Title edit: Condor vs. Cold Steel - will they scoop or are they poop?

Ok well I'm guessing my training was different than yours since I dig the latrine before any pooping is done. So my shovel never actually had any contact with poop. But I agree there is no use for a bottle opener on a shovel.

Here is a breakdown that compares actual specs of the two items, rather than just a first impressions comparison (which, let's admit it, is really what this video is); 1. The Cold Steel shovel head 1055, and thicker than the Condor's. It is a much "tougher" head, and is very unlikely to bend or break , even under heavy use. The Condor shovel head is 1045, which is not as tough, won't hold an edge as long, and can potentially bend under heavy use (still very unlikely to break). The 1045 of the Condor WILL be much easier to sharpen though. 2. The Cold Steel comes with a hickory hardwood handle. The Condor handle is Ash, which is not as strong, and is thus more likely to break under stress. If the handle DOES happen to break, the Cold Steel is attached with screws, which makes it super easy to replace, even in the field. The Condor handle is pinned, which makes it much harder to replace. Yes, it is doable with some tools, and time, but likely not in the field. 3. Due to the materials used, and the overall size, The Cold Steel is heavier, and while this does make it much better at chopping tasks (as long as the edge is sharp), if weight is a consideration, the Condor might be a better choice. 4. Finally, yes, the Condor comes with a sheath, but costs an average of $10 more than the Cold Steel. You can buy a sheath for The Cold Steel for anywhere from $5-$10 dollars, making the Cold Steel with a sheath the same price as the Condor with a sheath, or possibly even cheaper (implying that the Condor is a better value because of the included sheath is... disingenuous at best). TLDR; The Cold Steel shovel is an over-built monster that will dig and chop forever and will most likely never break or need to be replaced, but is heavy. The Condor shovel will accomplish the same tasks as the Cold Steel, and it will do them well, but is not as strong or tough, and is more likely to break under heavy use. However, it is also much lighter. I've been carrying the Cold Steel Spetsnaz shovel for years. I love it, it's a tank. I'm not interested in replacing it. I don't see how its possible for another shovel to be "better". The CS one does everything it's supposed to do as well as possible for the form factor, so other than weight, I don't see how it could be "improved". The best the Condor, or any other camp shovel could hope for, is to be just as good. Lastly, come on... comparing the brand new edge on the Condor, to an old edge that you admitted you haven't been able to sharpen? That's not a fair comparison.

Nice vid. I do think the comparison is quite unfair though. A sharp new tool vs a well used and dull one... There's also a third competitor: The shovel from Max Fuchs. German military gear, very similar to the Cold steel one.

Cold steel is my favourite, it’s classic and simple

GT: I sanded my handle on the Cold Steel and then applied linseed oil and a special home blend oil/wax solution just like you do on your axes. This will make it SO much more comfortable to use. Highly recommend.

Condor is $50 vs $30 for the Cold Steel (with sheath) on Amazon. I have the Cold Steel in every vehicle. It is fun to throw and stick as well.

I never leave for a trip in the woods weather it be hunting, camping, exploring, or metal detecting/treasure hunting without my Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel. It is litterally my most used tool next to my Mora Garberg.

4:45 Why are you digging around in your own poop and contaminating your shovel in the first place?? Just kick the dirt back in on top and move on...

I like the size of the Condor but prefer the plain design of the Cold Steel. I've had a similar tool with teeth down one side for a few years and quite early on the teeth were rounded off from general digging. Soil is very abrasive! In my opinion the teeth and bottle opener are just gimmicky junk. That pin through the Condor looks like it could rub up a blister too. Thanks for another cool vid :)

Over here we call the shovel the small infantry shovel (there is also the big one, naturally). Nothing to do with special forces. It's general issue item. Mine was produced in 1943. A very good tool. The only sight of it works well against aggressive fellow drivers especially when traveling far across Russia :)))) No additional saws, bottle openners or anything needed.

Would like The Condor more if it had blade edge on all three sides. Don’t like the saw or bottle opener.

Personally It's a little heavier but I like my Cold Steel shovel. The bottle opener and the teeth on the Condor seems a little gimmicky.

I got the Condor, because it's smaller, comes with a MOLLE-compatible sheath, and I really like Condor products. In my opinion, it's perfect for a go-bag. If you want to stay light, it'll adequately fill the roles a shelter-building tool, a latrine shovel, a firewood hatchet, and a defensive weapon.

I own both. In my world, the Cold Steel beats the Condor in every way. I think the Condor is too small to be of any use, even for metal detecting. I was hoping the Condor tool was going to be better overall as I love Condor products, but not with this item.

The Cold Steel is (in my opinion) a superior design. 1- Fully welded edge on back (not "spot welded"). Super strong. 2- Screws holding it together not a single tiny pin. If you break a handle you could actually construct a makeshift handle out of a limb and use a multi-tool to replace it... IN THE FIELD.. Also as someone else pointed out. If you're reviewing 2 things used for cutting, either wear them both equally or use 2 brand new ones. I'd like to see a year or two after with that little pin and the non welded design that will spread out. What I might actually do: Get the Condor and take off the head to weld it. Drill additional hole and attach it with screws. Boom.. best of both worlds for a BOB. Smaller/lighter and still as strong.

Thanks Aaron this is awesome! I’ve been looking at both of these shovels for months. Always wanted a comparison of these two.

I’m now looking for the Condor in Canada. My main use would be in my EDC backpack as a get-home tool in a disaster. Thanks for the review!

I love my 1944 Army Wood shovel... It's been one of my favorite camping tools for over 30 years.

I mean, for 30 bucks how can you go wrong.

I agree about the cold steel is best for a camping shovel.

My cold steel shovel came with a poor edge but after sharped held a edge well and easy to resharpen after proper edge established .

I agree that you use the Coldsteel to store in your car, 4X4... but heavy. It's a very good tool. I have them both. But for trekking purposes, the Conder is much lighter than the Coldsteel and easier to handle. The teeth are not a saw, but for pulling out thin roots. They can also be used for self-defense. The hook behind the teeth is also not intended as a bottle opener. There are many ways to open a bottle without tools. But that hook can be used for many purposes. Such as with Victorinox knives. As also mentioned in this review to remove hot pots from the heat. But also for many other things, mentioned in Victorinox reviews. The 1 pin design will last much longer because it goes through both sides, and the Hickory wood is much harder than Coldsteel. If you forget to tighten the Philips screws on the cold steel a few times, the wood will become looser due to play. And the Philips screws will no longer grip very well. It is also true that the Condor is more difficult to replace the first time. But there are also solutions for this with bolt and nut, and Loctite. With the strongest loctite it will never come loose again. And 1 pin system is no problem either. The best weapons in the past such as Samurai swords are attached with only 1 pin. Even without a nut. Give one blow in the right place and you can take it apart completely. Both are good tools, but if weight and length play a role, the Condor is certainly a factor.

I have one of the Chinese kit shovels for the truck. It has ferro road, compass, knife blade, etc. Metal handle segments screw together. Haven't used it yet.

Great it came with an edge for you, mine was a preliminary edge but was sharpenable.

Take to the grinder before putting up against a new blade . What I found with using these little guys for choppers is sanding flats on the handle so it does not rotate and you need not wear your self out with the death grip but am not a fan of the small shovel but we do need them . Also on my cold steel I welding a small cover on the handle end to prevent splitting which stated to happen a lot of sharp granit here in the mountains of California. Happy Trails outstanding very complete revue .

I just bought the Condor model. Already had the Cold Steel. I’m guessing I probably should refrain from KZfaq while drinking. Eh, at least I ah e a bunch a cool gear

I'm a fan of the Cold steel shovel for its simplicity, I don't rate these types of saw teeth very highly. I refinish the handle by stripping off the coating and melting beeswax into the wood, which gives a much superior grip.

Fantastic video mate definitely going to look at getting a condor to replace my old Australian Army e tool just gotta find a condor e tool in Australia

When I went camping and fishing I've only used my Army entrenching tool, it's heavier and the sheath sucked, but it could do anything especially when you locked it at 90°.

Thanks Aaron!

Great comparison video brother

Great review.....i have the cold steel and love it....the condor looks very nice and i hope to have one in the near future

I have used a CSU shovel for several years. With the sheath on it is a great non lethal self defense tool where a baton may not be legal. It’s not a heavy chopper but can replace a machete or hatchet strapped to your belt or pack where the other tools would be scary to the general public. I cut 6” off the shovel end of the handle. Being a shorter handle it is more nimble and has improved control when chopping, no difference in light digging, but less foot print on the pack. It can be disassembled and place in a G.I. MOLLE soft shovel carrier. I just put a slit in the flap to allow the metal handle to protrude. When I have to dig a lot I just fashion a handle from a longer branch. I would spend the time grinding if using it as a chopper. I liked the review. The Condor would better more convenient for carry. I’m really liking my two handed grip on CS shovel now. So I will wait on the Condor.

These are both cool, but I still like the US E-tool, entrenching shovel. Used it tons, never let me down, excellent digger.

I just bought an old Hungarian military shovel from the 50's. Can't wait for it to arrive to test it.

I have the cold steel shovel. Matt at grizzly outdoors makes kydex sheaths that are a great upgrade for this kit.

I found a Cold Steel shovel at a yard sale for $2. It only took a couple of hours to get it cleaned, painted, and handle refinished.

Great review. I really liked the cold steel but you sold me on the condor. I went to buy one to take camping with the wife. The cold steel was on sale for less than $20. My wife really liked the look and size of the condor. I think we needed two anyway so I grabbed them both.

When you were measuring I was reminded that way back when the Cold Steel first came out one of the talking points was that it was 50 centimeters long so that you could easily measure 1 meter for a hole when digging. I haven't seen that talked about in a while now.

The Condor Wilderness Survival 19.25" Shovel Ash CTK2818 would be a better side by side comparison with the Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel in my opinion. Thanks for the video!

I bought a Condor Wilderness Survival Shovel and love it. I do have a Cold Steel and they are both extremely sharp. The Cold Steel moves more dirt because of the size difference. The welded back on the Condor makes it superior to the Cold Steel and the Camping Shovel in terms of strength. The steel butt cap isn't really for hammering, but is good for tamping.

LOVE my CS shovel. but i've replaced handle with 7 inches longer one, now its PERFECT :D .

Cold steel shovel is my do it all camp tool. I use one side for chopping and keep the other side razor sharp. Throws super easy too.

Handle on the Cold Steel shovel, according to the Cold Steel Website, is Hickory. I have ordered one, should get it this week, if it dont snow.

Amazing !!!! Greetings FROM ARGENTINA !!!!

Great Content Thanks

i wonder if the condors metal base can be used to hammer tent stakes... and the hook can be for removing tent stakes, too

I have the Gerber NATO Folding Spade and the Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel, both are excellent. I bought the CS to use during cycle camping and to disrupt attacks by vicious dogs that try to bite cyclists legs and feet. The cordura sheathed shovel head should provide harmless deterrent.

I assume that butt plate on the condor is to hit with a baton to get through stubborn roots

Awesome review video!!!😎👌

Thxs for the info great video its the condor for me.

I turned a hickory and slightly smaller handle for the cold steel one. Also coated in boiled linseed oil instead of evil polyurethane. That stuff sucks on the hands calus wise. Great change for the tool

I love that you did this video!!! Been on the fence for both these shovels for the last few weeks!! appreciate it!!!

good vid concept

in germany the Cold steel one is 35 euros the condor 85 euros. Wow.

I think the cap on on condor might be for hitting with a baton if you need to cut through a root but can’t get your foot onto the shovel

i've beaten the snot out of my cold steel for about 5 years now at work building. mostly digging/hacking/chopping into earth without any issues. haven't even sharpened it after hitting rocks. bought a backup i will probably never need to use. my 2nd favorite field hand tool.

Wish you would of done a throwing test

Great review!!!

Condor has my vote!

Another great review. I’ve been wondering about the difference. I’d planned on buying the Cold Steel........and I think I still will. I don’t like the idea of not being able to easily replace a broken handle on the Condor. I do like that it’s more compact. But, honestly, I’ll just get the Cold Steel, cut a bit off the handle, and sand it down. I also like that the Condor is better at chopping, shaving wood, able to perform as an emergency cutting tool. But the handle not being easily removed and replaced.....that’s a deal breaker for me. Keep those reviews coming, bro! Thanks to you, I’ve discovered quite a few items that I’ve since added to my kit. 👍

bottle cap opener? did you tryed pull out nails

How about the Cold Steel shovel vs the Condor wilderness survival shovel?

Where did you get your condor

Might have been a more equal test with the Condor CTK2818, which has a similar handle length to the Cold Steel, and without the unneeded saw edge and "bottle opener/pot lifter."

I have a Cold Steel shovel and I wouldn't trade it or replace it with nothing but another Clod Steel shovel! It's good for so many things a backup ax, knife I've drove tent steaks with mine. I had a guy at a NAPA store order me a file I told him what I wanted it for and it wasn't cheap and I don't know who it's made by but I can sharpen my shovel with it and my tomahawks and my hatchets with it it works great. I would recommend the Cold Steel shovel but that's just my opinion the only way u can go wrong is by not getting what you want don't let someone talk you into getting what they want instead of what you want! Be safe and may God bless everyone!!!!

