VSMPO Superlight Titanium Shovel Universal Emergency Tool 100% Titanium

(this is a copy of my review from another listing for the same product, that has been replaced with this one)TL;DR: this is a copy of the Russian standard issue small infantry shovel MPL-50, made to spec, except that the blade is solid titanium rather than carbon steel. If you know what MPL-50 is, that's all you need to know - you're getting the same exact thing, except it's 300 grams (10.5 oz) lighter, more sturdy, doesn't rust, and dirt doesn't stick to it as much. If you know the Cold Steel Shovel, then that is also an MPL-50 copy, so this will be similar - although this one is closer to the original, and better than Cold Steel in certain respects other than titanium.This shovel is made in Russia by VSPMO Ural. These guys are the largest manufacturer of titanium products in the world even to this day, and historically have been servicing the Soviet military and space industry, so they know their stuff. Their side business is making various camping and gardening accessories out of titanium, so we're enjoying the benefits of that.The blade on this thing is 2mm stamped BT6 titanium alloy - this is the usual kind for stamped titanium products. The manufacturer claims tensile strength of 1000 MPa (145k psi). 2mm is the same blade thickness is the same on MPL-50 and Cold Steel. If you abuse it, you will probably break the handle first. The edges are sharpened somewhat, but not to the extent that you can cut yourself on it - not like Cold Steel.The handle is dense hardwood that is NOT painted or lacquered, just like the original MPL-50, and unlike Cold Steel. The reason for this is that lacquered and/or painted surfaces are more slippery, and it has been found from experience in the field that they will produce blisters much faster than raw wood, when using the shovel a lot. The downside of no lacquer is that the handle is less resistant to moisture, and therefore, rot. It'll still take a while for it to rot, mind you, especially if you don't leave it exposed for days. The manufacturer furthermore claims that the handle has been impregnated with some chemical that increases rot resistance. If you want moisture resistance, I recommend applying something like tung oil, or else finishing it with wax or wax-based product (e.g. Sno-Seal) - if you heat it up, the wax will impregnate the wood.The blade is attached to the handle with two wood screws. You might want to make sure that they're firm once you get yours - they were somewhat loose on mine. Some people install larger screws for a more secure hold on these, but I didn't find it a concern. Because of this method of attachment, the handle is easily replaced if it breaks.The sheath is nylon, in some vague woodland camo lookalike pattern. Mine doesn't match the photo precisely - instead of a plastic buckle, it uses a button and a nylon loop to keep it closed. It opens on the top, and the shovel is dropped into it handle down - this means that you need to grab it by the blade to take it out, so you probably don't want it to be too sharp..."Small infantry shovel", its official service name, also describes its purpose exactly - it's the individual entrenching tool of an infantry soldier in the field, for the purpose of digging individual fortifications (foxholes etc). It is meant to be used while kneeling, sitting, or lying down - not while standing. It is not intended for heavy digging jobs, and you will tire quickly if you use it for that. If you want to be able to use it efficiently, look up the specific digging techniques on e.g. YouTube - the most efficient way to use it is different from your regular shovel, and is more similar to other entrenching tools.Speaking of other entrenching tools, one of the most common questions is whether, and how, this is better than the standard NATO entrenching tool (the tri-folding one with D-handle). The answer, as usual, is: it depends. The main benefit of the NATO tool is that it folds (duh), making it more compact. The price you pay for that is increased weight, because the folding joints have to be very beefy to handle the stress of digging - and even then it's still easier to break. The plastic handle version has comparable weight, but at the expense of being notoriously flimsy. The folding mechanism is also somewhat prone to rust, dirt, and icing in cold weather, and they sometimes rust open (or worse yet, rust shut) to the point where it doesn't fold anymore. On the other hand, the blade can be folded perpendicular to the handle, which allows for a somewhat more efficient way of digging in kneeling or prone position, which is further helped by the more ergonomic D-handle. However, D-handle is only ergonomic for digging - if you intend to use it as the multitool it is intended to be (e.g. as a hatchet), the simple handle is far more versatile.Finally, to address the "Special forces" and "Spetsnaz shovel" claim. This is a part of Western mythology that's associated with MPL-50; it's not really false, just somewhat misleading. The shovel itself is NOT a "special forces" shovel. As mentioned earlier, this is a standard issue general purpose infantry shovel, and literally every infantry soldier in the Russian army is issued one in the field. It is not specifically designed for fighting - originally, this design was intended by its inventor to be a multitool of sorts, with entrenching being the primary function, but also usable as hatchet, saw, and makeshift frying pan. It was adopted as such by most Western armies prior to WW1. When that war devolved into trench warfare, soldiers quickly discovered that a shovel of that size makes a very good weapon in the tight confines of the trench, being much more compact and easy to handle than a full-length rifle with a bayonet, and delivering devastating blows. Better yet, it can also be thrown surprisingly well. Consequently, the practice of sharpening all its edges became common, and various techniques for its use as a weapon were developed, and some countries - notably USSR - incorporated those techniques into their official hand-to-hand fighting manuals, alongside bayonet use. The most well-known manual of this kind is the WW2-era "Destroy the enemies in Hand-To-Hand Combat", and English translations can be found online. In practice, however, soldiers of all armies used their entrenching tools (which looked essentially the same back then) as makeshift weapons; it was by no means restricted only to Russia, or to its special forces. After WW2, the importance of this type of combat diminished, and the combat training was gradually phased out for regular troops, but persisted in the Soviet special forces community (and would often trickle down from them to regular troops when on deployment in some conflict zone, since they would still carry the shovel itself) - and from there, the legend of the "Spetsnaz shovel" was born.

When I first picked up the package off my front porch, I wondered what I'd ordered, that would be that shape. Never did it occur to me that it could contain a shovel, even one made from titanium! The head is amazing!The handle...it's passable, I guess. It's not clear what type of hardwood it is.. And I use the term 'hardwood' loosely here.. It has a few cracks and rough spots.. But, at least it's not varnished! Lol.. I knew from the start that I'd likely replace the handle anyway. As I prefer a slightly longer one. So, for me, it's far from a deal-breaker..I'll certainly be picking up at least one more of these, for my B.O.B./car. And I would highly recommend it to anyone else who backpacks, or simply has need of an amazing shovel, too!

Holy cow! This is IT!!! Always loved my cold steel shovel (2lbs) BUT never liked how heavy it is, feels more like 3lbs. Here is the real deal this Spetsnaz shovel really only weighs 1# whole flapjacking pound. It feels FEATHERLIGHT, I mean WOW.. Not to mention the overall shape, form, fit, and construction is FARRR superior quality. My original order was lost in the mail and so when they sent me my replacement I was given a really nice titanium spoon as a free gift complimentary of my wait. Note: they are not (coloured) like mine they come plain shiny metal, and I heated up the beautiful color patina you see in the picture;) wish they would sell these spoons makes a real soup spoon and love it to thanks VSMPO👍👍

Lighter & slightly shorter than Steel Version. But not as sharp as expected. will need more testing. Screws came loose after first use but tightened easily. Canvas sheath fits this one too.

I ordered this January 13th and received it February 24th; the shipment estimates from amazon/the seller were not accurate.The shovel is as described by the seller and I am satisfied with it.

It’s the most lite weight tool someone can have, useful for so many things, it’s well made, the best tool you can have besides a good knife for camping and trekking, the Russians really thought this out, I hope they have more Russian made products available on amazon.

Product is well made. Packaging and address labeling was very high quality to assure safe arrival at proper destination. Wood handle is smoothly turned hardwood with clean finish. Item was on order for longer than expected but worth the wait.

Durable; extra light