Every time I see an E-tool i feel physically sick flashbacks of digging shell scrapes for days only to move position as soon as it’s done..good times 😂👍
Exactly. The Gerber has parts both made in Finland and the US. It's assembled in the US. When I was first looking at getting one of these, I emailed Gerber inquiring about this tool, as well as talking to a couple coworkers who were former Army. I was told that this is the one that was standard issue. I opted for the model without the pick, as it wasn't as ergonomic for me.
@@Chezeborger You can convert these shovels to act as a hoe, that's what I meant by 90 degrees. A small shovel like this is so much more efficient like that.
Cold Steel Spetsnaz Shovel: 25.7 ounce; Gerber E-Tool: 37.3 ounce; Gerber Entrenching Tool: 53 ounce; CRKT Trencher: 58.3 ounce... I'd prefer the Spetsnaz just for the weight and then I'm not even mentioning the price.
I have that exact shovel in my trunk along with an old school army folding shovel i had since i was a kid. Overkill? maybe, but i always have them both just in case. Oh and i also carry a collapsible snow shovel in the winter. LOL, ok maybe it is a bit much. They all serve their purpose. In a Z Apocalypse or other SHTF, gear and knowing how to use it will save your life and those around you...
The Cold Steel is definitely the best of the bunch which is why I went with it. However, the shovel plus sheath weighs 2lbs and if you're doing a multiday backpacking/camping trip over many miles where you have to carry quite a bit of gear, those 2lbs matter. I do realize that you can have something that's tough as nails and something that's light weight but rarely get both.....and yeah...that price :)
Thanks for the review. To my mind, the saws on E-tools are all but useless, except for cutting roots while digging fighting positions. I think CRKT blew it; with a (relatively) long, fixed handle, they could have stored a saw blade in the handle, that the end user could extract and screw down onto the handle end. SLA Marshal argues in The Solider's Load, that a few full sized D-handled shovels and picks would do a unit far more good than everyone having an E-tool.
I still have and use my all steel e-tool that I carried in the ARMY in the 80's they are really good tools to have when you need to make a hasty position.
Good video. I've been looking for something longer than an e tool, but not quite as long as a shovel, to carry on my ATV. A shovel just seems to catch every dang wait a minute vine, that's within 50 feet. I like that longer one you tested, but the head seems pretty small. I guess to minimize the torque on the head from the longer handle. You should do a series on things to carry on an ATV. Keep up the great work.
I have the Gerber, and have had one for many years. I'm planning on getting another one soon. I like how small it collapses down. The CRKT one seems like it would only be good for packing in a vehicle or keeping at a campsite.
The USMC gerber E tool really is the best. Fucker will dig through anything for a long long time. Don't even need to have the pick or saw blade there. those are just things that will break first & hardly be used. All anyone ever needs to do is chop and scoop. Would be curious how the "SOG" brand E tool would stand up to the gerber. SOG was endorsed by Gunny R Lee Ermy & is very similar but only cost 17 dollars.
1) this is a shovel for infantry, special forces do not use a shovel 2) I used folding shovels - there is play and they can break during hard work, although American “geologists” are looking for oil in the desert and digging sand... 3) the small infantry shovel (Russian name) is reliable, versatile and always ready for use
Lol I just carry a full size fiskar shovel from ace hardware on top rack of my truck. Makes recovery jobs so much easier and faster than using these. But I'd definitely go with the Gerber if size was of importance for me.
"Gerber" is Finnish army field shovel from 1990's. Designed, tested, certified and fielded way before Gerber had anything to do with it, thats why its solid.
Do you happen to have a link to a picture of the one you have? I googled it but I'm not sure which one is which as about 22 trillion hits came up. Thanks.
Shovels are not meant to be saws 🪚 or axes 🪓 Trying to do too many things with a tool makes all of those uses less effective. Use the right tool for the job.
Have a question about the American flag patch you showed in your other video could you buy them from a military supplier and sell them because even superesse straps who make an American flag patch with sere kit only have PVC ones and I want a legitimate milspec American flag patch like the one you have they look nice and its a good way for me to be patriotic and have my survival kit with me descretely in case of emergency.
