Bolsters and Tang
Bolsters
A knife bolster is the bit between the handle and the knife blade.
Not all Knives have a bolster and they are not necessary depending on a few things.
Bolsters can be decorative and functional. They can change the balance of a knife, they can strengthen it and add durability.
They can also act as a protective shield function to prevent contact with the knife blade.
Bolsters on a folding knife are typically decorative pieces however can help add rigidity.
Most of my bolsters are either 304 Stainless steel, Brass or copper.
I can also add Faux Bolsters made from G10 Or other non metal handle materials to add interest to a blade, these are also a more cost effective option.
Quillion
The cross guard of a sword or knife is called a Quillion.
They are designed to protect the hand of the user. They stop the hand from sliding up the handle onto the edge of a knife, or to prevent another knife (or sword) from sliding down your blade onto your hand.
tangs
A tang is the back part of the knife - also known as the Spine.
It is the material of the blade steel that goes into the handle of the knife.
A "partial" tang - means that the metal from the blade does not reach the end of the handle. Only part way.
A "full" tang reaches to the length of the handle and will be stronger - this is the most common style i make and it allows decorative spine filing to be used.
Hidden Tangs
A hidden tang is just that. Hidden from total sight by the handle material.
You will not be able to see the tang or how it's connected to the
handle material.
Tapered Tang
A tapered tang, which is sometimes called a tapering tang or narrowing
tang, is when the tang becomes increasingly narrow towards the back of
the handle.
For example, a 5mm thick blade might taper down to 1,5mm thick at the back of the handle.
Tapered tangs make the knife lighter and more visually appealing and can be used to adjust overall knife balance.
Jimping
Small notches or filework cut into the back of a blade.
Jimping is used to prevent your fingers from sliding when using the knife.
This can be added to most knives to add practical function
and/or decoration.
