Totally unrelated but one thing I've noticed about Alan is his quick witted humor. Dude is hilarious. I've been watching a ton of videos featuring him and in damn near every video he says something that gets a genuine chuckle. Will kill you with an E-Tool or kill you with a joke, love to see it.
Great job on the series Alone Alan. I think you layed out the advantages and short comings of the three different tools very well. I have used the Ames tool for many years,but have found the titanium version of the Cold steel shovel strikes the right balance for me.
@Jones The Titanium is ACTUALLY a Russian one imported. Less weight for carry but less heft for chopping and digging. Some also say the Titanium throws off balance for throwing but I bet totally indestructible if they got the right Titanium Alloy mix. Pure TI is brittle.
You are so entertaining! I have watched a whole lot of survival/camping etc videos.. Some are educational but very boring. You and Zachary and Survival Lilly are the most entertaining and educational. Thanks!!
If the handle in the cold steel brakes I still had the chance to make one in the woods!! Not the other ones!!😎 Plus the noice and loosening of the other two and having more places where to go wrong it just makes me want the cold steel always!!
Great video. I've been wary of folders with the moving parts but your explanation of the applications of those different blade positions was definitely food for thought, thanks!
I broke my AMES at the hinge digging through river cane roots. Before that, I liked it a lot. Might get another. I've used the older USGI Vietnam era wooden handled e-tool and liked it. I have the Cold Steel and find it great for a chopper, I've cut sapplings for shelters and was impressed, it will make feather sticks if sharpened, it's got good steel in it. I have a Soviet mpl-50 shovel from 1984, good shovel. Does most of what the Cold Steel does but the steel is soft. It doesn't hold an edge as long as the CS one. Tapping it and it's a dull ring compared to the loud ring of the CS. It works good though. I also have an old Yugoslavian surplus shovel from the 1950s. Its a nice shovel. It falls between the CS being best and the Soviet mpl-50 as the lower quality tool. I would use any.
Great video and I couldn't agree more on the choosing the Ames. I have one but mine is made by the other, lesser known, manufacturer LHB which is short for lighthouse for the blind. These things are so versatile and built like tanks.
Good review! They each have a strong suit, and it is up to its owner to learn how to properly use & maintain the shovel to its maximum potential. Each one can be effectively used as a weapon. If someone disagrees with that, imagine the result of getting hit by any of the shovels. The owner's situation & intended use will or should determine which shovel is chosen. Keep up the good content!
1:44 Thor had raised Mjolnir above his head and was about to slam it into the clouds when he saw your courage and magnificent shovel, and so he lowered his hammer with a grin.
My dad has my grandad's WW 1 Austro Hungarian, still sharp, very useful when the mud freezes over, but thankfull winters have not been that hard as of late
You so look like the guy from alone season one, Oh you are the guy from Alone " I heard a tapping some what louder than before" I real glad I just found your channel, I so enjoyed watching your survival and conquer
Would love to see a video review on your thoughts on the Condor Heavy Kukri after having used it in about as honest a " get to know your tools " situation as one could be put in. Thanks Boss, BIG fan, was rooting for ya from day 1!
Wow had no idea you had a youtube channel, so cool i'll be following bro. I just did a video on the schrade folding saw.Use it as a lightening rod, your brilliant dude.Well done , very well done.
ive managed to break every e tool that has moving parts..cold steel seems bullet proof after a year...easy to make another handle in the field too (i make long ones to save back)
Since posting this video I had an opportunity to see a box of the current issue E Tools coming back from use overseas. Several of the spades were broken, all in the same place, ( the threaded collar). Just thought I would pass it along F.Y.I.
I prefer the CS or Russian. No moving parts. No plastic parts. I am ordering a 3rd. Have one in my car and one in my work vehicle. Try Re-Grip on the handle of the CS/Russian shovel.
I own the Cold Steel, an Ames made in 1991 and a little SOG trifold that actually isnt half bad that I pack in smaller kits. To me a shovel is a necessary chunk of kit
Lost my issue E-tool... was thinking about the cold steel shovel, but I like folding my E-tool and sitting on it when I need to do my business in the woodline.
The saperka is the name of a little shovel, folding or not, taken from the word saper - a military engineer - at least in Polish. Our old issued tools had the wooden handles aswell. Just bought the ames , I am very pleased with it, and the review was very helpful, thanks.
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
The US shovel type is all over NATO. Don't you know if let's say the German version has as many positions? And would it actually take your weight as a hook? BTW there's an improved ColdSteel type without the wood exposed. It's the Czech military version (now as a reproduction CS 412)
Great video. I have the Cold Steel, and I messed up the edge so badly trying to sharpen it with the Worksharp sharpener that I will need to re-edge it. What kind of tool will I need for that? A file?
