frame handled knives

K

KenH

Well-Known Member
Perhaps shop talk is the correct forum, I considered the Newbies area, but that seems to be mostly for showing builds rather than asking simple questions. I could have posted to Bruce's WIP thread, but didn't wish to clutter up, so picked here.

I've been following Bruce's WIP on the Double Guard and Frame WIP thread - GREAT THREAD!! I have to ask, what is the advantage of the frame handle over a full tang? Is it so the really nice guard can be used with all the edges hid? Well, the front of guard at visible from blade side so that has to fit perfectly.
OR - is there other advantages?

Educate me please Oh Great Gurus of knife making.

Ken H>
 
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Ken, you made me stop and think about this. Really.
There are other answers out there but heres my take. There are 3 basic types of fixed blade knives with the regards to tangs, The "full tang", "hidden tang" and the "framed tang". I believe the strongest of these 3 is the "full tang" with a tapered tang. It would be fun to test each one to see for sure.
The hidden tang is generally a one piece handle slid onto the tang. Any style slide on guard basically can be used with this style. The full tang knife is very limited to the guard that can be used as it is generally integral to the knife blade. Comfort for long chopping would soon feel that a wider contoured guard would be favorable to the hand. The framed tang in my opinion was developed because of guard comfort and choice of handle material. Not all handle material can be used on the hidden tang. Ivory slabs for example would not work on the hidden tang knife. The higher end knives have both the comfort and beauty of exotic handle materials without sacrificing strength as the tang is as long as possible and attached to the guard and pommel. A set of steel liners tie the construction together to further ensure strength.
 
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Bruce, I thank you for the good explanation - and I can see where you're coming from with the frame handled knives. Without a doubt, they generally are on the "high end" knives - and for a reason. It's a very strong handle with the ability to show off not only a high end handle scale, but also the knife makers skill.

and, THANK YOU for the great WIP on frame handles - makes me want to make one....... as soon as I learn enough<:)

Ken H>
 
Ken, I thank you for looking in on my WIP and hope there are other opinions than my own on handle constructions here. You brought up a good question.
 
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