Hello from Oklahoma! I've. been using the same folding "E Tool" I bought in 1975. WW2 version. Paid $5 for it. Plus I can and have replaced the handle. To bad one wasn't included in this review. I also love my Military Camillus marine knife. Thanks for all you do. God Bless!
BlackScoutSurvival Jack I love ya buddy, there is no way an extended GLOCK E Tool is any shorter that the Gerber. The saw works much better and it’s about the same weight and cost.
No. Width is what I’m referring to. The split handle is what I said is a advantage over the Crkt. The Glock has thinner handle than crkt. I’ve used the Glock. Don’t like it.
Curious about the Glock and Cold Steel shovels. So dissatisfied with Gerber junk I haven’t purchased a Gerber product of any kind in 20 years and never will again. I do have many Cold Steel products. Great value.
Whaaaaaat Gerber won? How did it feel saying that? My favorite Gerber review had to be the Big Rock fixed blade, when the tip broke on the first pry your face was priceless. Awesome vids jack
The gerber one is actually originally made for finnish army by fiskars. (Thats why its the only good product they make) Gerber actually has only one difference and thats the sawblade part.
I spent 10 years in the ARMY and I have dug a lot of hasty fighting positions with the old all steel folding E-tool. We were also taught to use our E-tool for fighting when everything else was gone. I just don't think I could stake my life on a folding shovel with plastic parts in critical positions. you mention that the E-tool has gone through a lot of changes over the years, and that is true, as recent as WW II U.S> forces carried a single piece handle, with folding head ( much as the CRKT one) E-tool, and some countries still do. I still prefer the tri-fold design, but even with the weight, I would certainly choose the all metal ones we had back in the 80's-90's when I was in to the plastic component ones. oh, and no grunt is ever without a means of conveyance, were you not issued 2 functional pair of LPCs?? ;P
Can't wait 4 blade 2018, hope to see u again, check my channel and you'll see your logo on my lighter in some vids.... def can't wait 4 your new recommendations
Gerber used to be made very well. However over the past 20 years I've tried several Gerber products mainly there multi-tool pliers and each and everyone has failed on me. Hell I've had the pliers break on an aluminum can!
I’m looking for a good survival/tactical shovel for the outdoors. I don’t want it to have any attachments on the handle because I feel like it reduces the strength in the handle and it can be a possible breaking point. I just want a good shovel that I can carry around that have a sharp edge and can be used a bit like an axe or at least it can chop
Saw on any E-tool is useless I have an Ames E-tool and it is a solid shovel. I also have the cold steel special forces and it is my favorite to be honest. I have a silky gomboy porofessional 240 for sawing.
Man I have been buying e tools for about 2 years and I keep having the same issue. The washer in the front bends and takes the form of the metal ot pushed up against. And forget taking a shit. Basically holding myself up. Is the Gerber the strongest one uve used?
Have a question about the American flag patch you showed in your other video could you buy them from a military supplier and sell them because even superesse straps who make an American flag patch with sere kit only have PVC ones and I want a legitimate milspec American flag patch like the one you have they look nice and its a good way for me to be patriotic and have my survival kit with me descretely in case of emergency. And if its a problem for security reasons I understand but at the same time in my case i dont see it as a problem since i am a patriotic american and i would only disclose this with other patriotic americans.
Be careful if you buy the Gerber shovel without the pic because they make two versions of it one is called the e tool and the other one is just a shovel made out of regular Steel. The steel one is not made in the USA. If you buy it on Amazon or somewhere else make sure you're getting the one made in USA not the one made for Finland or something like that
The tilting of the CRKT blade is way too straight and the handle plastic strips make the handle extremely unhandy (for my small hands lol), as you mentioned the eye of the trencher is not optimal for operating and digging. I modified mine by changing the blade angle so one can dig a bit more comfy, further I milled out the black flat rubber thing of the handle at the top and now have a handle that easily fits 2 to 3 finger in (which is a big improvement in my opinion). In addition I shortened the handle of mine by approx half to reduce weight and increase package abilities for my bushcraft trips. I am looking forward wrapping the remaining handle in olive paracord, for getting a more bushcraft color and additional cordage just in case :) probably I am going to try making a kydex sheath cause the original sheath is a bit crappy. Great vid of yours! Kind regards :-)
the best modern bombproof shovel u can get is a Council Tool Shovel/Pick Combo Tool, just cut the handle for the old school is a german/austrian folding shovel
Good stuff brother. Never thought I'd hear you say that either, about the Gerber, but thanks for the honesty. Ive been looking a pack friendly digging tools, so I'm glad you made this. Have a good one!