Hello my friend!! Have you tried Predator tools shovels? They are made for metal detecting, but I think they would work great for survival and prepping and camping. I would love to hear your opinion on them and which model you think you like the best😁

I believe the steel cap on the condor is for packing dirt

If you're digging cat holes, which you should, after you take a dump just kick the dirt back in with your boot. So your shovel never touches fecal matter thus staying sterile for the most part

How do these two compare to the Glock shovel?

Lean up against a tree to poop? Never heard of that. Sounds like bad medicine. I've used the Cold Steel Shovel to dig my poop holes for the last couple of years. Works good! I'll probably purchase the Condor because it's the color of the desert. No trees in the desert. How do you poop then?

So your saying to get the Titanium version of the Spetznaz shovel? 🤔

Thanks for the H2H Aaron I have been keen to see what the Condor was like as an owner of the CS. Just a super handy tip for you, check on KZfaq for 'Hand Axe Sharpening Technique.....Rooster' and try this for sharpening your shovel. I've been using it for my axes for ages so it was automatically how I went to sharpen the CS shovel, and found it to be super easy. Basically any convex bevel it will have super sharp in no time, and you don't even really need to screw around with the grits all that much. Hope you try it, if you have a lot of convex edged tools and axes I'd consider it a completely invaluable technique.

Condor also makes one for survival with a 10" head...

How about a shovel comparison...Glock, these, others?

I have to go with condors shovel just seems a little better in strength and looks I have seen a different condor bushcraft shovel that I like better than both of these 2.

Funny that this pop up as recommended. I lost my mykel hawke h.a.s.p and thats what i have been carrying for life. Its crappy looking but works as a chopper for my woodgas stove, hammer for tent stakes and shovel for poop hole. Sad its discontinued.

A very good review of both multi-tools. Where do you live? Also a beautiful environment where you can record the review.

Not entirely certain but it does look like those handles could be interchangeable but I could be wrong lol

you should have done a throwing comparison

Condor should Drop price and saw/bottle opener and it would be perfect

AliExpress are selling a copy of the Condor for $10.59+free shipping in two sizes.

I wouldn’t take either, neither one folds so you can have the shovel blade at 90 degrees. The most useful position in my opinion. That and the handle is shorter than my folding shovels.

Please review some "tactical" toilet paper

When are you going to review the terava jakaaripuukko? #Mailbag

Good video however got a couple things I don't dig poop with my latrine Duty I did go a train then fill it in my shovel don't touch poop, and then you forgot to try while digging striking the tip of the handle with a club or wood Mallet which makes digging with a entrenching shovel much easier instead of utilizing your foot or chopping at things put the shovel to the dirt whack it a few times with a large stick or Matt would mail it and pride dirt Condor I think has this idea with the metal butt cap

You should have put a factory edge on the cold steel to make it fair. You did say you and the crew used it for awhile. Or should la used the condor for the same amount time. Then compare the videos with a follow up with how they are now

Who puts their shovel into the latrine after they use the latrine?

There's that same bottle opener that's put on everything when they want another tool to raise the price

I have the Cold Steel and love it. I keep one edge razor sharp for slicing and the other edge for chopping . It's heavy enough you can do pretty much anything.

Yeah but the important question how do they throw 😊

I keep a $5 yard sale full size shovel in the bed of my truck. Works for me.

I like cold steel knives and there machetes are tight.i think I'd pass on there axes and shovel.i have 1 from ranger surplus but I think it's just the shovel but it has a screw on top for adjusting the angle of the shovel and if I want I could grlnd the edge for sm chopping ..swims more like a good fire pit tool for transfering g coals.i use a spaid a fireman gave me from a house that burned down across st from my friends house in the 80s.lol.its very short ao unless ur a dwarf ur gonna be bending. ur back off.j prefer the no. bend deal as my back is bad..shovels are great for firearms. you can dig hole for 1. tra sfer coals, put it out with dirt or sand

I have both and for me the coldsteel wins out by a long shot. The condor feels like a toy in my hands. The coldsteel is way sharper.

​ 134 / 5.000 Vertaalresultaten Vertaalresultaat I thought so, I'm a bit jealous. We don't have much nature here. Also beautiful, but not as large an area as yours.

Cold steel is more basic for less money and I think I would rather have something basic. It's easy to get a utility edge on the CS, you don't need or want a fine edge for something you are going to dig with.

I dont get the latrine comment. Youre digging a hole of dirt not poop. Where does your shovel ever come in contact with excrement??

I guess the condor is just sharper because it’s new

The new bigger longer Cold Steel shovel is a much better option. Smaller is definitely not better. The new larger Cold Steel Spetnaz shovel is better than both of these. When Cold Steel offers a sheath the new Spetnaz is the best.