Guys the Amazon guy showed up with a box just a few minutes ago. Inside as I opened the box, I was filled with happiness at the sight of a weapon I hadn’t seen in a long, long time:
Guys this is a Cold Steel Special Forces shovel. Long story short, it is a copy of the Russian military combat shovel that Spetsnaz (and line troops) use not only as a normal entrenching tool, but also as a lethal close-quarters weapon. They are trained to also through it and it can sever the spine of an attacker from several meters away. Also pictured is my Makarov pistol, a natural fit for this Russian shovel.
Guys I originally bought this shovel as a personal defense weapon stationed at Ramstein AFB, Germany, almost a decade ago. It might seem like a strange choice but obviously buying a handgun, let alone storing it at the barracks where I was living as a young airman, was completely out of the question. Large knives were also forbidden and we had regular room inspections and any such items would be confiscated and we would be remprimanded.
I had a little jalopy car at the time (which later blew up after I took it on the Autobahn) and certainly snow was a problem during the winters. After some research into local laws and base regulations, it seemed something like a small entrenching tool would not only be legal and useful for several purposes, but could also be used for a personal defense weapon.
I ordered this Cold Steel shovel not long after, and it quickly became a constant companion in the car and barracks. These come sharpened on all sides with a hardwood handle and nylon sheath. Believe it or not but I even carried it off base with me on some romps and going between Frankfurt airport and the base. I got to Ramstein not long after the terrible bus shooting that killed several airmen in Frankfurt purpotrated by extremists. Guys, it may sound silly to you, but under those circumstances, that little sharpened trench shovel was a wonderful thing to have next to me in train cars and on foot. Did I break any German weapons laws? Probably. But I don’t regret carrying it for a minute during those times.
Well guys, fast forward to two years ago, and I found myself living in Las Vegas. The shovel was sadly stolen out of my car as soon as I got to town... along with the car! I’ve missed it ever since, but have been out of the country often during that time. Well I decided to get another one of these just to have it around. Lots of memories guys. I now carry a pistol, but at one time, this faithful little shovel was my means of self protection thousands of miles from home.
Guys someday you might find yourself in a situation where a little outside the box thinking and preparation with improvised weapons could pay off. Pick yourself up one of these shovels guys. They’ve got a great history and are high quality and versatile tools... and weapons.
Take care, gang!
-Jay
Guys this is a Cold Steel Special Forces shovel. Long story short, it is a copy of the Russian military combat shovel that Spetsnaz (and line troops) use not only as a normal entrenching tool, but also as a lethal close-quarters weapon. They are trained to also through it and it can sever the spine of an attacker from several meters away. Also pictured is my Makarov pistol, a natural fit for this Russian shovel.
Guys I originally bought this shovel as a personal defense weapon stationed at Ramstein AFB, Germany, almost a decade ago. It might seem like a strange choice but obviously buying a handgun, let alone storing it at the barracks where I was living as a young airman, was completely out of the question. Large knives were also forbidden and we had regular room inspections and any such items would be confiscated and we would be remprimanded.
I had a little jalopy car at the time (which later blew up after I took it on the Autobahn) and certainly snow was a problem during the winters. After some research into local laws and base regulations, it seemed something like a small entrenching tool would not only be legal and useful for several purposes, but could also be used for a personal defense weapon.
I ordered this Cold Steel shovel not long after, and it quickly became a constant companion in the car and barracks. These come sharpened on all sides with a hardwood handle and nylon sheath. Believe it or not but I even carried it off base with me on some romps and going between Frankfurt airport and the base. I got to Ramstein not long after the terrible bus shooting that killed several airmen in Frankfurt purpotrated by extremists. Guys, it may sound silly to you, but under those circumstances, that little sharpened trench shovel was a wonderful thing to have next to me in train cars and on foot. Did I break any German weapons laws? Probably. But I don’t regret carrying it for a minute during those times.
Well guys, fast forward to two years ago, and I found myself living in Las Vegas. The shovel was sadly stolen out of my car as soon as I got to town... along with the car! I’ve missed it ever since, but have been out of the country often during that time. Well I decided to get another one of these just to have it around. Lots of memories guys. I now carry a pistol, but at one time, this faithful little shovel was my means of self protection thousands of miles from home.
Guys someday you might find yourself in a situation where a little outside the box thinking and preparation with improvised weapons could pay off. Pick yourself up one of these shovels guys. They’ve got a great history and are high quality and versatile tools... and weapons.
Take care, gang!
-Jay
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