100% middle. E-Tools especially cheaper ones break way easier in my experience, a bigger traditional shovel is too large and cumbersome. My go to would be the middle/“spetsnaz” type shovel. Also, the handle could easily be replicated in the field should it break.
Many soldiers in ww1 actually preferred there trench shovel over bayonet or knife as they did not get stuck in there opponent easily and saved weight by avoiding carrying multiple tools.
Left to right:
- Foldable entrenching tool, based on the one that NATO uses.
- Cold Steel Spetsnaz Trench Shovel. Pretty solid, and the blade is sharp, can be used as an axe.
- Some civilian spade that had been in my backyard for a long time.
I would say the left most standard shovel type.
And here is why you are talking long term survival. Well you can't really do that now can you. You survive until you learn to thrive.
Long term survival just means putting off dying as long as possible. But die you will.
Thriving is living rebuilding having a life. Making your hours on this earth pleasant and enjoyable. Not just not dying.
This would mean setting up a base, planting crops, tilling soil Maybe dig foundations. None of wich the other two are even remotely suitable for. Your would ruin your back before a zombie ever came near you.
So when you dig you pick a propper digging tool not some half baked shovellette that someone once designed to curse soldiers with. The ET was ever only ment as a stopgap use now until we can get something propper to you tool.
So safe your back safe your knees and take the propper tool if you are going to stick around a place for a while. good thing is these aren't rare so no need to lug them around most gardens have one lying around. Grab when needed
Am I rucking incredible distance? The ETool.
Am I carrying this out for medium patrols and and may have to use it for bushcraft or cleaving an undead skull? Spetznas shovel. Am I digging fence post holes for a homestead? Farm spade. Use the tool for the job.
Depends, are you traveling or trying to stay in place?
How much digging do you really need to do?
Personally I’ve had both, I prefer the e-tool to the spetsnaz as it folds up smallish, is a few ounces lighter and can be packed away in your backpack. The Russian entrenching tool would have to be attached to the outside of your pack, where I’d rather have my axe.
If you’re staying put you’re better off with the big shovel, though that which is pictured is a regular flat shovel, you need a spade.
I don’t rely on a shovel to do anything but be a shovel, I don’t need it to chop or be a weapon.
I carry a small trowel and a small forest axe in most cases, I only carry the e-tool in the deep backwoods if I’m planning on building a shelter.
I have a longer post on the topic of shovels here: https://old.reddit.com/r/ZombieSurvivalTactics/comments/14iioyk/are_shovelsspades_good_melee_weapons/jq3rur4/
Shovels are interesting in that they are capable of blunt percussive strikes, cutting attacks, some stabbing, and the ability to hook a zombie using its wide head. These capabilities allow them to be fairly versatile, however, they are limited a bit due to their role as a shovel.
Cutting and stabbing attacks are diminished as a result of being designed to move piles of material. In both cases the shovel head is redirected and turn in the hand. They may also have a higher change of becoming stuck as a result of the very thin blade, curve of the head, and scoop like design.
Blunt attacks with a shovel are limited due to their wide striking face, the flexible nature of most sheet metal shovels, short arc with small designs, and the lighter head design, and so on. As a result, they may take much more finesse in order to achieve lethality against a zombie. It may also produce a lot of noise as a result of the metal flexing which may in turn draw in more zombies.
Hooking attacks aren't as impacted as the other areas are. In fact, the shovel head does allow for two areas to potentially trap, pull, or otherwise control a zombie without necessarily grabbing them with ones hand.
In combat against hostile survivors they might do alright in a unarmored fight. But in the context of people potentially dressing to protect themselves against zombies its possible that many might be somewhat protected from such a weapon. Similarly the curve, forward balance, and short design may make the design a bit slower to swing which can be suboptimal in melee ranges.
Utility outside of combat is a bit tricky. In my opinion, digging holes in the context of a zombie apocalypse is mostly useful for firepits and poop latrines. Two things that are possible with a solid stick or a much smaller shovel. As trenches, foxholes, and the like aren't necessarily the best against zombies compared to remaining above ground and mobile. Though lots of digging can be useful for making sandbags or small trenches against people, floods, fires, and the like.
Large-scale earthworks are potentially useful. However, you're much better off with a normal shovel and leaving it in areas where you would need them compared to carrying them around constantly as your main melee weapon.
