Long before there were any devices specifically made for survivalists, Live Free members recognized the need for some kind of digging tool in the survival pack. A shovel would be needed to dig fire pits, drainage trenches around our tents, and dispose of waste. We might even need to dig shelters from weapons fire, nuclear blasts, and fallout. Back in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, surplus “Army Shovels” were plentiful, but too heavy for carrying any distance. They were excellent digging tools but were meant to be carried and used by healthy young soldiers for short distances to the front lines. After World War Two, every child in my neighborhood had one, and we trenched and tunneled every vacant lot we could find. We early survivalists started adopting garden trowels to put into our packs as BTN (better than nothing) digging tools. In the 1980’s, The Vietnam-era military folding shovels that came out were lighter and more compact than the old army shovels, and could be carried further, but were not designed for civilian survival applications.
Recently, a wide variety of so-called “survival shovels” have come onto the market. These shovels range from basic folding shovels for about $15.00 to the complex GRAMFIRE™ ones for over $200.00. Survival shovels* are defined as relatively compact, while having multiple functions, such as ax blades, saw blades, hooks, and wrenches. Like many items designed to do more than one thing, they are never quite as good as just a shovel, just a knife, just a saw, et cetera; however, they are useful for their multi-functionality.
The 15-in-1 Multi-Function, Folding Shovel from Stealth Angel™ sells for a very reasonable $34.95. The shovel blade is very heavy-duty and includes a saw blade, sharp ax-knife blade, hook, and two hexagonal wrench cut-outs. One handle segment contains a small knife, fork, and saw blade, and another segment contains a Philips and blade screwdriver. There is also a glass breaker point and a compass in the handle. A magnesium fire starter comes attached to the carrying strap and case. The whole thing fits into a 9” x 6” x 2” cloth carrying case that weighs about two pounds. When all four segments are fully assembled, you have a strong 30-inch-long shovel tool. The heavyweight handle and sharpened spade also make for a formidable weapon and effective rescue tool. There is a bit of room left in the handle for a few extra items. I don’t advocate this for a primary survival pack item since you should already have a multi-tool, knife, fire starter and other tools with you, and there are lighter, smaller shovels available. It is ideal for carrying in a vehicle, keeping at your jobsite, or in a cache where you might need all of these functions.
Fully assembled shovel with carrying case.
Four components on carrying case. Note the compass, glass breaker and fire starter.
* I covered a variety of survival shovels in chapter five of The Ultimate Book of Survival Gear. Published by Skyhorse Publishing.
