Inclement Weather

**Riverkilt** · 24th April 07, 07:08 AM

My two standard replies when asked, "Aren't you cold?" are, "No, heat rises." and...if its a pretty lady..."No, I've got a heater under there."

Got an excellent demonstration of heat rising at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Was a very cold windy day, but I was warm in my Pittsburgh Kilts Forest MARPAT. When I went into the unheated restroom and raised the kilt apron to use the urinal all that heat spilled out - THEN I felt the chill until things reheated.

Kilts really do accumulate heat in cold weather.

Ron

**escherblacksmith** · 24th April 07, 07:16 AM

I was at a scottish event in downtown St. Paul, MN in February. Outside air temperature was -10F, luckily no wind.

I had the great kilt on (8yd 60" wide), poly-wool shirt, gloves (leather, goretex inserts), wool bonnet, knee-high woolen socks and birkenstock sandals. It was fun, I wandered around downtown for about an hour trying to find an ATM. All kinds of folk looking at me and shaking their heads. I believe I made others colder just by wandering around.

**Howard Clark** · 24th April 07, 10:16 AM

I'm good with no problems down to about 10f, but the below zero week we had was a wee bit challenging. At least until the forge got the building warmed up some, and I started smitin' on the hot steel, then all is well, no matter how cold it gets outside.

**Mr. MacDougall** · 24th April 07, 10:39 AM

I think I'll go on being glad I'm from Southern Arizona.

Howard, may I mention as a by-the-bye, that I've long admired your work in steel?

**Howard Clark** · 24th April 07, 01:17 PM

Thanks, I wasn't aware there was more than one here that knew me (Harlan Hastings, friend for many years now already, my how time flies).

**escherblacksmith** · 25th April 07, 06:29 AM

heh, I had no idea you were that Howard Clark. I have seen write-ups on your work on the sword forum and I think you used to post at Anvilfire or Junkyard awhile back.

I agree, I like your work. Although it is one of the reasons I haven't tried bladesmithing yet. Too much nice stuff out there to compare to . . . ;-)}

**Howard Clark** · 25th April 07, 10:13 AM

Yup, that's me. I think Pete has nailed me down to demo at MetalMadness next year. I will have to ask my wife, the brains of the outfit as far as business goes.

Sword people are how I got interested in kilts, for anything other than leather and forge shop wear. I must say, I prefer them to pants, by a wide margin. You gotta be brave to go kilted around here much though, as everywhere in the midwest I suspect.

I have trouble finding time to participate much on the bladesmithing forums nowdays though. There are lots of other good strong voices with good information now, too, more than there used to be. More noise too.

I don't want to hijack the thread though. So I'm damned glad it has warmed up and spring is really here ! Below zero kilt wearing was limited, for me. I celebrate the coming of spring, and will be doing more of it. Morel season has begun here and fresh asparagus, now if I can just get out and catch some nice bluegills or crappie, or even bass. Mnnn, now that's a celebration of spring !

**escherblacksmith** · 26th April 07, 06:42 AM

This is true . . . I had heard about Pete trying to get a hold of you . . .

Right, back to the topic at hand.

I have worn my utilikilt at 45F, but it really doesn't have the insulation I normally require. That and the leather seats in the car are a might bit chilly in the morning!