Why are handles called scales?
-
ODT Gun Show this Saturday! - Click here for info and tickets!
dumb question
- Thread starter sniper22
- Start date
More like "soda cracka"...
The handle scales are the pieces of handle material that are mounted to the sides of full tang knives. Sometimes the term slabs (below) is used, but that is a clumsy, incorrect word, as a slab is by definition, overly thick and broken-off. The correct word by definition, even in present and very old language dictionaries is scale: "cutlery: either of the pieces fastened one on each side to the tang of the knife, weapon, etc. to form the handle." Do not use the term slab, it is the wrong word. Often, scales sit between bolsters and are secured with pins, either hidden or exposed, or screws. Handle scales may set the value of the knife, and comprise a bewildering amount of materials in the modern knife. They may be hardwood, plastic, manmade material, horn, bone, ivory, shell, and expensive gemstone. More than just something to look at, they are the material that is in contact with the human hand, so shaping, contouring, radiusing, forming, and finishing skills are well applied here. Handle scales should be durable enough to maintain their shape, and of substantial colorfastness and low reactivity, as they will be exposed to the acid, moisture, and contaminants that the human hand can carry as well as potentially heavy forces that it can apply. Alphabet Links
So, basically, they're just the handles..
But they protect the Tang.....
Do tell. I know a few... never mind.
