Really cold weather and handles

D

dogrunner

Joined
Dec 26, 2003
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By cold I mean below 0 F (not *that* cold, I know). I find that metal (exposed tangs) and even some nonmetallic handles (like the wooden handle of a shovel) get painfully cold to handle, except with heavy gloves. It is difficult to do a lot of things with really heavy gloves on, so I prefer handles not to be so cold. I really like my SW Battlerat or bandicoot with their Res-C handles in general but particularly in cold weather.

I'd like to be able to use my Busses too, without worrying about frostbite (maybe a non-issue now thanks to global warming:rolleyes: ). Most Busses (I mean the knives :foot: ) have exposed tangs (and micarta is not as warm as rubber either). If you live/work/play in a cold climate do you ever have frostbite issues with your busses or is it just me ? Have you ever wrapped a handle for this reason, and if so, with what?

Just trying to prepare, in case winter ever shows up.
 
I just use a thin pair of deer skin or wool gloves. They're warm enough to keep the handle from bothering you and they aren't so bulky that they create an uncomfortable or unsecure grip.
If it's too cold to use these styles of gloves, it's obviously too cold for bare hands;)

Keep in mind, the Micarta can get pretty cold also:eek:
 
My problem is that even when wearing thin gloves of any material (so I have some dexterity), metal objects are still too cold to hold on to for very long. Same for micarta or even wood. So what I'm trying to figure out is a good way to use my AD (my favorite knife!) when the weather is that cold, without risking frostbite or even cramping from the cold. My wood handled tools (shovel, axe, etc) are not a problem because I can wear thicker gloves.

I suppose someone might argue that when it's really cold you should just not go out. But I ain't stayin indoors all winter and besides, the dogs like it better when its below 0F !!
 
I was wondering about this too. I have never used my Busses in cold weather but I am planning on doing that this winter. :thumbup: :D

I have taken out a satin finish SFNO outside to take some pictures while it was about 5 degrees Celsius. It was cold to the touch and I would guess it could get uncomfortable if it got any colder. I put on gloves and handling the knife was more comfortable and dexterity was not effected, even when using the choil. I imagine that because of the large handles and choil, using the knife for hard use would not be a problem. I have lanyard on in it as well, just in case.

I then took out a black crinkle coated HOG FSH with magnum slabs and played with it for a while. The coated blade made a difference and it felt perfectly fine. I would think a coated blade may be a better choice for extreme cold as I am sure the coating has at least some thermal properties. I put on some really heavy duty goves (good up to about -40 Celsius) and the HOG FSH felt very secure. The magnum handle slabs really help with control and security.

I am expecting winter to be here within a month or so and I will be better able to answer this question.
 
It is starting to cool down here - lows below freezing more often than not (unusually late for that) so I'll do some experimentin myself soon. Anything above freezing isn't much of a problem though.
 
maybe you could try wrapping the handle in tennis tape?? the thickish foam kind, that might provide enough insulation to work.
 
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