The old-style field or short spade is by far the most versatile outdoor tool imaginable, right after the knife. He splits firewood, fells trees, cuts a path through the undergrowth, pushes the campfire together, is a climbing aid on steep embankments, a makeshift crowbar, an emergency paddle and a knife. The list could go on and on. Not to mention that it is also excellent for digging. Compared to the folding spades commonly used today, it is significantly more robust, which the uses listed above require.

For the Böker Plus Shovel M1874 has Böker decided to consistently implement the original design of the first German field spade, which was introduced by imperial decree in 1874 under the name "portable entrenching equipment for infantry and hunter battalions". The two-part construction made of leaf and spring is connected with five strong rivets, additionally secured with a 40 mm wide steel clamp and covers the break-resistant ash wood handle up to half of its length. This old design is complex and cost-intensive to produce because two punching and bending tools have to be manufactured and significantly more work steps are required for assembly. But it rewards you with unrivaled stability. In addition to later models, the Feldspar M1874 was still in use in both world wars.

According to the historical model, the edges of the spade blade are pre-ground and not ground when delivered. Digging, splitting wood and delimbing is already possible in this condition, but for use as a machete or knife it is advisable to finish grinding the edges yourself. To adapt to today's needs and possibilities, Böker Minimal adjustments have been made to the original to create a modern bushcraft tool. A tough, rust-proof stainless steel was chosen for the leaf and spring, which is also used in the construction of steam turbine blades and surgical instruments. It has high resistance to breakage and shock loads and is easy to sharpen even under field conditions. A simple sharpening method, for example, is to place both edges flat with the inside of the blade on a concrete block.

The case with two belt loops is made of moisture-resistant and rot-proof black nylon with a sturdy plastic insert instead of leather that requires maintenance. The Böker Plus Shovel M1874 becomes an indispensable piece of equipment for all bushcrafters, off-road drivers, collectors of military equipment and reenactors.