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| Original on left, Replica on right |
I pulled out both shovels and set them out, side-by-side, to see just how much difference there was between the two. As it turns out, there are very few differences.
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| Original on left, Replica on right |
The weights of the two are very similar.
Original: 1 kg 33g, or 2 lbs. 15.1 ounces
Replica: 1 kg 34g, or 2 lbs. 15.3 ounces
Handle length, top of the "T" handle, to the center of pivot bolt:
Original: 17-7/8 inches
Replica: 18-3/8 inches
Width of "T" handle:
Original: 3-1/4 inches
Replica: 3-3/8 inches
Aside from the very slight variations in the overall weight, and slight difference in the handle dimensions, it appears that the replica shovel was built to the exact same specifications as the original. The blades are identical in shape, dimensions, everything. In fact, it appears that the blades were stamped out on the same equipment, or could possibly be old stock parts.
The paint colors are different. The original has the flat, olive drab paint that is typical for Swedish field equipment. The replica has a very hard, glossy, "forest green" paint job.
The rivets attaching the pivot mount to the blade are different. The original has rounded rivet heads and backs, and the replica has sharp, "mashed" rivet ends. The difference is only visually different, not inferior.
The welds on the joint between the "T" handle, and the long shaft on the replica, are not executed to the same high quality as the original. The weld lines are a bit "rough", with a "pin hole" in the weld line, but the "T" handle is still very firmly attached. Again, mostly visual in the difference.
Last week I had the opportunity to put the Replica Mil-Tec shovel through its paces, to see how well it held up to some serious trench digging. We had about 100 feet of trench to dig at my son's new house. The ground there is very rocky, compacted, glacial till, clay and gravel. He used his German made, tri-fold shovel, and I used the Replica Mil-Tec. After digging through some VERY tough ground, prying out numerous rocks, and generally "abusing" the tools I rinsed off the Mil-Tec and gave it an inspection.
The Replica Mil-Tec held up perfectly! The paint was only slightly worn away, which frankly surprised me. I did not think that it would hold up that well, but it did. There was one very slight bent spot on the blade edge from prying out a couple of very large rocks, but that was it. A quick tap with a hammer and it was back in order. Everything else on the shovel was as it should be.
My rating for the replica shovel after hard use: Five Stars! If you want a shovel to use-and-abuse, that is also a "classic", then this Mil-Tec shovel is the one to grab. (by the way, the tri-fold performed at 100% as well). Right now they are going for about $20 to $30 US dollars online.
With a coat of some OD Green paint, you'll have an "authentic copy" of the original (With the exception of the 3-Crown Swedish acceptance stamp, you don't get that with the replica!)
You can read more about these shovel in my previous posts:
https://sharky-fourbees.blogspot.com/2019/11/original-swedish-faltspade-klas-short.html
https://sharky-fourbees.blogspot.com/2017/08/swedish-faltspade-klas-short-light.html
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