Posted: 9/28/2015 7:17:31 PM EDT
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If you've ever used any of the GI shovels, the best of them are none too good in hard or rocky soil. Well, there's an answer to this: http://www.unclesamsretailoutlet.com/Mattax-With-Carrier-And-Handle-5120013633690-p/3570.htm
This tool will allow the user to hack up the soil, and remove the loose stuff with a shovel. This item really speeds things up. Because of the size of the tool/handle--and like the GI shovels-- it is meant for the military user, most often working on their knees. The woodland camo carrier, IIRC, was an ALICE clip user, but no ALICE clips to be seen in the pix. I dunno if MALICE clips will fit, but ALICE clips are not tough to find, although good, useable GI units are getting a bit scarce. Make sure you test the clips before buying, of buy from a seller with good return policy ALICE clips will interface with MOLLE/PALS platforms. I think it prudent for the user to buy some fairly thick Kydex, and mold it so that the Kydex will shield the fragile nylon carrier from the blades of the tool. Use some contact cement, glue the insert to the carrier, and wrap with rubber bands while the glue is setting. What's a good ALICE clip? First, one not corroded into uselessness; a little corrosion will wear off with use. Most importantly, one that will stay closed until you tug on the locking tab. There's a little triangular cut-out with a triangular tab inside it on the body of the ALICE clip that serves to "lock" the locking tab in the closed position. I have yet to figure out how to remedy a bad locking tab, and comments would be appreciated if you know how. Point is that little locking tab must work right or else the ALICE clip will open by itself. You should have to tug strongly on the end of the locking tab to open the ALICE clip, but closing it should take a bit less effort. If the tip of the locking tab does not align with the hole for same in the end of the ALICE clip, some careful bending will make things right. Disclaimer: no financial interest. |
| Nice if you've got the space or want to carry more weight. The old WWII style USA entrenching tool, or the newer post WWII German copy have always worked just fine. The "pick" end is going to do as well as the mattax with a short handle. Leverage is missing on digging tool with such a short handle. |
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This is what you seek.
http://estwing.com/g_geo_paleo_pick.php 
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You want a grub axe cover like this one or at least copy the design.
https://www.proxibid.com/asp/LotDetail.asp?ahid=4103&aid=101653&lid=26910204&title=Commercial-made-grub-axe-cover-measures-15-looks-unused Similar tools without the axe part are known as grub hoes. They move more dirt then a normal hoe. I use a small one hand version that instead of the axe blade has 3 steel prongs. |
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A Max-Axe is what you seek. I keep a .mil one stowed in my PU. It's great for the small chores that come up. I've used it on several occasions and it works a lot better than you might expect. I got mine off of CL some years ago for $50.00 shipped.
Not cheap though unless you find one used like I did. On Amazon: .mil .... $289.00 
"off-road" .... $249.00 
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Quoted:
Right, but you said tactical. What kind of tactical things are you doing where you need a pickaxe? At the present time, not much. However, having tried out this exact implement alongside a USGI, Bundeswehr and Gerber trifold shovels, as well as the Glock, if one has to move earth quickly and relatively easily, one man using this tool in conjunction with a shovel can move earth faster than two men with shovels when digging in very compacted and/or rocky soils. the looser the soil, and/or the fewer the rocks, the less useful this tool will be; for example, it's worthless in beach sand Some non-tactical uses might be trenching a tent quickly, or digging a fire-pit when it was desired to replace the sod after use. Perhaps digging in a very confined area where a full-size implement might not fit, such as under a porch or the like. It's another tool, albeit a niche tool. If it has a place in your toolbox, consider it. If you need a full-size tool to do some extensive digging, by all means purchase that. |
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Quoted:
Infantry fighting positions have to be dug, they dont come as a prefab. Hescoes have to be filled, usually by hand as well. Have a pick in hard soil is a godsend to the field grunts equipment bags That's why you become friends with engineers with heavy equipment. 
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