I have to go with CRKT but each there own right. on another note what is that music you have in there. its been on a few of your videos now and its a great listen
I myself have a Coleman one it was made in Taiwan but I used the crap out of it and never had any issues. I did however use a dremmel and sharpen the teeth n the saw because they were dull plus painted over making them useless. I also have one of the old school military ones with the wooden handle it works good too but seems to work itself loose a lot. but it does the job. These are great to carry in your car encase you get stuck in the show or mud. mine saved me a few times getting my Bronco stuck!
i would go with the gerber saw as well its a better e tool as for the saw no e tool as a good saw the all suck but pound for pound definately go with the gerber
Does it take Glock mags?
Killed me 😂
No, but the Glock E-tool does.
If you try hard inof i will.
The new models do, the old Ames ones use 1911 mags
I'm more interested in your gloves. What gloves are those??
yeah me too
@@wheelerk2012 I figured it out. They're Magpul Core Breach gloves
I just realized I have the same gloves as this guy does
What are they?
What do you think of the Cold Steel Special Forces shovel in comparison to these?
Is this guy/channel trustworthy? Gloves and boots seem a little too clean to be giving opinions about dirt slinging devices..
Every time I see an E-tool i feel physically sick flashbacks of digging shell scrapes for days only to move position as soon as it’s done..good times 😂👍
My back hurts just watching.
I kneo
The gerber junk you mentioned is popably disigned in the USA, the working gerber stuff is just renamed fiskars gear, designed in Finland.
Exactly. The Gerber has parts both made in Finland and the US. It's assembled in the US. When I was first looking at getting one of these, I emailed Gerber inquiring about this tool, as well as talking to a couple coworkers who were former Army. I was told that this is the one that was standard issue. I opted for the model without the pick, as it wasn't as ergonomic for me.
How many F-bombs were tossed while trying to saw through that damn limb?
Never use these shovels in normal straight mode. It's just so much easier when the shovel part is 90 degrees.
Didn't understand
Could you explain please?
@@Chezeborger You can convert these shovels to act as a hoe, that's what I meant by 90 degrees. A small shovel like this is so much more efficient like that.
Have the Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel. Great piece of kit...only wish it was lighter...but it is tough as nails.
Cold Steel Spetsnaz Shovel: 25.7 ounce; Gerber E-Tool: 37.3 ounce; Gerber Entrenching Tool: 53 ounce; CRKT Trencher: 58.3 ounce... I'd prefer the Spetsnaz just for the weight and then I'm not even mentioning the price.
I have that exact shovel in my trunk along with an old school army folding shovel i had since i was a kid. Overkill? maybe, but i always have them both just in case. Oh and i also carry a collapsible snow shovel in the winter. LOL, ok maybe it is a bit much. They all serve their purpose. In a Z Apocalypse or other SHTF, gear and knowing how to use it will save your life and those around you...
The Cold Steel is definitely the best of the bunch which is why I went with it. However, the shovel plus sheath weighs 2lbs and if you're doing a multiday backpacking/camping trip over many miles where you have to carry quite a bit of gear, those 2lbs matter. I do realize that you can have something that's tough as nails and something that's light weight but rarely get both.....and yeah...that price :)
u can switch out the handle if its too heavy
Thanks for the review. To my mind, the saws on E-tools are all but useless, except for cutting roots while digging fighting positions. I think CRKT blew it; with a (relatively) long, fixed handle, they could have stored a saw blade in the handle, that the end user could extract and screw down onto the handle end.
SLA Marshal argues in The Solider's Load, that a few full sized D-handled shovels and picks would do a unit far more good than everyone having an E-tool.
