This type of shovel is sometimes called an Entrenching tool or “E-TOOL”. It was used in WW1 to dig defensive trenches, fox holes and latrines. Also in both WWI and WWII the tool was used by many soldiers in different countries as a weapon as well. The “tooth edge” of the shovel can be used as a saw but the main purpose of the “teeth” being on the shovel is to cut thru roots in the ground when digging.

 

Our first review, is on Michigan Industrial Tools -

TEKTON 7888 3-Way Folding Survival and Camping shovel with pouch:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In ancient Greece, a "tekton" was an artisan, a builder, a doer. Sound familiar?

Whatever comes along, your instinct is to take it on. There's a job to do, and you're going to do it right and without spending more than you have to.

As a family-owned company, we share your practical, get-it-done attitude. TEKTON hand tools are made for the serious tool user, who takes on life's projects with gusto, but without an unlimited budget. Our tools are reliable. They hold up. They are made of good materials. And they don't have unnecessary features you don't want to pay for. What's more, we work hard every day to listen to your feedback and keep improving.

When you choose TEKTON, you will get more than you bargained for. That's our philosophy. And if a TEKTON tool ever lets you down, let us know. We will make it right, right away.

Build it, fix it, remodel it, or restore it – whatever there is to do, pick up TEKTON and Take It On.

3707 Roger B. Chaffee Drive SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Telephone: 616.243.2443
Toll-Free: 888.648.8665
Fax: 616.243.6648

Web: http://www.tektontools.com/
Support: http://www.tektontools.com/about.php

 

 

  This Tekton 3-Way Folding Survival and Camping shovel has a D Handle. The color is OD green and comes with a nice fabric pouch. First, we checked the pouch construction. Looks well made, the stitching in the fabric, is good.  We then extended the shovel in both the full and also angled position and then back to the closed position, several times. We found no issues with putting the shovel in and out of positions.

 

  One thing that was noticed is the shovel or spade part was not curved that much, which we liked. Reason being it is easier to chop and to saw with. The other thing that we really like is the “teeth” of the side and front edge of the shovel \ spade is very pronounced and sawing small pieces of wood is easy.

We also battoned (split) pieces of wood with the shovel. We dug in sand first, then heavy clay after going thru the top soil. Some people complain that this type of shovel bends after heavy digging. We did not find that to be the case at all with this product.

 

  On recommendation or side note, is we would suggest that if you buy this shovel put some Vaseline / petroleum jelly on the locking nut mechanism.. just “a little” where the “threads” are, so that they won’t wear out from the friction. Plus it make things a lot easier to open and close the locking nut. Also, after digging use a garden hose and the clean the shovel from any dirt, then rub some Vaseline / pertoleum jelly on the shovel / spade to protect it. You can also fit the whole unit folded into large freezer bag then put the shovel back into the carrying pouch that comes with the shovel. This will protect the shovel and fabric case in the long run.

 

Another thing that we noticed, TEKTON Tools sell a lot of tools on Amazon.com.

While looking at their company products on Amazon.com, their customer service is great.

The customer service associates try to help thier customers if anything is wrong after purchasing any of their products, by replying directly to customer reviews. We also saw this great customer service on our initial request with this company.

You won’t be disappointed with this tool.      -Tom

 

 

Here is our review on The Coleman Company - Folding Shovel,

Model No.2000003458

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Coleman Company, Inc., is an American company that specializes in outdoor recreation products. Coleman also manufactures camp stoves (including the original "G.I. Pocket Stove"), sleeping bags, coolers, hot tubs,
generators, watches, sandals, tents, and backpacks among other things.
They also make a line of small boats, including canoes, pontoon boats, johnboats and the unique scanoe.

The Coleman Company, Inc.
3600 North Hydraulic
Wichita, KS 67219
1-800-835-3278
TDD:316-832-8707

Web: http://www.coleman.com/Home

Web Email: http://coleman.custhelp.com/app/ask

 

  We first checked out the entire shovel. The first thing we noticed is the color of the shovel is gray not black as pictured on there web site. Not a big issue, just an observation. Another observation is the shovel is "V-shaped" rather then flat or "U-shaped" which actually does make the shovel sink in better to dirt and clay. One thing to note is the "pivot point" on the shovel has a rivet instead of a 1/4 bolt, nut and washer. Still.. the shovel does fit into position very well. We tried many times in the open and closed postion and it works flawlessly.

 

  Another thing that we found out.. is even though it is not listed on the box or on The Coleman Company Web site, this is a 3-way or 3-position shovel. You can also put the shovel or spade head to a 90 degree angle to dig the ground which we also did. In sand, top soil and heavy clay we had no issues. The locking nut to position the shovel is very smooth, we did not have to use any Vaseline / petroleum jelly on the locking nut mechanism. We did put some on the shovel / spade part after cleaning the dirt off.. just to protect the metal.

 

The "teeth" on the side edge and towards the point of the shovel \ spade is used for sawing wood and for cutting roots in the ground. The teeth could be a bit more "taller" and "sharper", but we were able to saw wood from the edge part.

We also was able to split small pieces of wood vertically, by chopping / battoning from the top of the wood.

  The metal of the shovel is lighter than some shovels, but the shovel digs well and did not bend. "Lighter is better" as the saying goes when hiking, so this is a plus. This shovel did not come with a carrying case, and we hope the company does start providing a carrying case with the shovel in the future. You can use a large "freezer bag" as a storage pouch.

 

 In regards to over all functionality this shovel is really great. In closing,

The Coleman Company has really "great" customer service on their "Facebook" page: https://www.facebook.com/colemanusa ..

...and that is very nice to see first hand.

- Tom