May 102013
Emergency Zone Folding Shovel with Pick and Compass, Multifunction Survival Tool
- Not just a shovel, this is a multifunction tool including a shovel, pick, saw edge, hammer, bottle opener, nail puller, wrench, compass and waterproof match container
- Extended length is 15.5-Inch but compactable for easy storage
- Emergency Zone Brand
This is a multifunction emergency tool. Tool Functions Include: Shovel, Hoe, Pick, Saw Edge, Hammer, Bottle Opener, Nail Puller, Wrench, Compass, Waterproof Match Container. Extended length is 15 1/2-Inch.
List Price: $ 10.99
Price: $ 10.95
Not a “survival” duty tool,
Other reviews have been very positive with phrases such as: “…components (…) are sturdy….it is a perfectly capable mini-shovel … and a solid 4 stars”, “Great Tool for car or backpack! This tool is just too cute and cool for words.”, and “It is a quality item “.
Lest someone get the idea from these comments and from the manufacturer’s name (Emergency Zone) that this is a real survival tool, I will try to describe the good and bad of this item more precisely.
When I read the first reviewer’s comment that “Waterproof Match Container” was inaccurate, I thought that maybe he had misinterpreted what was said in the product description to mean “Waterproof Container for Matches” when perhaps the description writer meant “Container for Waterproof Matches”. But no, the matches are NOT waterproof, nor is the space inside the handle.
The edge marked “SAW EDGE” has the general shape of saw-teeth stamped (probably) into it, but there is no “set” to them nor is there any sharp edge to the individual teeth. The edge marked “HATCHET EDGE” is just the metal thickness edge with the corners smoothed sufficiently for handling. This was not a problem for me; I sharpened the “HATCHET EDGE” by beveling the top surface of the shovel to nearly sharp, then put a very shallow bevel on the bottom side. I also beveled the bottom edge of the front of the shovel to make it cut into the ground easier.
Then I cut some vines as a test, which worked fine. But when I chopped a 1″ sapling, although it cut through more than half way the first chop, the head began to unscrew. The hatchet function is on the RIGHT edge, so, since the blade is on the left side of the handle when chopping, it will unscrew the bottom part of the handle from the top. On closer examination I noticed that the shovel no longer was in-line with the handle. The part forming the “hinge” to the handle had bent from the impact of less than half dozen chops.
I had taken the compass and the “survival kit” from the handle before subjecting the tool to any kind of impact. When I went to put the compass back, I noticed that the grip of the handle had worked so far forward that the compass was held out of position by the inner tubing of the handle, and would not allow the retaining ring to be screwed back on… until I twisted the plastic outer handle (or grip) relative to the tubing and pulled it out to where the inner handle no longer protruded. So the plastic outer handle (grip) is NOT fastened securely or bonded to the metal tubing part, but just a snug fit.
The method of locking the blade and pick in extended, right angle, and folded positions involves screwing a plastic collar against one of the flat surfaces that line up with the handle for each of these positions. After testing the hatchet function, I wanted to return the blade to the folded position, but on trying to loosen the plastic collar, I found that it was difficult and had a “gritty” feel. I expect that the threads in the plastic collar were not sufficiently engaged for sufficient length to bear the impact of the hatchet use, and possibly deformed. If so, several such uses would likely destroy the effectiveness of the collar completely.
The straps that snap to hold the tool in its pouch can also be used as belt loops. There are 10 and 12mm hex holes and a 10mm square hole in an offset piece of metal at the back of the blade. But since the metal is apparently not hardened and the “sockets” are only about the same thickness as the blade, I wouldn’t put too much pressure on them as wrenches.
I am attracted, as apparently so are other reviewers, to a tool with as many useful functions as possible. This tool has more than most and they needn’t necessarily interfere with each other if properly designed. Some of the flaws in this particular tool can be fixed with epoxy and the equipment that might be found in a home workshop. But some of them would best be handled in the manufacture of the item.
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This item also contains a modest survival kit,
I wanted to add a review to this item because it also contains a modest survival kit, which is not mentioned in the description. However, the handle is NOT a waterproof match container as stated.
The two base components (shovel/pick head base and handle) are sturdy. The folding shovel and pick are attached to the base section with a large steel rivet, which is good for strength. I was worried that the rivet might be aluminum, so I checked it with a magnet. Both tools fold out and tighten securely. The saw edge and hatchet edge need to be dressed with a metal file to be of any real use. As is, you can hack at very soft or weathered dead branches with them.
Because it is a steel tool, it will need to be cleaned and oiled after each use (digging or hacking).
The upper handle is steel that is enclosed with a survival knife-type plastic handle, and the plastic end collar unscrews to remove the simple ball compass. However, there is no compartment underneath, just the hollow handle.
My shovel had two very small, two-inch cardboard boxes wedged inside the handle. One was a matchbox containing 8 wooden matches, with striker paper on the outside. The other contained a small folding razor knife, 4 small nails, and a package containing fishing line, 2 small sinkers and 2 tiny fishing hooks. This is a modest survival kit and none of the items are high-quality, but it isn’t part of the product desciption and was unexpected. I appreciate the effort.
However, when I came back to this ad to place the review, I did see that it is advertised as “WATERPROOF MATCH CONTAINER”. It is not. As noted, the base section is hollow all the way through, and the upper handle is open on the threaded end that screws into the base. The handle is open all the way from the base rivet right up to the bottom of the compass. Any small loose items that are placed inside will fall straight down the length of the handle and come out at the rivet end. I’ve suggested to the seller that the product description be updated.
For the price, it is a perfectly capable mini-shovel to pack in your campsite ditty bag, and a solid 4 stars, as long as you don’t expect your shovel to do double-duty as a waterproof match container.
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Comically Bad,
The shovel is halfway decent, but every other function on this shovel is very poor. The saw and hatchet edge are very dull, and the compass in the bottom points in a random direction every time I shook it. Will be going to buy a simple garden trowel as a replacement.
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