Maxam23" Foldable Shovel, Heavy Duty Carbon Shovel for Camping, Hiking, Digging, Backpacking, Gardening

Like other reviewers have stated, this is very similar to one of Gerber's line of shovels but without the serrated edge. I was almost going to get the Glock shovel instead but I couldn't convince myself to spend more than 3 times the cost of this Maxam shovel. At this price range, this shovel is amazing, especially compared to similar ones like Coghlan's or SOG's. No regrets with this purchase whatsoever!PRO:* Shovel is sturdy and of good quality. Handle is hard plastic and won't break or rot.* Shovel head has curved lip for you to step down on it when digging.* The tightening mechanism is towards the handle and not the shovel head (compare with other shovels), so it doesn't put stress or loosen the threads when shoveling.* Shovel head is welded on and doesn't have any screws which could become the weak point (again, compare with other shovels).CON:* Hard to sharpen the shovel head by hand. The edge is thick and blunt.* Basic shovel head with no serrated, sharpened, or custom edge to cut through roots or perform other tasks.* Might be too heavy for backpacking.MISC:* Nylon pouch is of cheap quality. Over time, the button which snaps the lid close will probably tear off. It's starting to already.* Handle only bends one way to form a Z shape. Cannot form a C shape, which could be useful for a temporary seat.* Shovel head can be locked in only 2 usable positions - shovel or hoe, no other angles in between.* No telescoping handle like Glock'sOther shovels referenced:Gerber 30-000075 E-Tool Folding Spade with Serrated BladeCoghlan's Folding ShovelSOG Specialty Knives F08-N Entrenching ToolGlock Entrenching Tool with Saw and Pouch

This was a good item @ a fine price. The shovel is a folding shovel, not metal and it does fold. Comes w/a fitted case that snaps shut. I bought it to take to the beach. The handle has a threaded piece that, when turned clockwise, it locks the shovel out straight. I would recommend this shovel for lighter duty jobs such as real survival while on a backpack or hunting trip, the beach, or light gardening or flower pots. Its perfect for that. It would be bad for packed dirt or clay and might break. Between the price, case, and lightness I think it deserves 5 stars.

I don't have a Gerber to compare; however, I must believe that this is not the same manufacturer. The lugs which lock the head in place weren't very effective. The head would easily dislodge. I filed them and it worked quite well then, the locking collar split. I was using it in hard snow pack at the time. I wasn't beating on it, basically just trying it out. All in all, I used it for about four minutes. It is marked 'manufactured in china national headquarters USA ' - whatever that is supposed to mean....

I own the Gerber shovel and this is a cheap copy at best.You'll have to grind the locking lugs square at the shoulders to get positive engagement with the threaded collar.That said, if you're willing to tweak it and want to spend as little as possible, it may be serviceable.Time will tell if the welds that hold the blade or the metal channel that makes up the shaft will fail.

I bought this shovel for my B.O.B. Just like a knife, when you need a shovel, you need a shovel. It feels and appears to be very solid. The handle and spade lock together easily via a locking spindle. The best part is the spade is welded to the handle, not spot welded or punch riveted into place. The handle is a hard polymere type plastic and works well. Tried this in my garden and it did just fine. I do not consider the weight to be much of an issue. The carry case is not much, but serves the purpose. The belt loop is odd since I have never seen anyone carry a shovel on their belt. Velcro strips or small zip ties can be used to affix it to any backpack. A nice item to have in a car or truck. Will not take up much space. Must remember that this is a folding shovel, more suited for soft soil, mud, snow or sand. Hard clay and or rocky soil may cause some problems, however, considering some other types of folding shovels, this shovel would perform better. For the price, I think this is a good buy and fits the purpose for which I bought it.

As another reviewer mentioned, this appears to be an older model of the Gerber folding shovel. It's very light and compact, and the blade is solid-welded (not riveted or tack-welded)to the shaft. I have my doubts about the durability of the handle in extreme temperatures, but if was cold enough for shattering to be a concern the ground would probably be frozen anyway. This is not a multi-purpose survival tool, but an exceptional deal on a quality item for camping, backpacking, or emergency kits.

I needed a replacement for my military issued etool and this was a perfect cheap replacement closest I could find to the original size

Needed a compact shovel to carry in the trunk. This product appeared to be the best built for the money. Not disappointed, but haven't put it to work yet. Pleased that the blade locks in two positions, nearly straight like a spade, and at about 90 degrees like a hoe. Maybe all folding shovels do that? Plan to get one for each vehicle.