Genuine Finnish Army spade. Like most Finnish stuff this tool looks rough but is virtually indestructible. The oldest ones we've seen were made in 1914! These are pieces of history and continue to serve for a long time to come.
This spade or "E-tool" was used in both world wars and long after the second one, too. Many of these feature manufacturing stamps and some of them date even a hundred years back! Most of these were made by Billnäs Bruk.
In some cases these have Soviet manufactured blades, which have been re-shaped to Finnish spec and attached to a Finnish handle. In any case, these are Finnish army surplus: virtually indestructible and crude.
Length about 70 cm / 27.5", weight 2.8 kg / 6.1 lbs.
These have all seen heavy digging, the paint is worn off and the wood bits are worn. But these are made to last, all are still in perfectly serviceable condition! Expect having to remove some rust with oil and steel wool.
It's a small miracle that these are still as available as they are, but that's bound to change pretty soon. Get a piece of history while you have the chance!
A really sturdy and eternal spade with lots of uses. Quite often army spades are small, but this is bigger - for an army spade - and could also be used for shoveling.
I always keep one in my car, because you never know when you might need it. A bit heavy for hiking, but perfect to have handy in a car, on a boat or summer cottage. In case some hooligans have to be fended off, you'll be ready.
Eric
Trevor W.
Chase W.
Mark W.