Firmly Entrenched

The entrenching tool, or e-tool, is found in many footlockers, garages, car trunks, and attics. Most people dismiss it as a clumsy shovel, issued only to the military for the obvious purpose of providing troops a means of digging a foxhole without carrying a full-size shovel.

The e-tool is indeed a useful item, and is capable of a few additional tricks. (In Chongdo, it’s categorized as a special weapon, in that it doesn’t really fit into any other category for teaching.) People familiar with the e-tool keep theirs in good shape and handy: it’s actually a great tool for digging!

In the snow belt, it’s a small, compact tool perfect for the car road emergency kit: it fits neatly into any trunk, and its sharpened edge is enough for digging out the heaviest snow or the hardest ice, without damaging the car or the tires. It’s used by thousands of campers as an all purpose trencher, splitter, and fire shovel.

As a weapon, it also provides some versatility. Shown here is a fixed-head e-tool now widely available on the common market. It’s often sold under the name of a spetsnats shovel. Its edge is sharp enough to dig through tough rock, but can usually be sharpened to even finer angles capable of slicing. Used as a hammer weapon, its role is obvious. Simply swing the weapon into the opponent.
The more common US military version is shown here (this model has been replaced with an even smaller version today), and this popular style can be found in surplus and camping stores readily. The blade of the shovel simply folds back against the handle. Even in this configuration, it is a dangerous weapon in an emergency. The metal shaft and blades form sharp, strong angles in a lightweight, easy-to-wield form. Note the digging “spike” that extends outward. Intended to make small holes in dirt, it has a distinct spear-like tip for thrusting.
Loosen the collar, bend the shovel blade halfway, and then tighten the collar to get this configuration. This is excellent for scooping mud from holes, or for drawing packed snow out from underneath a stranded car. Of course, it basically is an adze, and can be used like an axe weapon with no adaptation of techniques. The spike is still prominent, and can be readily utilized as a striking point.
Unfold it all the way, and the folding e-tool is useful as a shovel, identical in most respects to the first one shown, above. The weapon functions as a combination of axe and club, allowing full range of motion. Note, of course, that the spike is now flush against the handle, and therefore impractical as a striking point.
One lesser known capability of the standard e-tool is as a seat. Simply put the tool in the half-folded configuration, plant the butt of the handle into the ground, and (assuming the blade is reasonably clean), you can sit down on it. We know this isn’t a weapon application—but shows one more little-known trick. We do not obviously recommend you try this with a standard shovel!