Deuce of Spades Backpacking Trowel Handle

thingiverse

We adore the Deuce of Spades backpacking trowel, a lightweight marvel that weighs in at just 0.7oz and packs with ease. Its superior digging capabilities are unmatched by our other trowels, effortlessly chopping through small to pencil-sized roots with its razor-sharp aluminum edge. However, this thin profile also has a downside: it can dig into your hand slightly on the back end. A vestigial handle is cleverly integrated to enhance comfort during use. It's worth noting that there are two versions available: rigid-filament and flex-filament. I personally prefer the rigid version, but individual preferences may vary. The rigid version boasts a sturdy build, printed at 0.35u in PETG or enhanced PLA. The result is a robust handle that protects your hand well. To achieve this level of sturdiness, both versions were printed with the curved surface/palm flange facing down and the slot straight up, with support enabled and 100% infill. In contrast, the flex version was printed at 0.35u in TPU. However, I encountered difficulties with support separation from the model, so I opted to remove the palm flange instead. To accommodate this change, I flattened the build-plate interface, eliminating the need for support. Post-printing, I trimmed the corners and rounded/smoothed the edges to create a comfortable grip. The net weight of these handles combined with the trowel remains impressively low, under 1 oz in total. We're grateful to have backed the Deuce of Spades Kickstarter campaign years ago, which has significantly lightened our pack ever since. While we have no affiliation beyond our initial pledge, this lightweight trowel has been a game-changer for us.