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Rothco Deluxe Tri-Fold Shovel – Heavy-Duty Military Entrenching Tool

by Rothco
SKU 839
Original price $35.99 - Original price $37.99
Original price $35.99
$35.99
$35.99 - $37.99
Current price $35.99
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped

Professional-Grade Recovery and Entrenching Tool - The Rothco Deluxe Tri-Fold Shovel is a rugged, multi-functional entrenching tool (E-Tool) designed for those who demand reliability in the harshest environments. Engineered from heavy-duty steel, this deluxe version is built to withstand vigorous use—from breaking through frozen ground and hard-packed soil to clearing debris during vehicle recovery. Whether you are a tactical operator, overlander, or survivalist, this tool provides a compact yet powerful solution for managing earth and obstacles.

Unlike standard folding shovels, the deluxe model features a versatile locking head that clicks into two essential positions: 180 degrees for traditional shoveling and 90 degrees for use as a pick or hoe. The blade is enhanced with a sharpened serrated edge on one side, allowing you to saw through thick roots and brush with ease. For maximum digging efficiency, the ergonomic D-style handle offers a superior two-handed grip, providing the leverage and control necessary for sustained field work.

Key Features

  • Versatile 2-Position Locking Head: Locks at 180° for standard digging or 90° for use as a high-leverage pick or trenching hoe.
  • Heavy-Duty Steel Construction: Forged from robust, high-tensile steel to resist bending and breaking under extreme mechanical stress.
  • Ergonomic D-Style Handle: Provides a stable, non-slip platform for two-handed operation, increasing power and reducing hand fatigue.
  • Serrated Cutting Edge: One side of the blade features integrated teeth for sawing through roots, ice, and tough debris.
  • Compact Tri-Fold Architecture: Collapses into three sections for effortless storage in tactical packs, vehicle emergency kits, or bug-out bags.
  • NSN Verified Design: Meets high-performance standards, available with or without a dedicated storage cover (NSN# 5120-01-518-6126).

Why It Matters

  • Organize Your Recovery Kit: Replaces several bulky tools with one compact, 2.5 lb multi-functional device that saves critical cargo space.
  • Ensure Tactical Stability: The positive-lock head mechanism ensures the blade stays fixed in position, even during high-impact striking.
  • Maintain Field Readiness: Precision-engineered to assist in everything from preparing fire pits and drainage trenches to recovering stuck 4x4 vehicles.

How to Use / What Problem It Solves

Unfold the sections and rotate the locking collar to secure the head at your desired angle. This tool solves the problem of "mechanical failure" common in lightweight plastic shovels, providing a steel-reinforced platform that can actually handle the high-torque requirements of trenching in rocky or root-dense soil.

Technical Overview

2.5 lbs | Heavy-Duty Steel | 90° & 180° Locking | D-Handle | Serrated Edge

  • Military & Tactical Personnel: Preparing defensive positions and managing drainage in the field.
  • Overlanders & Off-Roaders: Essential for sand, mud, and snow recovery during remote trail exploration.
  • Survivalists & Preppers: A foundational component for a Tier-1 bug-out bag or emergency vehicle kit.
  • Campers & Hikers: Preparing campsites, digging fire pits, and managing sanitation in the backcountry.
  • Material: Heavy-Duty Forged Steel
  • Weight: 2.5 lbs
  • Locking Positions: 90° (Pick/Hoe) and 180° (Shovel)
  • Handle Type: Ergonomic D-Handle
  • Blade Edge: Smooth with one Serrated side
  • NSN Number: 5120-01-518-6126
📖 Official Resource
Step-by-Step Field Manual
Learn how to properly deploy and stage this equipment in a crisis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Rothco Deluxe Tri-Fold Shovel have a locking head at 90 and 180 degrees?

The dual-position locking head gives you two tools in one. Lock it at 180 degrees for standard digging and shoveling tasks. Switch to 90 degrees to use it as a pick or hoe—ideal for trenching, breaking up hard-packed soil, or chopping through roots. This versatility makes it perfect for emergency kits, vehicle recovery, or field operations where you need multiple functions without carrying extra tools.

Will the Rothco tri-fold shovel fit in my vehicle emergency kit or go-bag?

Absolutely. The tri-fold design collapses into three compact sections, making it small enough to store in a backpack, glove box, trunk organizer, or tactical bag. At 2.1 lbs, it's lightweight yet built from heavy-duty steel. You can also add the optional storage pouch (Item #849 with cover or Item #839 without) for even easier transport and protection.

What's the serrated edge on the Rothco shovel blade used for?

The serrated edge turns this e-tool into a cutting tool. Use it to saw through tough roots, fibrous debris, or compacted dirt that a standard blade can't handle. It's especially useful in wilderness survival, land clearing, or emergency situations where you need to cut through obstacles quickly without switching to a separate saw.

How does the D-handle on this tri-fold shovel improve digging performance?

The ergonomic D-style handle provides a two-handed grip that gives you superior control, leverage, and comfort—especially when digging in hard or rocky soil. Unlike straight-handle shovels, the D-handle lets you apply more force with less strain on your wrists and back, making it ideal for prolonged use in demanding conditions like vehicle extraction or trench digging.

Is the Rothco Deluxe Tri-Fold Shovel (SKU 839) durable enough for tactical or government use?

Yes. It's constructed from heavy-duty steel designed to withstand vigorous use, from chopping roots to breaking hard ground. The locking head mechanism is built for reliability in the field. While the optional storage pouch versions (Item #849 and #839) carry NSN 5120-01-518-6126, indicating government procurement readiness, this shovel is equally suited for law enforcement, emergency responders, off-road enthusiasts, and preppers who need a rugged, multi-function digging tool.

Veteran Owned & Operated

Retired Army First Sergeant