Yeah, but its easier to fight with e-tool
I know it's extra weight but some Silky saw are compact and quite "light" (less than 500g). They are excellent at their job.
SLA Marshal can carry the fucking D-handle shovels then.
I prefer m-43 e tools with the pick but they can be bulky if you have a lot of stuff already.
I still have and use my all steel e-tool that I carried in the ARMY in the 80's they are really good tools to have when you need to make a hasty position.
Not a Military man, tried to dig a fighting hole with a Gerber.... Holy crap it was a ton of work... If I only had a real shovel lol
AMES... a REAL e-tool.
Gerber's stuff IS junk.
The only good thing they make (folding shovel and axes) are Fiskars products (but made in USA instead of Finland)
Good video. I've been looking for something longer than an e tool, but not quite as long as a shovel, to carry on my ATV. A shovel just seems to catch every dang wait a minute vine, that's within 50 feet. I like that longer one you tested, but the head seems pretty small. I guess to minimize the torque on the head from the longer handle.
You should do a series on things to carry on an ATV. Keep up the great work.
Ames
Yeah they make e tools for the military.
I have a tip for you from Gerber, If I can get it out of this log.
Like your operator gloves. Who is the manufacturer? I like the reinforced fingers and knuckle padding.
Probably Oakley.
I'm stuck with my old ww2 one that I found back in 1965 sitting on top of a beaver dam ..
John Lieske I found mine in the entrance of an abandoned mine back in February 1970.
The "Gerber" shovel is originally a product of a Finnish company, Fiskars, who owns Gerber.
I have the Gerber, and have had one for many years. I'm planning on getting another one soon. I like how small it collapses down. The CRKT one seems like it would only be good for packing in a vehicle or keeping at a campsite.
why is it called an "e" tool?
Because we love e girls bath water 🤤
The USMC gerber E tool really is the best. Fucker will dig through anything for a long long time. Don't even need to have the pick or saw blade there. those are just things that will break first & hardly be used. All anyone ever needs to do is chop and scoop. Would be curious how the "SOG" brand E tool would stand up to the gerber. SOG was endorsed by Gunny R Lee Ermy & is very similar but only cost 17 dollars.
1) this is a shovel for infantry, special forces do not use a shovel
2) I used folding shovels - there is play and they can break during hard work, although American “geologists” are looking for oil in the desert and digging sand...
3) the small infantry shovel (Russian name) is reliable, versatile and always ready for use
Slap some CLP on it and give it some motrin and change socks, and that E-tool will last FOREVER.
Ames 82, all day, what would you want in Stalingrad, not plastic, Semper!!!
Lol I just carry a full size fiskar shovel from ace hardware on top rack of my truck. Makes recovery jobs so much easier and faster than using these. But I'd definitely go with the Gerber if size was of importance for me.
None of them. What You want is the Glock shovel. I did use it for 6 years in infantry. It is VERY good. Just try it.
great vid Jack, I'd like to see you work the crap out of a cold steel shovel, never seen one in the hands of a pro, only brush crappers
"Gerber" is Finnish army field shovel from 1990's. Designed, tested, certified and fielded way before Gerber had anything to do with it, thats why its solid.
The best e tools are the Australian ones
Do you happen to have a link to a picture of the one you have? I googled it but I'm not sure which one is which as about 22 trillion hits came up. Thanks.
Shovels are not meant to be saws 🪚 or axes 🪓
Trying to do too many things with a tool makes all of those uses less effective.
Use the right tool for the job.
Have a question about the American flag patch you showed in your other video could you buy them from a military supplier and sell them because even superesse straps who make an American flag patch with sere kit only have PVC ones and I want a legitimate milspec American flag patch like the one you have they look nice and its a good way for me to be patriotic and have my survival kit with me descretely in case of emergency.
I don’t care what shovel you are using, if it goes in the ground that easy we aren’t digging on the same planet..
Hello from Oklahoma! I've. been using the same folding "E Tool" I bought in 1975. WW2 version. Paid $5 for it. Plus I can and have replaced the handle. To bad one wasn't included in this review. I also love my Military Camillus marine knife. Thanks for all you do. God Bless!
