Best Cold Weather Knife

A

AcesAndEights

Joined
May 15, 2005
Messages
96
Im looking for an EDC knife that works in extremely cold weather. Im gonna be taking a trip to Alaska in a few weeks and I want something that isnt going to stick and wont be too hard on the hands. It must be a folder, 3-4 in blade. Looking to spend no more than $140, and would really prefer to keep it around $100.
 
Military sounds good. Using it bare handed shouldn't be too big a problem as the liner is nested, so there's not much exposed metal on the handles, and you have the large opening hole which works great with gloves on.
 
I vote for the Spydie Mile its really the best folder/cold weather/gloves/sharp/reliable knife for the money
 
It's just not a cold weather knife, mine has been EDC in casual and formal attire .The only thing I did in Asia was move from pocket carry to waist band between the belt and Pant's. If you go afield attach a lanyard as the clip can snag on brush and be pulled out :eek: But that's the problem with most cilp knives.
 
My first thought when I read the title of the post was Spyderco Endura, then I saw your budget, and figured you would prably want something more expensive. Even though you are ready to spend up to $140 it doesn't mean you have. I don't know how easy it will be to operate the liner lock with heavy gloves on, but I know the lockback on the Endura is no problem.

Will
 
If the liner lock presents a problem to close with gloves there is always the BM axis lock :). Like the 806D2. Just something else to consider.

TBG
 
I'll say para milli or milli. Really, with the possible exception of not liking liner locks, if you can carry the milli every day (no easy task, mind you), no reason not to. Lord knows I would if I could. That thing is ginormous though.

In the more general sense, you'll want G10 scales so it doesn't get slippery. A sandwich construction might make it easier to keep clean and dry.

You'll be wearing gloves, most probably, so I would look for thumb studs or relatively large spyder holes (like the military and paramilitary have).

The AFCK is also a good choice. Though I personally don't find it attractive.

Might also investigate the Manix/Mini manix. Not a big fan of lockbacks myself, but a pretty fantastic knife nonetheless.

I'd look into the Bump and Spec Bump, two recent interests of mine. The Spec Bump particularly might be good for that weather. The assisted opening might be nice, and the 3d G10 scales would be useful.
 
If you don't think you'll be wearing gloves, look at Kellam knives. They use some kind of wood in the handle that doesn't feel cold in bad weather. They are made in one of the Northern countries of Europe. Scandavia, I think. These guys know cold.
www.kellamknives.com
 
I have often wondered if there was a fault at all with the Axis locks. Don't get me wrong I've been swayed to them and really like the ones I have. I have repaired two of the broken springs in a couple models that were pimped knives already taken apart by their owners. Both of these knives had springs that broke in the winter time. One owner works as a surveyer for highways being built. The other is a fish and game wildlife conservation officer. Both spend a great deal of time outside.

Will those small diameter springs hold up in severe cold? I think it is a good question. It has been an issue with some owners of autos with coil springs also. It may be a non issue due to the tension being far less in the Axis lock springs than the coiled springs of an auto but then again it may be something that needs testing. Someone far up north needs to sit there knife out on a tailgate for a few in the winter and give it some use after it gets good and cold and report back to us. Like severe cold would be the best test.

There are reports of steel blades breaking unexpectedly in severe cold but I do not recall what 'severe cold' means as far as temp. It must be pretty damn cold is all I can figure.

Maybe your best bet for extreme cold is an all titanium folder from Mission like the A2 or a fixed blade in the Beta Titanium.

I think if it were me I wouldn't worry too much about which one so long as it had ample handle on it and could be maniupulated with gloves on. I would think a Spyderco Manix would be easier to close with gloves on than a liner lock but that is just me. The G10 is a good choice for grippy feeling handles and the size of the handle is right. The Rat Trap or Military may be good but I'd probably just pick three or four bigger ones and take them all just in case one does break if it going to be that cold out.
 
Thanks for all the replies. The para millie is looking like a good choice. I dont really care for liner locks and frame locks, so the millie is out. THe best choice is probably a fixed blade, which I will have (ive got a CRK project II waiting for me.) I just want something I can carry when Im in town. The AFCK is looking pretty good too, but I dont know how easily the axis would be manipulated with gloves on. Keep the ideas rolling in, Im thinking that synthetic slabs are going to be the best option, if I recall my opinels stick when cold weather hits.
 
Maybe a custom Buck 110. You can get choice of steel and handles. Or maybe the Alaskan series from Cabelas with S30V.
 
I would go with a large Ritter. Good strong blade easy to open easy to close with gloves on.
 
I know that you specifically wanted a folder, but if extreme cold is an issue, I'd look at one of the Scandinavian fixed blades. The design is a result of long experience in cold climates. Manipulating any folder with bulky mittens or gloves on can be tricky.

Gordon
 
Since your gonna be in town and it's gonna be stuck in your pocket why not try a fixed-blade neck knife? I'd say a three inch fixed knife would be legal in Alaska;just pull it out and pop the sheath off one handed in an emergency you can pick it up later:D

But if ye want a folder go to A.G. Russel they have a lock-bar folder with a blade hole and VG-10 steel (I forget the stupid thing's name)
 
What gaj999 said. in serious cold you don't want to have to pull gloves off to open a folder... a FB with a big handle is much better. The CS Master Hunter with its kraton grip is superb in the cold. Another good one is Roselli's erapukko... large wooden handle of Arctic birch works great in the cold.
 
guy g said:
Maybe a custom Buck 110. You can get choice of steel and handles. Or maybe the Alaskan series from Cabelas with S30V.
Click to expand...

I was thinking a plain old Buck 110 would probably work pretty well too. I think pretty much any of the knife suggestions that have been given are good ones. Extremely cold weather? Not sure it really matters as long as you can get to it, open/close it and keep it sharp. If your going to use it with gloves, sheath carry might make it easier to access, a thicker handle like the Buck 110 might be nice too. Maybe throw in a one-armed-bandit for one handed opening. And you won't have a lot invested in it if you lose it or never use it much after you get back.
 
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