FOG HORN

August, 2016
Twobirds Flying Publication

COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE AND TOOL TRENCHER

Tactical Entrenching Tool

Copyright 2016, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.

CRKT Trencher Tactical Entrenching Tool

2016

COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE AND TOOL TRENCHER - Tactical

Entrenching Tool
By: Sal Palma
collapsible entrenching shovel manufactured by
Fiskars for the USMC and designated the E-Tool.
Although the E-Tools 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.

If youve 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.
Theres 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, theres
been little change in its design over the years;
for example, the standard issue NATO

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 youre likely to encounter under tactical
conditions.
Opposite its saw teeth, the spades edge comes
to a bevel that is usable for chopping. Its
possible, although I would not be in favor of it,
to put an aggressive edge on the spades
Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

CRKT Trencher Tactical Entrenching Tool

beveled side; however, doing so would require

removing quite a bit of material potentially
weakening the edge, which youll 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.

2016

The Trenchers handle is the real differentiator

and its 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 handles girth to be just right
for my hands but it may be a bit too large for
some. CRKT terminates the Trenchers handle in
a cap drilled large enough to accommodate a
lanyard.
CRKTs Trencher is a quality tool thats 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 Trenchers
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.

Tightening or loosening the spade is made easy

by its knurled surface. Its very easy to operate
even with the gloved hand.

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
Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

CRKT Trencher Tactical Entrenching Tool

2016

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. Its unlikely that youll encounter a
condition The Trencher couldnt handle
competently. Be it survival, camping or tactical.
CRKTs 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 Ive 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

Copyright 2016, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved