Shovel M1874

The old-style field or short spade is by far the most versatile outdoor tool after the knife. It splits firewood, cuts down trees, cuts a path through the undergrowth, pushes the campfire together, is a climbing aid on steep slopes, a makeshift crowbar, an emergency paddle and a knife. The list could go on and on. We don't need to mention that it is also excellent for digging. Compared to the folding spades in use today, it is considerably more robust, which is required for the uses listed above.

For our Boker Plus Shovel M1874, we have decided on the consistent implementation of the original design of the first German field spade, which was introduced in 1874 by imperial decree under the designation of portable entrenching equipment for infantry and hunter battalions. The two-part construction of blade and spring is connected with five strong studs, additionally secured with a 40 mm wide steel ferrule and encloses the unbreakable ashwood handle up to half of its length. This old design is complex and cost-intensive to manufacture because two punching and bending tools have to be made and considerably more work steps are required for assembly. However, it is rewarded with unrivalled stability. In addition to later models, the M1874 field spade was still in use in both world wars.

According to the historical model, the edges of the spade blade are pre-ground and not ground when delivered. Digging, splitting wood and delimbing is already possible in this condition, but for use as a machete or knife it is recommended to finish the edges by hand. To adapt to today's needs and possibilities, we have made minimal adjustments to the original to create a modern bushcraft tool. For the blade and the spring we have chosen a tough stainless steel, which is also used in the construction of steam turbine blades and surgical instruments. It has a high resistance to breakage and shock loads and is easy to resharpen even under field conditions. A simple sharpening method is, for example, to lay both edges flat with the inside of the blade on a concrete block. The sheath with two belt loops is made of moisture-resistant and rot-proof black nylon with a firm plastic insert instead of leather, which would require care. This makes the Boker Plus Shovel M1874 an indispensable piece of equipment for all bushcrafters, off-road drivers, collectors of military equipment and reenactors.