Cold SteelSpetsnaz Tactical Camp Shovel Tool for Camping, Survival and Outdoors

Outstanding and incredibly practical is what this tool is. I bought this for my son as a filler Christmas present as I figured he could use this on our many adventures into the woods. He's 11 and loves anything to do with hiking, survival skills, bush crafting, etc. Little did I know this tool would be so wonderful and useful, we would practically argue over who was going to use it next on our outings. I have been kicking myself in the butt ever since for not buying several of these when they were 15.55 each a few weeks before Christmas. They now seem to be running mid 20's to 30 bucks each. I'll be closely watching for the price to drop so I can get a couple more.I wont bore you with the specs as they can easily be found online, I'll just let you know how it arrived and how it is holding up so far. So the steel is pretty heavy gauge and the coating on it is incredibly tough. We are doing tons of digging, chopping, and some trail clearing as we encounter things in the way on our paths. Our shovel arrived extremely sharp. So much so that I had to caution my son about taking it from the sheath inside the house for fear of damaging floors. It was this sharp on all four angles of the shovel. Grind was sharp and even on both sides and all the way around. The handle fits tightly inside the socket head and secures with two large Phillips head wood screws that seemed to be finished in the same tough coating as the shovel head. It is slightly heavy, but this aids greatly in chopping, digging, using as a hoe/rake, and pounding stakes into the ground like a hammer. It is also curved over on the back edge like a regular shovel so you can stomp your boot against it if you need to drive it into the ground more firmly.Slicing.While this is not a substitute for a machete, errant vines, bushes, and thorn bushes were no match for this very sharp edge. Also goes right through palmetto stems which are common in the area we travel.Chopping.This is not a machete or an axe.......but you damn sure wouldn't know it by the way it cuts!!!! I really wanted to overuse this thing to see if it would fail from harsh use. I figured at this low price, I'll bend it up a bit and really loosen up the handle in the socket (I bought an extra handle) and scrape off every bit of the finish on it. Haaaa!!!! Cold steel had the last laugh!!! I am not recommending this as an axe, but I can tell you I chopped completely through a 6" diameter tree just to see if I could.....and it was no worse for wear. Also cut down tons of saplings of the same type. Outcome was zero bend in the blade, zero loosening of the handle in the socket, virtually no finish damage, and still sharp as new. I was completely blown away at the abuse this shovel took. I used it for things that I really didn't think it was fair to ask it to do and it passed with flying colors. I also used this for lots of delimbing and it jut became easier to stick with this than to keep swapping out for my Ontario sp-8 for lighter chopping.Digging.Small like a fox hole shovel, but far more effective than any other military type shovel I have ever used. Chopped tons of roots as I was digging, and it went through all of them just like a hatchet would. A damn fine digging tool as well.Miscellaneous.Hammered large diameter saplings into the ground dozens of times for building various things and not so much a pinch of deformation. Used it to tend to the campfire several times with no issues. Came home and hosed the mud and clay off then a wipe down with a little wd-40 to keep the sharpened edges from rusting and wow!!!!! Thing still looks hardly ever used. Although it's not a big deal, I really have to comment how well the finish is holding up. I did not expect this. I was also downright shocked that I have yet to loosen the handle in the socket no matter how many times I have used this as a hammer and hatchet.The negatives.There really aren't any. Just a few things you need to be aware of that I don't even consider negatives. You need the sheath! (I'll review it elsewhere). It's very sharp on all four edges and it will destroy your pack if you put it in there without it. Unless you carry it loose while walking, in the pack or strapped to it is the best way. It is just a little heavy if every ounce is a consideration. But for what it can do, it's worth the weight if that is not an issue. I don't throw it to stick it in things, but I have read if you do that a lot, the handles can be prone to breakage. But cutting the trees and saplings down did not phase it.Overall.Absolutely impressed in every sense of the word!!! Cold steel has an outstanding and useful product here that anyone would be glad to own. The replacement handles are cheap (9.00 and some change) although I'm starting to think I may never have to change it out. Slices, chops, digs, pounds, all without any issues. I absolutely will be getting more of these to have around when they drop back in price again. Get a spare handle too as they are quite the bargain as well. Lastly, have no fear that this thing is made overseas as it has surpassed my expectations in every way imaginable. get one of these and enjoy it on your next outing. You might be shocked at how versatile it is and how many tools it can do the same job for.

very powerful little shovel, held up great for a tree planting in the forest. Can fit in your backpack nicely.

