally designed in Sweden as a compact shovel. When it comes to survival tools, there are many different types of survival knives and survival kits that you may want to consider as well!

What is a Survival shovel used for?

Best survival shovels are lightweight, easy-to-pack tools that come with many essential items needed in a survival crisis along with your bug-out bag.

These shovels usually weigh 1.5–4 kg and fold up into a 6′′ x 6′′ storage bag. These shovels are helpful for various activities, including backpacking, camping, RVing, emergency automobile shovels, hunting, fishing, gardening, four-wheelings, and even self-defense. These shovels are ideal to have in your pack if you're going to be out in the woods using their serrated edge. Magnesium sticks (fire starters), knives, saws, whistles, and bottle openers are the most frequent tools found on a survival shovel.

Occasionally, you'll come across screwdrivers, paracord, pickaxes, wire cutters, and another ultimate survival tool. One of the most beneficial aspects of a tactical shovel is that the heads often change to allow you to shovel traditionally, turn the head down like a hoe, and trench with it.

High carbon steel is stronger and more durable than stainless steel, is typically used for the shovel's head. However, stainless cold steel or anodized aluminum are commonly used for tools like knives.

Who makes the Best Tactical Shovel?

  • Folding Shovel SOG

This SOG folding shovel has a military-style design. The main difference between this and the military version is that this one is 1.5 pounds lighter. As a result, this is a significantly lighter solution for transport. SOG also guarantees their products and will repair or replace them if anything goes wrong with them.

High carbon steel is stronger and more durable than stainless steel, is typically used for the shovel's head. However, stainless steel or anodized aluminum are commonly used for tools like knives.

  • The KONNEX ET15 Survival Shovel by EVATAC™

This heavy-duty 15 in 1 multi survival tool includes Tactical shovel, Axe, Saw, 2 x Hex, Bottle Opener, Can Opener, Hoe, Blade, Mini Saw, Magnesium Fire Starter Rod, 120db Emergency Whistle, Compass, Flat Head, Screwdriver, Philips Head Screwdriver, 440 Stainless Steel Shovel Head and Aircraft Grade aluminum shaft, and fittings. Also included is a carry case so you can keep everything together. Customers are using the KONNEX ET15 as the best survival shovel tool when hiking, camping, moto-bike/quad-bike riding, 4 wheel driving, and just about every other outdoor adventure you can think of. It's an extremely versatile tool that you'll want on you all the time.

How much does a Survival Shovel Cost?

Depending on how you intend to use it and plan to get it there, you’ll likely have wildly different needs. So we decided to look at high-quality ultralight and foldable shovels as well as larger models.

Survival Shovels start at $199-$299 also depends on the brand and size of the shovels based from survival shovel reviews.

Is a Shovel Important for Survival as a multi-tool?

Different survival shovels come with a wide range of features. Some can be broken down into various tools, while others are compact military-style shovels that fold up. Both versions, we believe, fit the criteria for multi-tools. The versatility of a shovel is similar to that of an ax in that it may be used in various ways. Even the most straightforward entrenching tools can be used to dig a hole, clear ash, and assist in constructing a wilderness shelter. That's a lot of power packed into a single tool.

Can a Shovel be used as a weapon?

One of the most crucial questions to consider before purchasing a survival shovel is how you want to utilize it. They're fantastic tiny tools, but they're not designed for heavy-duty digging. Without question, if you're performing serious yard work or clearing land, you'll need a full-size shovel. Survival shovels are ideal for keeping in emergency kits or taking on camping or hiking trips. They can be used to hammer in tent posts, dig out a fire pit, or dig for clams while camping. Earth can also be used to put out a fire, chop through tiny limbs, and aid in the removal of stuck tires. They're also necessary when following the rules of leaving no trace in the country.

What is the Material of a Survival Shovel?

You have several material alternatives with survival shovels. First, there are various surplus Soviet and Warsaw Pact military entrenching gear available if you want to go old school. Typically, these are wood-handled shovels that fold into themselves or are tiny enough to carry easily. From there, you have a plethora of options. Many of them have an anodized aluminum or wood handle and an aluminum or stainless steel blade. Quality camping and survival shovels with plastic handles are also available. A combination of the two is your most excellent option for long-term success. Stainless steel is a hefty metal that is only used for the shovel blade. 

How to carry a Tactical Shovel?

Survival shovels must be tiny and light enough to be easily carried. We understand that most survival shovels will be kept in a car or a box of emergency goods. It's still critical to be able to pack and unpack your shovel. The gold standard for this is folding shovels. They allow you to swiftly extend and fold your shovel to a reasonable length. Get a shovel that weighs less than 3-3.5 pounds. In a properly organized pack, that's enough to carry without too much strain. If your shovel comes with a carrying pouch, that's even better.

Is it worth it to buy a Tactical Shovel for Survival?

Anything is worthwhile if you intend to use it or if it serves a purpose. It is never worthwhile to have something like a survival shovel, even if you buy one. When purchasing a survival shovel for SHTF conditions, keep the points mentioned above in mind.

Conclusion

As you can see from the list above, the survival shovel market offers a wide range of excellent options. Choosing the most refined survival shovel comes down to how much money you want to spend, how you want to use it, and how you want to carry it.

You want it to be as helpful as feasible for the task at hand while also being portable and easy to store. So you don't end up with a lemon of a survival shovel, constantly evaluate the materials and design aspects.


You may also like