Synthetic Cold Steel shovel handle

[ouster]

After searching through the archives on the CS shovel, I saw that most of the threads originated here so I hope this is the right place for my query.

1. Is it a feasible idea to have a CS shovel handle fabricated out of a synthetic material?
If you've used yours to dig, throw or left it out in the sun, you'll notice it tends to degrade pretty quickly. A synthetic handle might be able to withstand more punishment.

2. What sort of polymer would be appropriate? Micarta?

3. Would you stick to the original dimensions or make it longer for easier digging?

4. Would you use the same fasteners or would something else be more suitable?

Hope some of the shovel enthusiasts from past threads will pop up and chime in!

Ouster

 

[Bill Siegle]

I haven't found the original handle lacking on mine. If I did choose to replace it with polymer though, I would choose delrin or something similar to it. Micarta would be expensive and possibly heavier. Also I would stick with the original dimensions. I do think I would substitute the normal screws for stainless steel screws. An easier method though is call Cold Steel. I think they sell replacement handles

 

[3nails]

I've had my CS shovel for over 4 years and use it alot. I still have the original handle it came with. If I could not get another handle from CS I would make one out hickory or some other wood in the some dimensions. I find a little preventive maintance goes a long way. Great little shovel. If you get a synthetic handle to work let us know how it goes.



Dean