Had it for 3 years after my smaller special forces shovel went missing. It's amazing for the trailer to manage the fire, chop branches and clear areas, as a makeshift hammer for tent stakes and a dozen other things. It can even chop kindling rather well as the shovel bend creates a natural wedge.

The media could not be loaded. June 14th 2025.Dug a trench around my tent to keep the water out with this at camp, its very sharp and got through the tough clay, grass and roots. The only disadvantage is the short handle makes for back breaking work while shoveling when you're 5'9" tall. It doesnt fit the cold steel sheath for the trench shovel you really have to shove it on. Just 1/8" to big to fit the sheath.Updated review 7/17/25 a lovely large maple branch fell down. cut a log out of it because my ax is at a leather workers for a sheath. I was desperate. Does the job, but I wish I had an ax instead.

Can’t give it 5 stars just yet, only had it a couple months…I’ve used it almost every day in the last 3 weeks and it’s held up great, no wobble in the handle base yet.

I bought this to replace a rotted leather sheath for a Cold War era German entrenching tool. With some initial fussing it fit well. I keep the tool in my truck, and have indeed had to dig out wheels on a few occasions. I was tired of having the tool bang around in the tool box without the spade covered. Problem solved, and quite affordable!

Great multipurpose tool. Top QUALTY. Every edge sharp. Heavily weighted head.Thick, strong handle.

As an experienced outdoorsman, I've tried a wide range of tools for camping, survival, and general outdoor use. The Cold Steel Spetsnaz Tactical Camp Shovel has quickly become one of my favorites, and I keep one in my truck because it's just so handy.1. Versatile and Multi-Functional:This shovel is incredibly versatile. It’s not just a shovel—it doubles as a hatchet, hammer, and even a makeshift knife. I’ve used it for digging fire pits, chopping wood, hammering tent stakes, and even cutting through brush. The sharp edges and sturdy construction make it suitable for a variety of tasks.2. Durable Construction:The build quality of this shovel is outstanding. The carbon steel blade and hardwood handle are tough and durable, standing up to the harshest conditions. I’ve put it through heavy use, and it shows no signs of wear or damage. It’s clear that this tool is built to last.3. Compact and Portable:Despite its rugged construction, the Cold Steel Spetsnaz Shovel is compact and easy to carry. It fits perfectly in my backpack, and its lightweight design doesn’t add much extra weight to my gear. It’s an ideal tool for both short trips and extended expeditions.4. Comfortable and Ergonomic:The handle is well-designed and comfortable to hold, even during extended use. The grip is secure, and the balance of the shovel is just right, making it easy to handle whether you’re digging, chopping, or hammering. It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the ergonomic design.5. Reliable in Emergencies:Having a reliable, multi-functional tool like this is crucial in emergency situations. I’ve had to rely on it for various unexpected tasks in the wild, and it has never let me down. Whether you’re dealing with an urgent need to clear a path or quickly set up a shelter, this shovel is up to the task.6. Aesthetic Appeal:Let’s not forget the cool factor—this shovel looks great! The design is sleek and tactical, giving it an appealing, professional look. It’s always a conversation starter around the campfire.Overall, the Cold Steel Spetsnaz Tactical Camp Shovel is an indispensable tool for any serious outdoorsman. Its versatility, durability, and compact design make it a must-have for camping, survival, and all outdoor activities. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to add a reliable, multi-functional tool to their gear.