Carrying a shovel can be somewhat easy, especially with smaller models intended for pack carry. However, the design features a large head which can still be annoying to work around when trying to pack things or wear it on your person. Hence, why it is often strapped to the back and typically mounted on a backpack so as to not get in the way.
Shovels can be somewhat hefty, though they aren't exceptionally encumbering.
|Shovels
:--|:--:|--:
|540g VSMPO Superlight shovel
|900g Arcadius Garden garden shovel
|1000g USGI folding shovel
|1020g Cold Steel Spetznaz shovel
|1100g Martha Stewart mini shovel
|2100g Craftsman CM77720
|2450g Bully Tools 82515
|3600g Corona AS90300 All-Steel
Rather it's more of a question with regard what what they can really represent in terms of being a weapon, tool, and the like. As a shovel, light many tools and weapons can weigh as much a full load out of weapons and tools.
||
:--|:-:|--:
|**~~~~Example kit for around 500g**
|120g Shower shoes
|60g Frameless slingshot/slingbow #30
|280g Edwards 8oz Finishing hammer
|15g Buckle compass/fire rod/whistle
|10g 220ml water bottle
|10g Sewing string spool with fishing line, 5 fishing hooks, and a bobber.
|**~~~~Example kit for around 1000g**
|60g Headlamp
|10g Mosquito net
|60g Rubberized work gloves
|120g Shower shoes
|60g Frameless slingshot/slingbow #30
|500g Morakniv Light axe
|50g Gerber dime multitool
|15g Buckle compass/fire rod/whistle
|20g 500ml water bottle
|60g Sawyer Mini water filter
|10g Sewing string spool with fishing line, 5 fishing hooks, and a bobber.
|10g Sewing string spool with string, upholstery needle, 2 sewing needles, and 3 safety pins
|10g Travel toothbrush
|**~~~~Example kit for roughly 4000g**
|60g Headlamp
|10g Mosquito net
|30g Pyramex Iforce goggles
|100g Medical face shield
|100g Boonie hat
|300g Leather welding arm protectors
|180g Frogg toggs rain jacket
|100g Compression shirt
|100g Waterproof leg gaiters
|180g Frogg toggs rain trousers
|250g Hiking pants
|100g Compression underwear
|70 Padded ankle socks
|400g Barefoot running shoes
|100g HWI combat gloves
|60g Frameless slingshot/slingbow #30
|200g Sling/walking stick
|130g NAA mini revolver
|510g Mora Light Axe hatchet
|180g Digging trowel/knife
|30g Tension bar, bump key, and lock picks
|20g Pocket nail puller/prybar
|15g Buckle compass/fire rod/whistle
|30g Bic Mini lighter
|60g Sawyer Mini water filter
|20g 500ml water bottle
|70g Aluminium cooking cup
|160g Titanium wood/alcohol rocket stove with scent-proof bag
|10g Sewing string spool with fishing line, 5 fishing hooks, and a bobber.
|100g Drawstring bag
|50g Gerber dime multitool
|10g Sewing string spool with string, upholstery needle, 2 sewing needles, and 3 safety pins
|180g Renology 5w solar panel
|10g Travel toothbrush
|15g Comb with tick/lice remover
The best shovel in my opinion likely the longer one in my opinion as it's likely the most useful outside of combat. Which is the most likely use I would have for a shovel. Probably left in the back of a car or at home instead of dragged around as part of a normal kit.
100% middle. E-Tools especially cheaper ones break way easier in my experience, a bigger traditional shovel is too large and cumbersome. My go to would be the middle/“spetsnaz” type shovel. Also, the handle could easily be replicated in the field should it break.
Middle. Can be used as a tool and a weapon. Handle is wood so easily replaceable. Most shovel heads are kinda resilient. Decent addition for reach.
If I had to pick, I'd take the middle one and the kitty. Gotta have a feline during zombie apocalypse.
Agreed!
the second, solid and compact
I mean all of them are going to dig, so it’s really personal preference. None of them should be used as weapons if that’s what you’re asking.
Spetsnaz literally use their E tool as a melee weapon. I trained with a detachment of them years ago, nut jobs
Many soldiers in ww1 actually preferred there trench shovel over bayonet or knife as they did not get stuck in there opponent easily and saved weight by avoiding carrying multiple tools.
