SOG Entrenching Tool- 18.25 Inch Folding Survival Shovel with Wood Saw Edge and Tactical Shovel Carry Case- Black (F08-N)

I am stoked. SOG has been renowned for over 40 years for the manufacture of military and tactical blades. The production of entrenching tools (E Tools) came soon after SOG's beginning and have become as renowned as their blades. This folding and packable tool is of the same exceptional quality as the blades that are produced by SOG. Strong heavy steel construction. The shovel head has a very pronounced point and serrated edge for tearing through roots. The handle is shaped to fit comfortably. The pick is extra nice when one has some hardpan to get through. Weighing 1.25kg (2.12lb) this weight is a slight consideration when backpacking cross country. I believe the great benefit of having this tool in your backpack is well worth the little extra weight.

It's a SOG. It is of high quality, well constructed & does what it is suppose to do.

I recently purchased the SOG Entrenching Tool- 18.25 Inch Folding Survival Shovel and I am extremely satisfied with its performance. This folding survival shovel has proven to be an essential tool for my outdoor adventures and emergency preparedness.Firstly, the build quality of this shovel is outstanding. It is made from high-quality materials that are designed to withstand heavy-duty use. The blade is made from durable carbon steel, which allows it to easily dig through various types of soil and debris. The handle is made from reinforced steel, providing a sturdy and comfortable grip.The folding design of this shovel is a major advantage. It easily collapses into a compact size, making it convenient to carry and store. Whether I'm hiking, camping, or simply keeping it in my car for emergencies, the compact size allows me to bring it along without taking up too much space.The versatility of this shovel is impressive. It features a serrated edge on one side of the blade, which comes in handy for cutting through roots or branches. The shovel can also be adjusted to different angles, allowing me to use it as a pickaxe or hoe when needed. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of outdoor activities.I also appreciate the included carrying case. It not only protects the shovel when not in use but also makes it easy to transport. The case has a belt loop and shoulder strap, giving me multiple options for carrying it comfortably.Overall, the SOG Entrenching Tool- 18.25 Inch Folding Survival Shovel is a top-notch tool that I highly recommend. Its durability, compactness, and versatility make it a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast or emergency preparedness kit. Whether I'm digging a fire pit, clearing a trail, or preparing for unexpected situations, this shovel has proven to be reliable and efficient.

EDIT: I had left a bad review of this item because it failed to lock when I took it out of the box. After 20 minutes of fiddling, I was ready to pack it up and send it back. Finally, by sheer accident, I discovered the secret of locking the blade into place (which is the most common complaint it receives, since SOG sends no documentation with it).Once it's unfolded completely, hold the handle towards your body and the shovel pointing away from you. Then grab the metal tube in the center (labeled SOG) in one hand, while turning the plastic knurled collar ring in the clockwise direction. You are essentially UNscrewing the ring from the central body of the tool, making it longer, and eventually expanding it enough to lock all three sections into place. When it comes from the factory, the ring is tightened down onto the body of the shaft enough to fool you into thinking it doesn't spin independently, causing you to helplessly twist the whole spring-loaded assembly without anything happening.Once the tool is properly locked down, it seems to be a well-engineered and sturdy device, given its price point and intended use. You're not going to dig a post hole for your mailbox with it, but it's fine for the average camper's needs or for your bug-out bag.

I recently purchased the SOG Entrenching Tool, and it has quickly become an essential part of my outdoor gear. The 18.25-inch folding design makes it compact and easy to carry, perfect for camping, hiking, and emergency situations. The shovel is sturdy and well-made, capable of handling tough digging tasks.One of the standout features is the wood saw edge, which adds versatility to the tool. It's great for cutting through small branches and roots, making it useful for a variety of survival scenarios. The tactical design is practical, and the tool feels balanced and comfortable to use.Overall, this entrenching tool is a reliable and multifunctional addition to any outdoor enthusiast's kit. I highly recommend it for its durability, versatility, and compact design.

5 years later and it still works great.

Digs holes for the #2. Easy to pack in and out

I bought the smaller version. It is smaller then army surplus trench shovels or clones of such which can be a positive or negative depending on your needs. It was a great lightweight and compact shovel to carry around and its fits perfectly in backpack during hikes. I had it in my pack for a year.It's easy to assemble and dissemble, perfect for clearing debris or clearing a trail but it's no replacement for a larger full size shovel. It's decent quality until it broke after some use. I contacted SOG (GMS) who claims life time warranty and have yet to receive a response from them after a week or so that's some points docked off.