Tri-Fold Steel Entrenching Tool - Mil-Spec Plus
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Brand: Mil-Spec Plus (Shovel) & G.I. Adventure Gear (Case)
Designation: Shovel, Entrenching, Tri-Fold with Carrier
Construction: Heavy-duty tempered steel blade and robust aluminum/steel handle matrix
Color: Tactical Olive Drab (OD) Green
Locking Mechanism: Heavy-gauge plastic/metal rotating collar nut locks blade into shovel or 90° pickaxe positions
Folded Length: ~9.5 inches (Compact storage profile)
Unfolded Length: ~23 inches (Full operational extension)
Carrier Case: Molded, water-resistant OD Green polymer/rubberized cover with dual heavy-duty metal snap fasteners
Commercial Reproduction Status: This is a premium commercial "Mil-Spec Plus" style reproduction item, not a government-issued (USGI) military surplus item. It is built to original military specifications for civilian camping, overlanding, and emergency vehicle use.
Thread Maintenance: To prevent the rotating collar lock from jamming, keep the screw threads clear of dense mud, grit, and fine sand. Wipe down and lightly oil the threads periodically.
Pinch Hazard Warning: Exercise absolute caution when folding and unfolding the hinges. The spring-assisted segments can create significant finger pinch points if handled carelessly.
This tool utilizes the iconic tri-fold design configuration from the Late Vietnam War to Modern Era, modeled directly after the official military gear adopted in 1969.
The Tri-Fold Revolution: This design was engineered by the military in the late 1960s to replace the older, bulkier wood-handled M1951 folding entrenching tools. By using a clever three-part folding mechanism, it allowed the shovel to collapse down to a mere 9.5 inches, cutting the carry footprint in half.
The Carrier Evolution: The included rigid olive drab cover features a shape matching the classic ALICE system plastic carriers first fielded during the 1970s and 1980s. This layout remains the gold standard layout for tactical vehicle kits, disaster preparation bugs, and infantry field equipment across the globe today.