Cold Steel makes dozens of Kukri. They have a back yard beater for $35 to try it out. I have 5 of theirs. Incredible. I have the Indian, Nepalese and others but I wouldn't trade 1 of my Cold Steel for 5 of those others. I have the 9" and 12" (and a 15" from some other company). You have many options.
legend says that the tree was so huge that first his axe break, then the shovel broke too and he ended up tearing down the tree with his owns hands and the shovel still piercing his arm, Alan is a Badass.
I have one of the Cold Steel ones; it literally didn't last five minutes. And the company was worthless about responding to the many emails I sent them. Oh well.
Did you buy it direct from Cold Steel or Amazon? There are rip offs. I get mine direct. I've thrown mine thousands of times with zero issues. I have both, short and long. I've called Cold Steel about theft from UPS and they resent items in less than 5 days. I have about 90 (120 in 25 years) Cold Steel products and have zero complaints. Perfection EVERY single time. I saw a Rajah ll on Amazon for $75 and I said nope. I paid $147 for mine on sale in March 2020. That's the only way I'm doing it. Too many scams.
Totally unrelated but one thing I've noticed about Alan is his quick witted humor. Dude is hilarious. I've been watching a ton of videos featuring him and in damn near every video he says something that gets a genuine chuckle. Will kill you with an E-Tool or kill you with a joke, love to see it.
You sir, are very articulate and speak intelligently. Great review.
I've dug more fighting positions with the Ames than I can remember and I don't miss that either.
Just randomly browsing etool videos and came across you! Nice job in Alone and keep up the good work!
Great job on the series Alone Alan. I think you layed out the advantages and short comings of the three different tools very well. I have used the Ames tool for many years,but have found the titanium version of the Cold steel shovel strikes the right balance for me.
@Jones The Titanium is ACTUALLY a Russian one imported. Less weight for carry but less heft for chopping and digging. Some also say the Titanium throws off balance for throwing but I bet totally indestructible if they got the right Titanium Alloy mix. Pure TI is brittle.
I had no idea an etool could be used in so many ways wow. Great video makes me wanna buy one now.
You are so entertaining! I have watched a whole lot of survival/camping etc videos.. Some are educational but very boring. You and Zachary and Survival Lilly are the most entertaining and educational. Thanks!!
Just got Ames , now my backpack is complete :) thanks man
If the handle in the cold steel brakes I still had the chance to make one in the woods!! Not the other ones!!😎 Plus the noice and loosening of the other two and having more places where to go wrong it just makes me want the cold steel always!!
Cold Steel always.... no doubt.
Thanks for the review 👍
Just came across you... Thanks for the clarity. I can actually hear you and understand you. Thanks for the different points of views.
Great video. I've been wary of folders with the moving parts but your explanation of the applications of those different blade positions was definitely food for thought, thanks!
Great video. I love the fact that he goes no where without a Kukri.
Fantastic video, man! You perfectly outlined all three tools and now I know which one I want. Gotta go with the Ames! Thank you for the help.
I broke my AMES at the hinge digging through river cane roots. Before that, I liked it a lot. Might get another.
I've used the older USGI Vietnam era wooden handled e-tool and liked it.
I have the Cold Steel and find it great for a chopper, I've cut sapplings for shelters and was impressed, it will make feather sticks if sharpened, it's got good steel in it.
I have a Soviet mpl-50 shovel from 1984, good shovel. Does most of what the Cold Steel does but the steel is soft. It doesn't hold an edge as long as the CS one. Tapping it and it's a dull ring compared to the loud ring of the CS. It works good though.
I also have an old Yugoslavian surplus shovel from the 1950s. Its a nice shovel. It falls between the CS being best and the Soviet mpl-50 as the lower quality tool. I would use any.
Great video and I couldn't agree more on the choosing the Ames. I have one but mine is made by the other, lesser known, manufacturer LHB which is short for lighthouse for the blind. These things are so versatile and built like tanks.
Good review! They each have a strong suit, and it is up to its owner to learn how to properly use & maintain the shovel to its maximum potential. Each one can be effectively used as a weapon. If someone disagrees with that, imagine the result of getting hit by any of the shovels. The owner's situation & intended use will or should determine which shovel is chosen. Keep up the good content!
Going with the Ames for camping...still a lot of 80s surplus out there.
1:44 Thor had raised Mjolnir above his head and was about to slam it into the clouds when he saw your courage and magnificent shovel, and so he lowered his hammer with a grin.
My dad has my grandad's WW 1 Austro Hungarian, still sharp, very useful when the mud freezes over, but thankfull winters have not been that hard as of late
Alexandru Kantakouzenos von Carstein Zarovich I have an Austro-Hungarian shovel too, found it at a dump store. Still a solid piece of kit
You so look like the guy from alone season one, Oh you are the guy from Alone " I heard a tapping some what louder than before" I real glad I just found your channel, I so enjoyed watching your survival and conquer
Would love to see a video review on your thoughts on the Condor Heavy Kukri after having used it in about as honest a " get to know your tools " situation as one could be put in. Thanks Boss, BIG fan, was rooting for ya from day 1!
