crkt trencher - tactical entrenching tool
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FOG HORN August, 2016
Twobirds Flying Publication
Copyright 2016, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.
COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE AND TOOL TRENCHER
Tactical Entrenching Tool
CRKT Trencher –Tactical Entrenching Tool 2016
Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE AND TOOL TRENCHER - Tactical
Entrenching Tool
By: Sal Palma
If you’ve spent time in military service you have
at some point or another been involved with
building up a defensive position. Filling sand
bags and portable barriers, et al is certainly not
the more memorable
moments of your service.
There’s nothing romantic
or particularly macho
about working from
sunrise to sunset with
that puny little shovel, yet
what you accomplish with
it may very well save your
life. Talk about irony!
Interestingly, as important as this tool is, there’s
been little change in its design over the years;
for example, the standard issue NATO
collapsible entrenching shovel manufactured by
Fiskars for the USMC and designated the E-Tool.
Although the E-Tool’s key strength is its
compactness, its function is limited to digging or
a capable blunt object, should all else fail.
Modern designs, like the CRKT Trencher, offer a
number of features not found in the standard
issue E-Tool.
The Trencher features an articulating head that
can be locked in three positions: extended, at
90° to the handle or collapsed. On one side of
the spade CRKT included aggressive saw teeth
capable of dealing with a 2” to 3” trunk fairly
easily. They are equally effective on any other
wood material, sheet rock and other materials
that you’re likely to encounter under tactical
conditions.
Opposite its saw teeth, the spade’s edge comes
to a bevel that is usable for chopping. It’s
possible, although I would not be in favor of it,
to put an aggressive edge on the spade’s
CRKT Trencher –Tactical Entrenching Tool 2016
Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
beveled side; however, doing so would require
removing quite a bit of material potentially
weakening the edge, which you’ll you want to
avoid. The beveled edge will be subjected to
stresses from chopping that require rigidity.
The spade tip is also steel reinforced for
survivability when encountering subterranean
rocks
As mentioned earlier, the spade articulates and
locks in three positions. The spade is attached
to the handle via a welded joint that is also
through bolted for a very solid working surface
that is both durable and reliable. Locking the
spade into one of its three positions is
accomplished by a hefty knurled locking nut.
Tightening or loosening the spade is made easy
by its knurled surface. It’s very easy to operate
even with the gloved hand.
The Trencher’s handle is the real differentiator
and it’s here where CRKT to an interesting
approach. To provide improved control and
insulate the hand from the inevitable shock that
chopping or digging generate the company has
added scales along the length of the handle.
The scales add significantly to the handle girth,
but if you find it a bit too large for your hands,
the scales are removable. However, you will
lose the shock mitigation benefit and enhanced
grip. I found the handle’s girth to be just right
for my hands but it may be a bit too large for
some. CRKT terminates the Trencher’s handle in
a cap drilled large enough to accommodate a
lanyard.
CRKT’s Trencher is a quality tool that’s built to
last and remain fully operational when you
most need it, but it is a bit heavy at just over 4
lbs. including its carry system. The Trencher’s
fixed length handle tends to limit practical carry
options to the outside of a backpack. The
overall length of 22 inches (head collapsed) is
just 5 inches shorter than a Commando M4 at
27 inches, with the stock collapsed.
The carry system is top-notch tactical nylon
through and through. It fits snugly and securely
over the spade, in its collapsed position,
snapping in place. Here I would suggest a
CRKT Trencher –Tactical Entrenching Tool 2016
Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved
change from metal snaps, which will corrode, to
Velcro or Fastex buckles.
The back of the sheath is finished with a PALS
webbing field so it can be attached to any
MOLLE system.
Another nice feature available on the Trencher
is a wire cutter and wire stripper. The wire
cutter consists of two holes located on the neck
where spooled wire can be passed through and
cut. On the spade head, a slot was included that
can function as a wire stripper.
CRKT continues to expand its tactical line and
their Trencher is its latest addition. Everything
on this tool is robust, well made and built to
last. It’s unlikely that you’ll encounter a
condition The Trencher couldn’t handle
competently. Be it survival, camping or tactical.
CRKT’s Trencher is up to the task. A tremendous
value at its $99.99 M.S.R.P.; a bargain at some
of the street prices I’ve been seeing. Check out!
-SP
Manufacturer Specification
Dimensions
Open Overall Length 27.188 inches
Weight 3 lbs. 6 ounces
Handle
Material: Steel and Polypropylene
Carry
Carry System Nylon Sheath - MOLLE
Weight 7 ounces
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