I have haunted Amazon.ca for a while now. I am usually lurking to see what new things I can find, or buy, or well...anything. it is a great time waster I suppose.
Anyhow, I stumbled upon this advertisement for a multi-tool shovel that was originally 49.99 Canadian...but came with a 10 dollars off coupon. Well for 39.99 I had to see what sort of a deal this is. Better yet, it was handled by Amazon. Whenever it is shipped by Amazon, it usually ships lightning fast. It only took a few days for it to arrive at my door.
When I opened the shipping box, I had to laugh. My expectations on the product dropped when I read the statement on the box. On the other hand, it does have a Jeep on the box...so that is a plus of sorts LOL!
20210123_093447A by
Chako, on Flickr
I just wasn't sure what I would do with a "Self Driving Outdoor Shovel".
When I opened the box, things did not get much better. The shovel comes with a protective shovel cover, and another dual pouch holder for accessories in tasteful camo
. Unfortunately, there are also 2 shovel handle pieces separate in the box. I am unsure why they only offer a place to store two handle pieces when 4 are supplied. I guess you are supposed to attach two handle pieces to the shovel head. Be that as it may, there are no belt loops found on either the shovel protector or the accessory pouch, making outdoor carry a bit of a pain. I guess one could sew belt loops on them if they must...but it would have been nice to have an alternative way of carrying them out of the box. As it stands, I guess this is purely for the Jeep...see...the box says so!
20210123_093519A by
Chako, on Flickr
So far, I was having fun with this product. For 39.99 Canadian, the amusement I got from the packaging was well worth it. My expectations for the quality of the shovel itself was not high at this point. However, and I must say this with a bit of awe...I was wrong to expect so little for so little monetary value. Upon closer inspection, this shovel is rather nice. The head is built very sturdy and smurfing sharp out of the box. There is a nice ruler on one side, a saw on the other along with a I guess belt cutter for want of a better term...and all other sides are super sharp. I took the shovel outside and used it on a few branches much like a manchette, and it did the job.
The shovel comes with 4 screw on handle pieces. Now my expectations of threads all messed up or stripped proved wrong. In fact, screwing on and off the modular handles was smooth as butter. Dang, how did they make this for 39.99 I will never know. The shovel can be set into different positions and locked into place. You have options of shortening or extending your handle length. It all screws together tightly and is finished well.
Included in the handle are some nice pieces. The very last handle piece has a glass breaker on the end. Unscrew this end piece to get to the included ferro rod flint fire starter. Unscrew this piece from the end cap to access a hidden built in emergency whistle. This handle piece also contains the built in screwdriver with included double ended Phillips and flat screwdriver bit. The next piece contains a screw in knife blade which is not very sharp, but for this price, I cannot complain. I found that the end handle piece with its removable end cap and screwdriver end forms a nice size container that has plenty of room for a survival and first aid kit, or anything that you can fit inside. On top of that, each screw in piece features a rubber gasket for waterproofing. I haven't tried this out, but it all seems nice and tight.
20210123_093725A by
Chako, on Flickr
My only issue with this cheaply priced shovel is the lack of a belt loop on the pouches, and that can be changed easily enough with some material and a bit of sewing...if needed. There are also a few Amazon Image differences between the product shown and what you will get. I like that the instructions only show 3 handle extensions when you actually get 4. Also, it does not mention anything about the included screwdriver...so the instructions are generic designed for a series of shovels of the same design. I am surprised at the quality of this shovel however. The fit and finish is much higher than the asking price, and even better for the sale price in my opinion.
In case anyone wants to read more about this item...here is the Amazon.ca link to the product. Of all my shovels, this is one of the better designed multi-tool shovels I own. I am thinking of buying one more for the Jeep. I mean...how can you turn down a shovel that claims it can self drive it!
https://www.amazon.ca/Multi-Purpose-Military-Survival-Multitool-Emergency/dp/B08338L7DP/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=multitool+shovel&qid=1611416079&sr=8-8
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