Anyone have experience using the Gerber’s pick?
I’ve used the GLOCK E Tool for years, it will far outshine them both. I’d like you to compare it to the Gerber.
No. Handle is way too small and hand over hand. Hey
BlackScoutSurvival Jack I love ya buddy, there is no way an extended GLOCK E Tool is any shorter that the Gerber. The saw works much better and it’s about the same weight and cost.
No. Width is what I’m referring to. The split handle is what I said is a advantage over the Crkt. The Glock has thinner handle than crkt. I’ve used the Glock. Don’t like it.
BlackScoutSurvival fair enough it’s all about personal preferences, love your channel. Stay Safe !
Curious about the Glock and Cold Steel shovels. So dissatisfied with Gerber junk I haven’t purchased a Gerber product of any kind in 20 years and never will again.
I do have many Cold Steel products. Great value.
Whaaaaaat Gerber won? How did it feel saying that? My favorite Gerber review had to be the Big Rock fixed blade, when the tip broke on the first pry your face was priceless. Awesome vids jack
can you show the fighting moves with the e-tool?
The gerber one is actually originally made for finnish army by fiskars. (Thats why its the only good product they make)
Gerber actually has only one difference and thats the sawblade part.
I spent 10 years in the ARMY and I have dug a lot of hasty fighting positions with the old all steel folding E-tool. We were also taught to use our E-tool for fighting when everything else was gone. I just don't think I could stake my life on a folding shovel with plastic parts in critical positions. you mention that the E-tool has gone through a lot of changes over the years, and that is true, as recent as WW II U.S> forces carried a single piece handle, with folding head ( much as the CRKT one) E-tool, and some countries still do. I still prefer the tri-fold design, but even with the weight, I would certainly choose the all metal ones we had back in the 80's-90's when I was in to the plastic component ones. oh, and no grunt is ever without a means of conveyance, were you not issued 2 functional pair of LPCs?? ;P
Army still issues the all metal Ames tri-fold E-tool. It is pretty nice and I know I can depend on it when I need it
I wish you had a Fiskars E-tool in that mix.
The one you have with you! That’s the answer!
wierd but how did you sit on it on that for a crapper?
They're also used for EMI.
Nice gloves. What gloves are those?
B4 the channel became political.
COLD STEEL shovel is solid!!1
And half the weight of the CRKT!?!
Can't wait 4 blade 2018, hope to see u again, check my channel and you'll see your logo on my lighter in some vids.... def can't wait 4 your new recommendations
I have a schrade one n it’s very good 👍
German Army Surplus E-Tools available at Varusteleka, best E-Tool!
Thanks dear friend.
Very detailed, Thank you for your hard work and Service!
Thanks bro
Gerber used to be made very well. However over the past 20 years I've tried several Gerber products mainly there multi-tool pliers and each and everyone has failed on me. Hell I've had the pliers break on an aluminum can!
I’m looking for a good survival/tactical shovel for the outdoors. I don’t want it to have any attachments on the handle because I feel like it reduces the strength in the handle and it can be a possible breaking point. I just want a good shovel that I can carry around that have a sharp edge and can be used a bit like an axe or at least it can chop
Glock is better
Lesche mini sampson with ball handle...lighter, all steel...not even comparable!
Saw on any E-tool is useless I have an Ames E-tool and it is a solid shovel. I also have the cold steel special forces and it is my favorite to be honest. I have a silky gomboy porofessional 240 for sawing.
Man I have been buying e tools for about 2 years and I keep having the same issue. The washer in the front bends and takes the form of the metal ot pushed up against. And forget taking a shit. Basically holding myself up. Is the Gerber the strongest one uve used?
I have to side with you on this!! It was issue to us n dug many many foxholes!!! More than l can remember!!! Rrahh 0311 😎
Great comparison,thanks for showing
Atb
Steve
Great review never realized we were using Gerber E-tools. Mine broke on me but it was 100% being abused and treated poorly.