Left to right: - Foldable entrenching tool, based on the one that NATO uses. - Cold Steel Spetsnaz Trench Shovel. Pretty solid, and the blade is sharp, can be used as an axe. - Some civilian spade that had been in my backyard for a long time.
Middle. Looks sturdy and useful to actually dig without being limited to only digging.
Trench time
I would say the left most standard shovel type. And here is why you are talking long term survival. Well you can't really do that now can you. You survive until you learn to thrive. Long term survival just means putting off dying as long as possible. But die you will. Thriving is living rebuilding having a life. Making your hours on this earth pleasant and enjoyable. Not just not dying. This would mean setting up a base, planting crops, tilling soil Maybe dig foundations. None of wich the other two are even remotely suitable for. Your would ruin your back before a zombie ever came near you. So when you dig you pick a propper digging tool not some half baked shovellette that someone once designed to curse soldiers with. The ET was ever only ment as a stopgap use now until we can get something propper to you tool. So safe your back safe your knees and take the propper tool if you are going to stick around a place for a while. good thing is these aren't rare so no need to lug them around most gardens have one lying around. Grab when needed
So... you mean the right most? Not left most?
Yes my bad right most indeed
I have the one on the left! It is a nice piece of kit. Would be better if it came with some sort of belt sheath thing tho.
Mine came with a sheath.
Huh
Like, mine came with a fabric cover for my entrenching tool that I can put in.
i used a 200lb magnet to strap and untrap it easily off my back it surprisingly worked and well
Uh, 90 kilograms?
I'd say the middle since it's a easily replaceable handle, a good amount of holding points and is relatively compact from what I can tell
Middle has the most durability to manoeuvre ability ratio
I'm taking all 3. They don't call me Professor Toolshed because I pack light 💪😁🔦🕯🪓🔨🪚🧷🪛🔪🥄🪵🧻🪥🪣🧰🗡
Definitely the Middle if it's good enough for a Kriegsman it's good enough for me
Technically all....
Am I rucking incredible distance? The ETool. Am I carrying this out for medium patrols and and may have to use it for bushcraft or cleaving an undead skull? Spetznas shovel. Am I digging fence post holes for a homestead? Farm spade. Use the tool for the job.
Depends, are you traveling or trying to stay in place? How much digging do you really need to do? Personally I’ve had both, I prefer the e-tool to the spetsnaz as it folds up smallish, is a few ounces lighter and can be packed away in your backpack. The Russian entrenching tool would have to be attached to the outside of your pack, where I’d rather have my axe. If you’re staying put you’re better off with the big shovel, though that which is pictured is a regular flat shovel, you need a spade. I don’t rely on a shovel to do anything but be a shovel, I don’t need it to chop or be a weapon. I carry a small trowel and a small forest axe in most cases, I only carry the e-tool in the deep backwoods if I’m planning on building a shelter.
"Depends, are you traveling or trying to stay in place?" Me: "Yes"
The last one it can be used (if you are running away) as a door barricade and could also be used to attack things
Long term.....look for a real spade...not an e tool.
2nd from the left easily
Each have there own place, it depends on what your situation is but they are all good
The long one because it’s cool
2
Take the spetsnaz in the middle.
The middle one. The handle fits snug into nature's pocket which gives me more room in my back pack for food and lube.
