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US GI Military Original Issue E-Tool Entrenching Shovel

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,041 ratings

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Color Black E-Tool, No Case
Brand AMES or ACEMCO Military Contractor
Item Dimensions LxWxH 9.4 x 7.1 x 2.9 inches
Handle Material Alloy Steel
Blade Material Alloy Steel
Is Foldable Yes
Grip Type Padded

About this item

  • Steel Blade with Aluminum handle
  • Genuine US Military Issue
  • Black powder-coat finish
  • Tri-fold Design Collapses for Easy Carry/Storage
  • Sharpened Axe Edge, Serrated Saw Edge

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$79.95
Get it Mar 29 - Apr 2
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Surplus World Inc.
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$14.98
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Columbia River Metal Works.
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Product Description

GENUINE U.S. MILITARY ISSUE Made for the US Military with Superior Materials and Workmanship. It is durable and last a life time. You will have a shovel that won't fall apart or break during heavy work use. Steel Blade with Aluminum Handle. Can be used as a saw, axe, mattock, or shovel. Folds to 9", extends to 24". Threaded handle locks blade into 2 positions. Genuine US Military Issue, Never used US Surplus. NSN 5120008785932

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US GI Military Original Issue E-Tool Entrenching Shovel


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Military surplus, no returns. Burch's will work with customers to make sure they are satisfied.

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
1,041 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the sturdiness, quality and portability of the shovel spade. For example, they mention it's made of very high quality steel, it works well and is compact to fit in a small pack. Some appreciate the value for money. That said, some say it'll last.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

246 customers mention221 positive25 negative

Customers like the sturdiness of the shovel spade. They mention that it's very solid, strong, and made of very high quality steel. They say it won't break and it wont let them down. Some say that it lasts a very long time and that there was almost no sign of wear on the tool anywhere.

"...you the feeling it will hold up against wear and tear and last a very long time no matter what you throw at it (including zombies)...." Read more

"...am not sure this shovel is what our military uses, BUT it seems fairly well built and works for my needs (as an emergency shovel in my Jeep)...." Read more

"...Very solid, and yes it can be set to 45° and 90°,apparently some reviewers never actually put in any effort." Read more

"...It has a fair amount of weight, but remember I did say it is solid. It doesn't come with the little case, but you can get that easy...." Read more

195 customers mention182 positive13 negative

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the shovel spade. They mention that it is well-built, works well, and is suited for their needs. Some say that it looks the business and is great for yard work.

"...So it's plenty tough. Finally, it looks the business. No one else on the beach had a shovel like this...." Read more

"...is what our military uses, BUT it seems fairly well built and works for my needs (as an emergency shovel in my Jeep)...." Read more

"...This thing is a BEAST, it's is sturdy, well made, functions well, and can take a beating...." Read more

"...there are a lot of things that I do like about it, such as the pointier head design, military lineage, 90 degree angle for digging and sitting..." Read more

83 customers mention83 positive0 negative

Customers find the shovel spade portable and easy to carry. They say it's a great compact shovel that works well in snow, mud, and dirt. Customers also say it takes up little or no room and is easy to keep in a backpack or trunk of the car.

"...It satisfied all of my criteria. It folds up tiny, and unfolds to the perfect size for digging from your knees...." Read more

"...Purchased a G.I.-Tri-Fold-Shovel Cover for it, fits perfectly although very snug...." Read more

"...Perfect for backpackers and pretty much anyone going camping. It has a fair amount of weight, but remember I did say it is solid...." Read more

"...It folds up perfectly and gets very compact, and lightweight enough to be viable for long distance backpacking...." Read more

42 customers mention32 positive10 negative

Customers like the value of the shovel spade. They say it's well worth the price, sturdy, and well made. Some mention that the shipping was a bit cheaper on Amazon. Overall, most are satisfied with the value and quality of the product.

"...twenty minutes of sharpening I believe for the price this is a very good purchase...." Read more

"...this same E-Tool but then I found this one on Amazon and the shipping was a bit cheaper so I got this one...." Read more

"...Overall this is a very handy tool, well worth the price tag...." Read more

"...This will last for years to come. Only complaint is that it is a little expensive, but you get what you pay for." Read more

39 customers mention39 positive0 negative

Customers are satisfied with the material of the shovel spade. They mention that it is made of real steel, different solid metal components, and a nice material that will last. Some say that it has a genuine military quality and is high quality. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.

