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J. Bruha
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2025
This is the real deal, a genuine surplus GI issue E-tool. Construction is solid, quality is top notch, sturdy, and well built. The initial deployment was a little stiff as the hinges needed to be worked in, but this is far better than too loose and wobbly use. In use everything locked up tightly and solidly. I rarely give 5 star reviews, and wavered between 4 and 5 stars as I think this is a 4-1/2 star product. The E-tool (shovel) itself is top notch, but I prefer the rigid plastic sheath over the cordura one, but decided not to discount it because that is more a personal preference than any shortcoming of the tool itself, and the description clearly stated the cordura sheath. All things being equal I prefer the rigid sheath as it is easier to get the E-tool into and out of.Can'r fault the tool itself in any way. Came sharp enough to dig with, unfolded solidly, and the serrated edges on the blade were sharp and well formed. The serrations are great for cutting roots and the like when digging, they slice right through small roots, and can be used to 'saw' through bigger ones.
JT Nuismer
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2025
I bought two of these for my vehicles. Got stuck in snow recently and had a similar one in my truck and was glad I had it. These shovels are top notch quality. The covers are made of durable, heavy material, as is the strap and snap buckle. Highly recommended. Would buy again.
Scott
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2024
Item received promptly and in excellent condition
The Dude
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2023
Package arrived ontime and received what was pictured, a genuine AMES etool to gift to a family member. They liked mine and started to look for one online, I told them I'd find one for them as I didn't want them to be stuck with some Chinese made crap when they needed it out in the desert.If I ever misplace mine, I'm buying another.(Shovel on the left lives in my Tacoma)
Steven
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2023
This is the genuine rugged (and heavy) E-tool that I recall from my Army days (years). Lightly used but in nearly new condition.
Taylor H
Reviewed in Canada on September 16, 2020
Came with the pouch and Alice clips.
J.T. Kirk
Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2020
My first Ames produced, surplus etool lasted 25 years in my truck box, saving my ass on equipment pad repairs regularly, up until my son tried to use it as an axe. I believe it was stamped "82". The one purchased here is stamped "03". The Ames production remains the best milspec execution of a now ubiquitous trifold design.I tried out the Glock etool, as I heard it was standard issue to Austrian infantry, and because I've had good luck with my 17 and 27. Those guys must have softer soils than the compacted red clay just under the sandy topsoils here. The Glock seems suitable for scat holes, but not for "digging in". I have fried rabbit quarters on the Ames blade over campfire coals. It's good for moving hot coals also. I suppose fire/cooking duty may effect blade temper on the Ames, but I'm pretty sure that 500°F heat would put the polymer handled Glock tool out of service.. The tri-fold Ames is superior in all regards, except for overall weight. Choose Ames for work/extended camping/hunting, and Glock for light backpacking where shaving ounces matters more than ease of use, utility, durability and reliability. Go Ames tri-fold if you can own only one. BTW, the serrations are easily sharpened with a medium bastard cut mill file for root work. Just don't swing it into large roots sideways, like an axe. That will lead to immediate, catastrophic failure of the pivot joint, leaving you with only something to fry eggs on.
coolwater
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2020
When I read reviews on an item, I generally begin with 1 star reviews. Most of the 1 star reviewers complained of problems with the tension nut. Mine came with a tight nut, bur as it denotes on the handle "lubricate" with an arrow pointing to the exact location to do so. After lubricating and working with the tight nut, it freed up and began working properly.Just as with any other mechanical tool you own, general maintenance is required. This e-tools' general maintenance happens to be clean and lubricate.The case is as described, and is in better shape than I anticipated.These are quality, ARMY SURPLUS, e-tools. Yes they may have been repainted etc, but they are surplus and i find mine to be a great, strong, sturdy e-tool.I almost gave 4 stars because of the tight tension nut, but then reminded myself, "It IS Army Surplus".
Alex Benn
Reviewed in Canada on October 30, 2020
The one I received is made by "LHB" - Lighthouse for the Blind, Dallas.I have no idea whether this is built to the same standards as Ames products. The bolts that hold it together are metric, which is quite odd for an American manufactured part. I have my doubts - At least advertise it as an LHB shovel.Otherwise, many parts about it are different than advertised such as the stiffener down the center of the handle. I have my doubts.
FMen47670
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2020
Excellent shovel. My only gripe is that I wished they lubed the adjusting mechanism (to loosen or tighten the spade) before it was shipped. Therefore, minus a one star. Overall, it is the same exact E-tool that was issued to me while I was in the US Army. Wipe it down with lubricating oil to prevent corrosion and it should last for years considering how tough it was built.
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