Have a question about the American flag patch you showed in your other video could you buy them from a military supplier and sell them because even superesse straps who make an American flag patch with sere kit only have PVC ones and I want a legitimate milspec American flag patch like the one you have they look nice and its a good way for me to be patriotic and have my survival kit with me descretely in case of emergency. And if its a problem for security reasons I understand but at the same time in my case i dont see it as a problem since i am a patriotic american and i would only disclose this with other patriotic americans.
Be careful if you buy the Gerber shovel without the pic because they make two versions of it one is called the e tool and the other one is just a shovel made out of regular Steel. The steel one is not made in the USA. If you buy it on Amazon or somewhere else make sure you're getting the one made in USA not the one made for Finland or something like that
So the Glock eTool is best, then. Got it.
CRKT is fantastic once you get rid of the tactical shit and swap out the handle for a real one.
The tilting of the CRKT blade is way too straight and the handle plastic strips make the handle extremely unhandy (for my small hands lol), as you mentioned the eye of the trencher is not optimal for operating and digging. I modified mine by changing the blade angle so one can dig a bit more comfy, further I milled out the black flat rubber thing of the handle at the top and now have a handle that easily fits 2 to 3 finger in (which is a big improvement in my opinion). In addition I shortened the handle of mine by approx half to reduce weight and increase package abilities for my bushcraft trips. I am looking forward wrapping the remaining handle in olive paracord, for getting a more bushcraft color and additional cordage just in case :) probably I am going to try making a kydex sheath cause the original sheath is a bit crappy.
Great vid of yours! Kind regards :-)
My friend Fred the IOWA KID Copley adviced me to always carry an e-tool when out in the boonies..
Thank you for this comparison! Very helpful!!
Thanks for the review....id go with the Gerber
the best modern bombproof shovel u can get is a Council Tool Shovel/Pick Combo Tool, just cut the handle
for the old school is a german/austrian folding shovel
Hola Black Scout: You said you could use the Gerber as a toilet seat... how would that work?
Lol when you said they make a great seat then flipped the pointed pick side up I was like " wait hold up"
I have an old E germany surplus . Heavy as hell but solid and works great . Dug an outdoor ejector pit 6' deep in shale .
I carried my e-tool all over the world for 23 years. And never used it. Never...... Not once....
Useless and weighed a lot.
I like my KL (Dutch Army) and my German one from 1938 :))
Both too small, you get back ache. just get a regular shovel and sharpen the edges , work as an axe for chopping wood also.
Good stuff brother. Never thought I'd hear you say that either, about the Gerber, but thanks for the honesty. Ive been looking a pack friendly digging tools, so I'm glad you made this. Have a good one!
I have to go with CRKT but each there own right. on another note what is that music you have in there. its been on a few of your videos now and its a great listen
You are probably the opinion I trust most on product reviews. Thanks for your insight.
I myself have a Coleman one it was made in Taiwan but I used the crap out of it and never had any issues. I did however use a dremmel and sharpen the teeth n the saw because they were dull plus painted over making them useless. I also have one of the old school military ones with the wooden handle it works good too but seems to work itself loose a lot. but it does the job. These are great to carry in your car encase you get stuck in the show or mud. mine saved me a few times getting my Bronco stuck!
I much prefer the WWII german etool. Wish I knew where mine went. I also like the Cold Steel.
i would go with the gerber saw as well its a better e tool as for the saw no e tool as a good saw the all suck but pound for pound definately go with the gerber
cheaper isnt necessarily inferior i would opt for your recommendation . i really enjoyed that band and music too.
Helpful video. It is helpful to hear comparison and pros and cons especially from someone with real world experience.
Different subject question, who makes the pants your wearing??
Prometheus design werx
There is a first for everything it is not the only tool that gerber did well there is the strongarm too!!
Forget about E tool, they should just be called tactical shovels
Cameraman should catch a shovel with his face
Thanks for the honest demo. Very helpful.
Judging from this video, I would go with the crkt e-tool because of its durability.
Can you please do a review of the annihilate assassin survival shovel
Groovy dig music my man ✌🏼🤖
Is is an entrenching tool or entrenchment tool or does it not matter?
Broke 3 of the old ones in the 90s while in the army.
Sir, I like them boots you have, who makes those?
Gerber used to make some quality stuff.