Bolster Question

Thomason

Thomason

Joined
Nov 28, 2002
Messages
9,375
Help me out on some terms, gentlemen. I lifted some pictures of a few recent knives over in the maker's sale area. The first is a threaded bolster, then a rattail bolster and the last is also a rattail. Is this correct? Is a rattail and a fluted the same thing?

untitled-10.jpg
 
Thomason,the fluted bolster is also called "rat tail" cause of the "rat tail" file that they use to do it
-Vince
 
That rat tail in the middle looks mighty familier Rob. :D :thumbup:
 
I think it's "fluted" when there are two or more of the rat tail type grooves in the bolster. At least I recall reading that somewhere from someone more educated on the subject than myself.
 
Blues said:
I think it's "fluted" when there are two or more of the rat tail type grooves in the bolster. At least I recall reading that somewhere from someone more educated on the subject than myself.
Click to expand...

How modest Elliott ,you crack me up,yur pretty educated on this stuff,comon ' now :D :thumbup:
-Vince :)
 
Blues said:
I think it's "fluted" when there are two or more of the rat tail type grooves in the bolster. At least I recall reading that somewhere from someone more educated on the subject than myself.
Click to expand...

So you're thinking the Erickson is a rattail and the Coats is a fluted?

fewpop said:
That rat tail in the middle looks mighty familier Rob. :D :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I believe that one is now somewhere just east of the Indian Territories.
 
I'm sure of it,that you may hear a knifemaker refer to double flutes as "fancy" as well. Funny thing about slipjoints & you can catch this stuff in the Old Knives thread or one that Waynorth started,"terminology" I think its Named...

Theres so many variations of everything about these knives.
-Vince
 
In architecture and wood working, fluting is a series of carved out semicircular grooves. Notice the pluralness of "series ?" A fine example of a "rat-tailed" bolster is shown in the middle picture. The first picture Rob posted would be considered a "threaded" bolster.

This according to my notes from Slippie 101. :D
 
Rob, on p.13 of LGIV there are examples of various bolster types based on old Winchesters.

The Coats would indeed be a "fluted bolster" according to the illustrations from that volume.
 
GigOne said:
In architecture and wood working, fluting is a series of carved out semicircular grooves. Notice the pluralness of "series ?" A fine example of a "rat-tailed" bolster is shown in the middle picture. The first picture Rob posted would be considered a "threaded" bolster.

This according to my notes from Slippie 101. :D
Click to expand...

This makes sense as I've heard handle scales on folders called "fluted" & they had series of the "grooves"

Also,that "threaded" bolster,could that be called "grooved" as well?
-Vince
 
VCM3 said:
Also,that "threaded" bolster,could that be called "grooved" as well?
-Vince
Click to expand...


From what I've been told, a narrow furrow cut into the bolster is called "threaded," as it appears to have been made by a "thread." Using that descriptive, narrow furrow cut into an object, it could also be considered a "groove."

We could call it a groovy, threaded bolster. :D
 
Taking that a step further, multiple slender "threads" on a bolster would render it "ribbed".

(Before you ask, Gig, I've no idea for whose pleasure. ;))
 
Yes the 1 or more flutes are called fluted, but can be called rattailed as well. It is all determined by the caller. I haven't heard of a positive answer either way in all my years but I'm still young... So yes Rob you're still correct.
 
I just wanted to be able to comment on the knife pictures you guys post or the ones I post and appear to know what I'm talking about.:D

It would seem that in the wonderful world of slip joint not everything is black and white. There are sometimes some grays.......or greys. (see what I mean;))
 
Blues said:
Taking that a step further, multiple slender "threads" on a bolster would render it "ribbed".

(Before you ask, Gig, I've no idea for whose pleasure. ;))
Click to expand...

I'll never look at fancy bolsters the same again :eek:
 
Seeing as the knowledge is flowing freely here perhaps someone can inform me what the proper nomenclature for this bolster would be. It starts flat like a threaded but after the flat it drops into the rounded stepped down area.

frbolster.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top