Backpocket slipjoint tang vs handle, preferences?

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stezann

Joined
Apr 13, 2011
Messages
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Hi folks,
when i look at a backpocket slipjoint or similar squared bolster profile pattern, i prefer the tang to be flush with the bottom of the handle in the opened position, and the kick continues the line of the bottom of the handle...i really don't get when the kick "exits" up from the front side of the bolster, leaving a step in that area...wich is often the case, i noticed.
I hope i made clear my point (english being not my first language), what's the opinion from you slipjoint fans? :)
 
Hi, and welcome from the resident Sardinian member of this community :) Which part of Sardinia are you from? (sorry for the chit chat folks, it's just nice to have another member from my homeland) :p
Back to your question.
It's the sort of pure aesthetical "flaw" that has no influence on function.
In a perfect world, slipjoints should be flush in every position. Sometimes, especially on less expensive knives, asking for perfection is expecting too much (although some inexpensive brands seem to be able to produce slipjoints without real flaws). Personally, unless there's a huge "step", I'd rather take this sort of flaw than anything affecting function. But then again that's just me :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
Hi Fausto, i'm from Casteddu (Cagliari, for the uninitiated) ;)
Thanks for your reply :)

Stefano
 
stezann said:
Hi folks,
when i look at a backpocket slipjoint or similar squared bolster profile pattern, i prefer the tang to be flush with the bottom of the handle in the opened position, and the kick continues the line of the bottom of the handle...i really don't get when the kick "exits" up from the front side of the bolster, leaving a step in that area...wich is often the case, i noticed.
I hope i made clear my point (english being not my first language), what's the opinion from you slipjoint fans? :)
Click to expand...


From all the trapper styles I've looked at,when the kick / tang area is not as wide as the bolster as you describe,there is less a " run up " on the blade,in the closed position. Maybe it's all a compromise ?
 
VCM3, exactly... i also noticed this relationship; I prefer more run-up sticking out in CP then the gap in OP, except some rare cases in which the aforementioned gap, the plunge, choil, the kick and the bolster make for a balanced "zig-zag" which is pleasing and flowing someway (reminds of an heartbeat on a cardio-graph)
 
stezann said:
VCM3, exactly... i also noticed this relationship; I prefer more run-up sticking out in CP then the gap in OP, except some rare cases in which the aforementioned gap, the plunge, choil, the kick and the bolster make for a balanced "zig-zag" which is pleasing and flowing someway (reminds of an heartbeat on a cardio-graph)
Click to expand...

I used to think just like you about this,but then I see so many it has changed for me. Now I just look at the knife as a whole,and I gotta say there is not too many I do not like.
 
Never took much notice of that small detail. It's present on both customs and production knives.



 
eh eh eh :) i understand, i just like much the traditionals too, but i don't understand why the makers overlook this particular when designing a folder.
That gap also makes for less strenght if you think about it...the tang/blade narrower then the handle allows...so the contact area is reduced.
 
Thanks for the pics, Kamagong!
The firs one (beautiful) shows the "issue" clearly, the second one is almos flush. Have you got the closed position pics?
 
Thanks for the pics, Kamagong!
The first one (beautiful) shows the "issue" clearly, the second one is almos flush. Have you got the closed position pics?
 
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