M48 Kommando Tactical Shovel Entrenchment Tool – Black Oxide Coating, Sharpened Edges for Cutting, Tough Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Nylon Handle – The Ultimate Tactical Shovel - 16 1/4" Overall

Many who purchase a shovel like this are survivalists or preppers. I'm only a survivalist as much as it overlaps with being a backpacker and ourdoorsmans at heart. I purchased this because I was looking for a compact, well built camp shovel that was lighter than my cheap-o fold up camp shovel. The first thing you'll notice about this shovel is that it's sharp. Dull knife blade sharp, in fact. It will cut and stab things with ease out of the box, and I'm told you can use it as an effective throwing weapon as well. I wouldn't doubt it, so if that kind of multipurpose use is your thing, go for it. As for my own purposes, well... it digs well. It's very solidly made too; you won't find the handle rattling around on you while you're hiking or digging. The metal of the shovel itself is also pretty solid, especially when compared to my old shovel. It also has reinforced flanges for planting your foot on, if you need to. I've heard a few people say that it's pretty heavy, but I'd personally disagree. This is around four times lighter than my old shovel. You might notice it if you're an ultralight backpacker, but I don't much mind the extra weight. Besides, if I get attacked by a bear, I can dig it to death with this thing, no problem. Five stars, because it does everything I want it to do, and more, and can be had at fantastic sales if you catch it at the right time.

I wish it was a tad bigger. Besides that, this thing is SOLID and digs like a champ. It has a sharp, sort of spear point that digs into the dirt incredibly well. It's spines on the face of the blade keep it from bending. The foot plates are sturdy so your shoe or foot won't get cut or hurt. The handle is ergonomic. The metal from the blade goes down half the handle. I really believe this thing will NEVER break. I do think the two concave portions is a bit much and I might rather prefer more shovel surface. The sheath is adequate with stitched belt looks but the velcro on the front might predictably wear out over time. All said, this is a GREAT backpacking shovel/spade on the smaller side that could effectively be used as a chopper and/or a defensive weapon that I would pick over my other collapsible e-tools any day.

If your looking at this review, buy the shovel! I'm putting together a few BOBs and came across this product. Got it in the mail and was pleasantly surprised upon opening the box. Nice weight and solid construction. The shovel can be used as a weapon of opportunity or a campsite digger. I would not use it to dig a trench but it is good for a quick foxhole or field sanitation hole. The sheath that it comes with is good and can be worn on a belt or strapped to a backpack. Buy one and you will want two.

I an a plumber and sometimes have to dig in crawl spaces and other cramped spaces. It is compact and indestructible. I bought my first one many years ago, I think over 5 years it is still going strong but I got tired of using it for my personal use and forgetting to put it back in the truck so I got another one.

This is a jack-of-all-trades kind of tool. It doesn't really do the individual camp jobs of a camp shovel efficientlybut with effort it will do. It is a camp multi-tool which shines in saving space and weight. Also I believe it would excel at being an emergency, close-range weapon. Not claiming to be a battle tested warrior but I study the tool of violence with the hope I never have to use it to protct me and mine. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to travel light.

To be honest, I was expecting some "made in China" piece of junk. No offense to China, but most American companies now use China to produce really "cheap, JUNK" to sell to us Americans because they think we put price over quality, like the corporate leaders do... They are so WRONG. While I don't really care where this product was manufactured, it is of a good quality and I knew this the instant I picked up the box it came in. It had some weight to it!!! A huge grin came upon my face, even before I opened the box. Once open, my first impression was "WOW"! Will I be able to dig ditches? Hell NO! But then why would I want to with tis tool! Can it save my life? Hell yes! This can be used to shovel snow to free my vehicle; this can dig a small hole really fast to do numerous things like create a hidden camp fire; it can dig a small hole for me to actually hide in and get out of "fire" if need be; it can be used to "fight" off a predator, be it another human or an animal that sees me as "food". It can dig a "latrine" really fast to keep your presents "your business". The list of things it can do is limitless. The picture makes it look like a toy but trust me, it's not a toy.

Designed to be cool while really useful, my first impressions is it is not going to get a whole lot of normal dirt in a small amount of time. This thing is hardcore, made for tougher situations. the only thing I can think this thing could not do in a survival situation is crush big rocks (not sure why I am thinking about that. It does not have enough metal to create trauma in a rock. Though I could be wrong, it just would probably would be the worst way to use this device. heck, use the bottom of the handle to use in a motor and pestle. In other words... THIS THING IS FREAKIN AWESOME! Just do me a favor, and dont give this to a child. With great power comes great responsibility.

For a small little shovel, this sure packs a big punch. It has pretty sharp edges to tear through the dirt, I live in New Mexico and this did a good job getting through the hard pack dirt and into the clay. The edges are sharp but if you're looking for something to do real chopping get an Estwing E24A hatchet which should be a must have in any prepper's bag. Same for the "saw" on the shovel as well, you're really not going to saw through anything. On the plus side this is a solid tool that far surpasses most other folding/mini shovels on the market. It isn't all that heavy so you could easily add it to your backpack for a camping/hiking trip. If you do any real off roading you should have this tool in the back of your Jeep or truck. Well worth the money if you can catch it on sale. I have no regrets from my purchase.