"...The entire tool is comprised of steel and aluminium with the exception of the locking screw, which is still a pretty heavy duty nylon/plastic...." Read more

"...things that I do like about it, such as the pointier head design, military lineage, 90 degree angle for digging and sitting..." Read more

"...It is all steel construction but lighter than I thought, and the best part of all..... it's marked ames 69! I'm glad I got one from the Vietnam era...." Read more

"...very suprised to find that the entire shovel was made out of different solid metal components..." Read more

35 customers mention30 positive5 negative

Customers like the ease of folding of the shovel spade. For example, they say it's portable, versatile, and easy to fold. Some mention that it unfolds into a solid shovel and that it'll fit in a truck box. Overall, most are satisfied with the ease and functionality of the product.

"...This is the one I used in the Army and works just as I remember.Folds up and really saves on storage space. Very solid and well made...." Read more

"...It folds up perfectly and gets very compact, and lightweight enough to be viable for long distance backpacking...." Read more

"...edges on the handle (hotspots), has sharper serrations, and does not come apart like the Aimes did while digging...." Read more

"...and is bolted together and has heavy steel rivets where the cheap imitation has what appears to be..." Read more

16 customers mention16 positive0 negative

Customers find the shovel spade versatile and a great asset to their camping gear. They say it comes in handy on desert trips, camping, and hunting. The shovel is easily collapsible and portable, making it good for a bug out bag. Customers also mention that it's perfect for sand beach days and carries in a backpack. They also say it'd be a good addition to any survival kit.

"You really can't beat the simplicity, versatility, and sturdiness of a military E-Tool...." Read more

"...Folds down small, is compact when folded up properly, and has a wide variety of uses, including that of an actual shovel...." Read more

"...you name it. easily collapsable, portable, versatile...." Read more

"Can be configured for several tasks. Good size. Good balance. Seems very durable.Folds into a convenient size...." Read more

29 customers mention17 positive12 negative

Customers are mixed about the weight of the shovel spade. Some mention that it's not that heavy, while others say that it is too heavy and bulky.

"...It folds up perfectly and gets very compact, and lightweight enough to be viable for long distance backpacking...." Read more

"...It has a fair amount of weight, but remember I did say it is solid. It doesn't come with the little case, but you can get that easy...." Read more

"...It is all steel construction but lighter than I thought, and the best part of all..... it's marked ames 69! I'm glad I got one from the Vietnam era...." Read more

"...The only down side Ive found to this shovel is that its a little heavy for people who are looking to keep weight down for backpacking...." Read more

Super heavy-duty. Probably bulletproof. Perfect for the beach.
5 Stars
Super heavy-duty. Probably bulletproof. Perfect for the beach.
I have lots of tools for a DIY guy. Tools for gardening, bicycle maintenance, chopping firewood, carpentry... you name it, I probably have a tool for it. And I'm super picky about what I buy. I will spend hours trying to find *just* the right German-made screwdriver. I would rather not do the job than have to do it with a cheap tool. So, when I went looking for a shovel for digging moats around sandcastles on the beach with my 2-year-old, I didn't screw around. First, it needed to be small, so it could be packed into a suitcase. Second, it needed to be big, so I could dig big holes. Third, it needed to be tough. This beach has conch shells and big rocks and chunks of coral buried in the sand. These eat lesser shovels for lunch. Finally, it needed to look like a serious tool. I wasn't going to step out onto the beach with a stupid-looking shovel.My search led me to this shovel. It satisfied all of my criteria. It folds up tiny, and unfolds to the perfect size for digging from your knees. It's constructed of surprisingly thick-gauge metal, and everything is securely riveted or bolted together. The blade itself withstood impact after impact against jagged bits of seashells and rocks, with nothing but some cosmetic damage. So it's plenty tough. Finally, it looks the business. No one else on the beach had a shovel like this. The matte black paint and serrated edge scared children and adults alike. (I also bought a tough-looking camouflage holster for it. I was super excited about this accessory. I was visualizing strolling out onto the beach with this bad boy. I even practiced at home, before the vacation. Imagine my disappointment, then, when we got to the beach and I realized that my swimming trunks lacked a belt! Maddening. So the holster stayed in the villa. Ultimately it was ok. Just remember to unfold the shovel before you step out. The balance point is such that, as you walk down to the water, it swings menacingly by your side. Then, when you pick your spot on the beach, use all of your strength and stab it deep into the sand with one hand. Awesome.)My son and I dug holes every day for two weeks in all kinds of sand. Dry sand. Wet sand. Sometimes I rinsed off the salt water and sand, sometimes I didn't. It stayed outside exposed to the harsh elements overnight.Needless to say, with all the salt water the rust showed up within 24 hours. Sand and shells quickly wore through the paint on the blade, and water washed away any lubricant that may have been on the hinged points and the threads of the collar. This made it quite hard to open and close. Sand got into the threads of the collar and caused the collar to lock up every day. At first I was alarmed. I mean, come on, this is a US Army *entrenching tool*, right? For digging during war? But then I discovered that some water would instantly flush out the sand and release the collar. I used salt water, because that's what soldiers got on their shovels at Normandy in WWII.After the vacation, I rinsed out all the sand, and lubricated the hinges and threads. I sprayed more tri-flow all over it to arrest the oxidation. It is currently sitting on my workbench in the basement, awaiting its next mission. I don't know yet what it will be, but I am sleeping soundly every night, knowing as I do that this shovel will meet any challenge.1-Year Update: Completely awesome. Getting out the shovel remains a highlight of every beach trip. I uploaded a couple of pics showing how it has fared. Bit of surface oxidation, nothing to worry about. After a trip, I rinse it of all sand and salt water, lube the joints and threaded collar, and cover it with a rust-inhibiting oil (anything that says "rust inhibitor" will do - I use Lie-Nielsen Jojoba oil because I have it; but last year I just covered the whole thing with tri-flow).
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2014
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars Super heavy-duty. Probably bulletproof. Perfect for the beach.
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2014
I have lots of tools for a DIY guy. Tools for gardening, bicycle maintenance, chopping firewood, carpentry... you name it, I probably have a tool for it. And I'm super picky about what I buy. I will spend hours trying to find *just* the right German-made screwdriver. I would rather not do the job than have to do it with a cheap tool. So, when I went looking for a shovel for digging moats around sandcastles on the beach with my 2-year-old, I didn't screw around. First, it needed to be small, so it could be packed into a suitcase. Second, it needed to be big, so I could dig big holes. Third, it needed to be tough. This beach has conch shells and big rocks and chunks of coral buried in the sand. These eat lesser shovels for lunch. Finally, it needed to look like a serious tool. I wasn't going to step out onto the beach with a stupid-looking shovel.

