Prudent Prepping: Calling an Entrenching Tool a Spade

The dust has settled and the First 72 Hours have passed. Follow along as I build a long term plan via Prudent Prepping.

My friend the Master Chief is a Geardo 1st Class with Oak Leaf Clusters (or whatever the Navy version is). He disposes his income in ways I can't on items that I really like. Here is one of them.



KP Solution Chico Group Folding Camping Survival Shovel

https://amzn.to/2QGN14X

From the KP Solutions Amazon page:

• VERSATILE, PORTABLE UTILITY: Take this folding shovel tool camping, hiking, in your car. Keep it handy at a backyard party and amuse guests using the bottle opener in the spade blade.
• LIGHT AND COMPACT: No need to haul a belt or bucket of tools. You’ve got what you need for the beach or a few hours gardening, hanging at your waist.
• GARDENING OR EMERGENCIES: This tactical grade multitool is a spade, pick saw, car glass hammer, fire starter and folds into a hoe. All in a small carrying pouch.
• PRUNE SMALL BRANCHES: Swap out the spade for a saw - the multi-piece handle lets you use either one. At just over a pound there’s no excuse not to take it camping.
• USE IN SNOW OR SUN: This multitool will be useful any time of year, whether to shovel snow off your steps, hoe your garden, or sawing kindling.

I like the weight (it's not listed, but I'm guessing < 3lbs), the fact that it stores in the included pouch, and how solid the handle feels when assembled. The segments thread together very easily, and there is a gasket (similar to the ones on better flashlights) to keep moisture out.

How the shovel blade articulates is pretty much how every folding shovel works: turn the locking ring to free the tabs and unfold to the angle you want. You have a choice to use this as a hoe, or to unfold the blade completely and use it as a shovel. The hinge and bracing plates that allow the dual use seem very stout and unlikely to wear out or break any time soon.

I'm not so sure of the durability of the included accessories, especially the saw blade. It certainly seems to be mounted firmly into its segment, but I don't know how well it will last if used as an actual saw. The Phillips screwdriver seems to be a #2 and I have the same questions on life span with it as I do with the saw.

Don't even ask what the Master Chief said about the compass on the end of the handle. Just don't.

Since this is not my personal tool, I'll have to wait for some action pictures, possibly this weekend, when spring bulbs get planted. All of our camping trips were canceled by being either directly affected by the N. California fires or were close enough to be covered in smoke and ash.

The Recap

• One KP Solutions Chico Group Shovel: $27.85 with Prime

The Takeaway

• For bugging out or camping, a shovel is a good tool to consider. 
• While this product needs further testing before I can recommend it. 
• If it works, though, then it's something I'd like to keep in my trunk.

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If you have comments, suggestions or corrections, please post them so we all can learn. And remember, Some Is Always Better Than None!

NOTE: All items tested were purchased by me. No products have been loaned in exchange for a favorable review. Any items sent to me for T&E will be listed as such. Suck it Feds.