Three Russian Blades

Image 1: Above we have what is variously known as the Spetsnaz Fighting Shovel or the Russian Throwing Shovel. This modern version is made by Cold Steel and can be found on the internet for under $20.00. It is manufactured using 1mm thick steel - an improvement upon the original Russian model which was made of 1/2mm-thick steel. This shovel is extremely effective as a pancake flipper, a shovel or a fighting weapon, and its edges can be honed to razor sharpness. With 4 sharp edges, it beats a tomahawk hands-down. It could easily chop off enemy limbs, and I have thrown mine countless times and can vouch for its penetration abilities. In fact, I threw mine so many times that eventually the handle cracked, and though it continued to hold together with duct tape, I replaced it (via an online purchase) for about $7. Every survivalist should own this bad boy.

Image 2: Above we have the East German AK-47 bayonet, which has flooded the internet marketplace in recent months. At about $25, you can't go wrong. I absolutely love this tool. It functions as an effective wire cutter, a digging tool, a pry bar, a bayonet, a peanut butter spreader and would probably make a kick-ass spear tip. As for using the knife blade for regular cutting, I wouldn't count on it. This ugly puppy is built to last but it is a peculiar tool with a strange edge. I removed the leather "frog" (belt attachment) and canvas handle strap from mine, and added a paracord handle strap and carry loop. The blade fits so tightly in the sheath that the frog is unnecessary. Throw one in your truck lockbox or toolbox and admire it from time to time.

Image 3: Above is a machete that is supposedly used by the Spetsnaz. I bought one online several years ago, for the princely sum of $85, and I've never regretted it. It is a very unique item. While it is most likely not a tool that the Spetsnaz actually uses, and in fact may have little day-to-day use, I do believe that it would be an effective survival tool, specially in the frozen Siberian taiga. This multi-faceted tool has well over a dozen separate uses:

1. It can function as a grappeling hook.
2. It has a straight cutting blade.
3. It has a bone saw.
4. It has a chopping blade.
5. It has a digging/prying blade.
6. It has a striking edge.
7. It has a line-cutter.
8. It has a wood saw.
9. It has a nail puller.
10. It has a compass.
11. It has a ruler.
12. It has a hollow handle.
13. It has a flat-head screw driver blade.
14. It has an awl that can also function as an ice pick.
15. It can function as a spatula.

This baby would function particularly well chopping and sawing through ice and snow and tree limbs, sewing hides, and prying and digging things. It does not have a single honed edge on it, the sheath was a piece of useless crap, and its bake-lite handle is absurdly over-sized, but my love affair with it has never ended.