When I lived up there the temperatures would, on occasion, reach -60F. At -40F it hurts down in your bones, even when you are warm. At -20F the trees start exploding. That kind of cold is very hard on knife steel and on the handle materials, too. The military made due with Ka-Bars (1095). When I was there I carried a Buck Skinner (425M...hard to sharpen) that served well, but for that one issue. I also had a 110. I used an Uncle Henry sheath knife, too (probably 420). But the handles held up well.
Today, Fallkniven makes the Pilot Survival F1 and the Military F1, both for cold weather found in Sweden. If I were wanting a folding knife I would look at the Spyderco Military as it is easy to use with gloves on. You simply DO NOT WANT to touch anything with bare skin. Get some glove liners so if you must take off your MITTENS (better than gloves) you will have some protection.
Remember, water in your eyes will freeze, snot from your nose will run and freeze, your breath will freeze all over the outside of your face protection (do not wear a mask). It is a very hard place to live. l loved it.
Carry a candle with you and something like a BIC or water proof matches so if you get caught out, you can build a snow cave or igloo. Then, once inside the candle will keep you warm enough so you do not freeze to death. Never, ever, ever, lie down on the ground without an insulator or you will wake up dead. The ground. even in summer, is frozen and will sap the heat right out of you, even though a sleeping bag. Also, a space blanket folded small and kept in your cargo pockets or hip pocket of your pants will be a life saver. I had many times where needed to wrap up in one and stay warm (mine was one of the good, thick kind, not the cheezey Walmart kind).
Enjoy your stay
Today, Fallkniven makes the Pilot Survival F1 and the Military F1, both for cold weather found in Sweden. If I were wanting a folding knife I would look at the Spyderco Military as it is easy to use with gloves on. You simply DO NOT WANT to touch anything with bare skin. Get some glove liners so if you must take off your MITTENS (better than gloves) you will have some protection.
Remember, water in your eyes will freeze, snot from your nose will run and freeze, your breath will freeze all over the outside of your face protection (do not wear a mask). It is a very hard place to live. l loved it.
Carry a candle with you and something like a BIC or water proof matches so if you get caught out, you can build a snow cave or igloo. Then, once inside the candle will keep you warm enough so you do not freeze to death. Never, ever, ever, lie down on the ground without an insulator or you will wake up dead. The ground. even in summer, is frozen and will sap the heat right out of you, even though a sleeping bag. Also, a space blanket folded small and kept in your cargo pockets or hip pocket of your pants will be a life saver. I had many times where needed to wrap up in one and stay warm (mine was one of the good, thick kind, not the cheezey Walmart kind).
Enjoy your stay
