MPL-50 Lopatka (Entrenching Shovel)

Bladed / Blunt / Throwing weapon

Quick Facts

Martial Arts

Sambo Combat Sambo

OriginRussia / Soviet Union (19th-20th Century (Russian Imperial / Spetsnaz))

Wield TypeSingle/Paired

MaterialSteel blade and hardwood handle

Length50 cm cm

Weight0.8 - 1.0 kg kg

History

Standard entrenching shovel of the Russian and Soviet military (MPL-50). Spetsnaz special forces sharpen all three edges to razor-sharpness, utilizing it as a deadly close-combat and throwing weapon.

About

Used for slashes, flat-blade blocks against punches/blades, and ranged throwing. In Systema, the handle provides leverage for wrist locks and off-balancing.