Wow had no idea you had a youtube channel, so cool i'll be following bro. I just did a video on the schrade folding saw.Use it as a lightening rod, your brilliant dude.Well done , very well done.
ive managed to break every e tool that has moving parts..cold steel seems bullet proof after a year...easy to make another handle in the field too (i make long ones to save back)
Also try Re-Grip for the handle. You'll love the feel.
Easy to make a handle? How do u do this? Thanks.
Since posting this video I had an opportunity to see a box of the current issue E Tools coming back from use overseas. Several of the spades were broken, all in the same place, ( the threaded collar). Just thought I would pass it along F.Y.I.
listen to that ring noise from the american model. quality built. just got my second . i love em
I prefer the CS or Russian. No moving parts. No plastic parts. I am ordering a 3rd. Have one in my car and one in my work vehicle. Try Re-Grip on the handle of the CS/Russian shovel.
No body, no body, beats Cold Steel. I'm a freak about them.
Great review, Thanks for the tips.
I own the Cold Steel, an Ames made in 1991 and a little SOG trifold that actually isnt half bad that I pack in smaller kits.
To me a shovel is a necessary chunk of kit
Great video!
Lost my issue E-tool... was thinking about the cold steel shovel, but I like folding my E-tool and sitting on it when I need to do my business in the woodline.
Great review very informative thanks I bought an ames.
Would love to meet you and your family some time. We really felt like we got to know you on the show,"Alone" Well done!
The saperka is the name of a little shovel, folding or not, taken from the word saper - a military engineer - at least in Polish. Our old issued tools had the wooden handles aswell. Just bought the ames , I am very pleased with it, and the review was very helpful, thanks.
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
Cold Steel for me. I have the short and long one. And they're aerodynamic. Can't beat that.
Excellent video . Can’t beat US issue .
condor knife and tool makes a nice entreching tool in my opinion (worth looking at )
I prefer my 1952 H-W folding e-tool with shovel and pick. Second would be the ames.
Good job !
I think a Russian invented that shovel that was shown to be used as a seat. His name was Igor Cuthisnutsoff. LOL
1:34 if you did that in front of me i would run like heck.
It the Ames can be used as a chair or a seat
Alan, What do think of the idea. Get another Cold Steel shovel and make a handle say twice the length ?
The US shovel type is all over NATO. Don't you know if let's say the German version has as many positions? And would it actually take your weight as a hook?
BTW there's an improved ColdSteel type without the wood exposed. It's the Czech military version (now as a reproduction CS 412)
I chose option 4
Great video. I have the Cold Steel, and I messed up the edge so badly trying to sharpen it with the Worksharp sharpener that I will need to re-edge it. What kind of tool will I need for that? A file?
Probably. Try a bastard file.
I hope you didn't poison ivy, your entrenching tools are laying in it.
what about weight comparison?
i got the AIMS too but the handle is wobbling ,what can i do to fix it?Or just buy a new one?
I got a great deal on a folding shovel, see it on my video, "Can you dig this? Making holes without making holes (in your wallet)".
Have you tried the Glock Spade?
What was the kukri you used in alone please tell me I want the exact one you have
+hyrum graf It was Condor® Heavy Duty Kurki Knife ;)
Cold Steel makes dozens of Kukri. They have a back yard beater for $35 to try it out. I have 5 of theirs. Incredible. I have the Indian, Nepalese and others but I wouldn't trade 1 of my Cold Steel for 5 of those others. I have the 9" and 12" (and a 15" from some other company). You have many options.
Mentions using tool for self-defense, ... Thunder roars over the treetops. Sounds like Somebody agrees with you..
I'll take that shovel AND your lunch money! That US E tool is a pisashit.
Gerber has a much better angle in locked position, how may people run a shovel sitting on their ass?
why were you chopping a tree down with a shovel
legend says that the tree was so huge that first his axe break, then the shovel broke too and he ended up tearing down the tree with his owns hands and the shovel still piercing his arm, Alan is a Badass.
It offended his eye.
They were dead branches. He didn't chop anything down. Don't throw rocks until your IQ gets to double digits.
I have one of the Cold Steel ones; it literally didn't last five minutes. And the company was worthless about responding to the many emails I sent them. Oh well.
Did you buy it direct from Cold Steel or Amazon?
There are rip offs. I get mine direct. I've thrown mine thousands of times with zero issues. I have both, short and long. I've called Cold Steel about theft from UPS and they resent items in less than 5 days. I have about 90 (120 in 25 years) Cold Steel products and have zero complaints. Perfection EVERY single time. I saw a Rajah ll on Amazon for $75 and I said nope. I paid $147 for mine on sale in March 2020. That's the only way I'm doing it. Too many scams.