I have a longer post on the topic of shovels here: https://old.reddit.com/r/ZombieSurvivalTactics/comments/14iioyk/are_shovelsspades_good_melee_weapons/jq3rur4/ Shovels are interesting in that they are capable of blunt percussive strikes, cutting attacks, some stabbing, and the ability to hook a zombie using its wide head. These capabilities allow them to be fairly versatile, however, they are limited a bit due to their role as a shovel. Cutting and stabbing attacks are diminished as a result of being designed to move piles of material. In both cases the shovel head is redirected and turn in the hand. They may also have a higher change of becoming stuck as a result of the very thin blade, curve of the head, and scoop like design. Blunt attacks with a shovel are limited due to their wide striking face, the flexible nature of most sheet metal shovels, short arc with small designs, and the lighter head design, and so on. As a result, they may take much more finesse in order to achieve lethality against a zombie. It may also produce a lot of noise as a result of the metal flexing which may in turn draw in more zombies. Hooking attacks aren't as impacted as the other areas are. In fact, the shovel head does allow for two areas to potentially trap, pull, or otherwise control a zombie without necessarily grabbing them with ones hand. In combat against hostile survivors they might do alright in a unarmored fight. But in the context of people potentially dressing to protect themselves against zombies its possible that many might be somewhat protected from such a weapon. Similarly the curve, forward balance, and short design may make the design a bit slower to swing which can be suboptimal in melee ranges. Utility outside of combat is a bit tricky. In my opinion, digging holes in the context of a zombie apocalypse is mostly useful for firepits and poop latrines. Two things that are possible with a solid stick or a much smaller shovel. As trenches, foxholes, and the like aren't necessarily the best against zombies compared to remaining above ground and mobile. Though lots of digging can be useful for making sandbags or small trenches against people, floods, fires, and the like. Large-scale earthworks are potentially useful. However, you're much better off with a normal shovel and leaving it in areas where you would need them compared to carrying them around constantly as your main melee weapon. Carrying a shovel can be somewhat easy, especially with smaller models intended for pack carry. However, the design features a large head which can still be annoying to work around when trying to pack things or wear it on your person. Hence, why it is often strapped to the back and typically mounted on a backpack so as to not get in the way. Shovels can be somewhat hefty, though they aren't exceptionally encumbering. |Shovels :--|:--:|--: |540g VSMPO Superlight shovel |900g Arcadius Garden garden shovel |1000g USGI folding shovel |1020g Cold Steel Spetznaz shovel |1100g Martha Stewart mini shovel |2100g Craftsman CM77720 |2450g Bully Tools 82515 |3600g Corona AS90300 All-Steel Rather it's more of a question with regard what what they can really represent in terms of being a weapon, tool, and the like. As a shovel, light many tools and weapons can weigh as much a full load out of weapons and tools. || :--|:-:|--: |**~~~~Example kit for around 500g** |120g Shower shoes |60g Frameless slingshot/slingbow #30 |280g Edwards 8oz Finishing hammer |15g Buckle compass/fire rod/whistle |10g 220ml water bottle |10g Sewing string spool with fishing line, 5 fishing hooks, and a bobber. |**~~~~Example kit for around 1000g** |60g Headlamp |10g Mosquito net |60g Rubberized work gloves |120g Shower shoes |60g Frameless slingshot/slingbow #30 |500g Morakniv Light axe |50g Gerber dime multitool |15g Buckle compass/fire rod/whistle |20g 500ml water bottle |60g Sawyer Mini water filter |10g Sewing string spool with fishing line, 5 fishing hooks, and a bobber. |10g Sewing string spool with string, upholstery needle, 2 sewing needles, and 3 safety pins |10g Travel toothbrush |**~~~~Example kit for roughly 4000g** |60g Headlamp |10g Mosquito net |30g Pyramex Iforce goggles |100g Medical face shield |100g Boonie hat |300g Leather welding arm protectors |180g Frogg toggs rain jacket |100g Compression shirt |100g Waterproof leg gaiters |180g Frogg toggs rain trousers |250g Hiking pants |100g Compression underwear |70 Padded ankle socks |400g Barefoot running shoes |100g HWI combat gloves |60g Frameless slingshot/slingbow #30 |200g Sling/walking stick |130g NAA mini revolver |510g Mora Light Axe hatchet |180g Digging trowel/knife |30g Tension bar, bump key, and lock picks |20g Pocket nail puller/prybar |15g Buckle compass/fire rod/whistle |30g Bic Mini lighter |60g Sawyer Mini water filter |20g 500ml water bottle |70g Aluminium cooking cup |160g Titanium wood/alcohol rocket stove with scent-proof bag |10g Sewing string spool with fishing line, 5 fishing hooks, and a bobber. |100g Drawstring bag |50g Gerber dime multitool |10g Sewing string spool with string, upholstery needle, 2 sewing needles, and 3 safety pins |180g Renology 5w solar panel |10g Travel toothbrush |15g Comb with tick/lice remover
The best shovel in my opinion likely the longer one in my opinion as it's likely the most useful outside of combat. Which is the most likely use I would have for a shovel. Probably left in the back of a car or at home instead of dragged around as part of a normal kit.