Is handle soft and stinky or hard plastic? I've had both. Stinky so bad I couldn't use.
1789516
Hard plastic. It has a slightly porous surface to improve grip on wet conditions I suppose. It's not odorless but it doesn't stink, just a synthetic kind of odor.
1789517
Very stinky. The handle still smelled strongly for 2 months after purchase.
1789518
Never had a problem. Careful to open up and dry in house after each use. Feels like hard rubber or hard vinyl, but I have no clue as to actual composition.
2266296
I called Carex, and they don't sell replacement handles, either the soft grip or the solid one. When my soft grip got really badly worn, I peeled the rubbery part off and put on lots of layers of that black liquid plastic that the hardware store sells to dip tool handles in. I thinned it down a little and painted it on with a glue brush, letting it dry a few minutes between layers. I didn't build the handle up quite as large as it was originally, but it works fine, and has stayed on several months now. I tried painting it on one of their wooden handles that had chipped badly, but I didn't sand it well enough first, and it is peeling off. I called Carex, and they don't sell replacement handles, either the soft grip or the solid one. When my soft grip got really badly worn, I peeled the rubbery part off and put on lots of layers of that black liquid plastic that the hardware store sells to dip tool handles in. I thinned it down a little and painted it on with a glue brush, letting it dry a few minutes between layers. I didn't build the handle up quite as large as it was originally, but it works fine, and has stayed on several months now. I tried painting it on one of their wooden handles that had chipped badly, but I didn't... » Read More I called Carex, and they don't sell replacement handles, either the soft grip or the solid one. When my soft grip got really badly worn, I peeled the rubbery part off and put on lots of layers of that black liquid plastic that the hardware store sells to dip tool handles in. I thinned it down a little and painted it on with a glue brush, letting it dry a few minutes between layers. I didn't build the handle up quite as large as it was originally, but it works fine, and has stayed on several months now. I tried painting it on one of their wooden handles that had chipped badly, but I didn't sand it well enough first, and it is peeling off. « Show Less
1854816
It is plastic, if there I different kinds of plastic, I wouldn't know what to tell you. Handle is also plastic as well as the wheels. Don't believe it is a good rough and tumble cooler...best for car travel, picnic areas, hotel rooms
453522
I had the same problem. tried cleaning, and using it. The bad smell and taste never went away. So i sent it back. I agree smells like burning plastic.
2267272
Overall the tool is smaller than I expected it to be. Yes, the handle is solid plastic. It feels hefty and seems durable, although I didn't swing it against anything. I guess you could take it to a junk yard and ask to test it out . . .
745171
I noticed it too, I only own it for about a day or two. I will give it a week or two max before returning it. No way I can live with this smell, it smells like brand new plastic x1000.
1362347
Just checked my garden tool bag and the handles are indeed hot dipped in plastic. I have used these for many hours straight and they don't make my hands ache as much as the Fiskar brand. Hope this helps.
2086767
The pic doesn't show but the handle is not shaped at all to feel comfortable in the hand. It's edges are square and very uncomfortable. I took a file and had to smooth down the handle. Don't think it would break though. They used nice wood, maybe Mahogany??? The blade is nice but when closed the knife edge rests on metal in the handle. They need to redesign this one. Other than the poor shape of the handle, it feels solid but I did buy another knife and will use this as a back up. Glenn
1431652
Sturdy plastic handle. I've used the 1SM both in my home shop and at a factory I used to work in and have never had any problems with them.
146492
I don't know, but I did not use mine because everything smelled of strong plastic/bad smell.
1979926
Just pull HARD! I thought I was missing part of the instructions, because the handle would not easily open and had to google this myself. Just pull HARD. It won't break, but you think it's going to.
727515
The handles are like a toughened plastic found on saucepan handles. The handles havnt got hot for me, but my typical usage hase been on a gas ring with lower heat(thats why I bought it in the first place - fast cooking with little heat). From a durability standpoint the only"soft" part is the flexible seal that runs inside the rim.
2278862
The handle is hard plastic. But it is a very nice machete. Great for removing Barbarian heads upon the battlefield.
726585
I got mine last summer. No I never noticed a bad plastic smell on the one I have. This is all I can tell you though.Susan
1227193
The handle is aluminum. There are some other plastic parts, but they are durable. I have used one on my wood floors for a year.
1056158
No but I think that is why it does not get smelly. I put a new freezer bag in it every morning after I empty it. Saves me having to wash it out, or take it to the compost bin in the garden. I just take the full freezer bag, and empty contents into the compost bin. As said below the handle is for decoratin only.
1778711
I recommend that you buy a different handle. I never use it, and it's hard to use with both hands