My search led me to this shovel. It satisfied all of my criteria. It folds up tiny, and unfolds to the perfect size for digging from your knees. It's constructed of surprisingly thick-gauge metal, and everything is securely riveted or bolted together. The blade itself withstood impact after impact against jagged bits of seashells and rocks, with nothing but some cosmetic damage. So it's plenty tough. Finally, it looks the business. No one else on the beach had a shovel like this. The matte black paint and serrated edge scared children and adults alike. (I also bought a tough-looking camouflage holster for it. I was super excited about this accessory. I was visualizing strolling out onto the beach with this bad boy. I even practiced at home, before the vacation. Imagine my disappointment, then, when we got to the beach and I realized that my swimming trunks lacked a belt! Maddening. So the holster stayed in the villa. Ultimately it was ok. Just remember to unfold the shovel before you step out. The balance point is such that, as you walk down to the water, it swings menacingly by your side. Then, when you pick your spot on the beach, use all of your strength and stab it deep into the sand with one hand. Awesome.)

My son and I dug holes every day for two weeks in all kinds of sand. Dry sand. Wet sand. Sometimes I rinsed off the salt water and sand, sometimes I didn't. It stayed outside exposed to the harsh elements overnight.

Needless to say, with all the salt water the rust showed up within 24 hours. Sand and shells quickly wore through the paint on the blade, and water washed away any lubricant that may have been on the hinged points and the threads of the collar. This made it quite hard to open and close. Sand got into the threads of the collar and caused the collar to lock up every day. At first I was alarmed. I mean, come on, this is a US Army *entrenching tool*, right? For digging during war? But then I discovered that some water would instantly flush out the sand and release the collar. I used salt water, because that's what soldiers got on their shovels at Normandy in WWII.

After the vacation, I rinsed out all the sand, and lubricated the hinges and threads. I sprayed more tri-flow all over it to arrest the oxidation. It is currently sitting on my workbench in the basement, awaiting its next mission. I don't know yet what it will be, but I am sleeping soundly every night, knowing as I do that this shovel will meet any challenge.

1-Year Update: Completely awesome. Getting out the shovel remains a highlight of every beach trip. I uploaded a couple of pics showing how it has fared. Bit of surface oxidation, nothing to worry about. After a trip, I rinse it of all sand and salt water, lube the joints and threaded collar, and cover it with a rust-inhibiting oil (anything that says "rust inhibitor" will do - I use Lie-Nielsen Jojoba oil because I have it; but last year I just covered the whole thing with tri-flow).
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Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2016
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