Bolsters on Folders

[hstdist]

Just had my Michael Cooper folder out, and it has bolsters that add to the weight of this already large folder(4.5"blade, 10" o/a) but that's fine. I picked up another Crawford KFF, and got one with bolsters too. . Guess I just like 'em. But looking at the construction,they are there for show. D So who likes bolsters and why were they on knives orignially On modern knives it seems most are bosterless

 

[C. Marlowe]

Bolsters were originally used to add strength to the pivot area, which due to thin liners of copper or brass was somewhat weak. They also did add to the style of the knife. With todays materials, esp on tactical type folders, the bolsters really arent neccesary, they do add some strength, but are mostly for looks. - Charles

 

[gud4u]

Many examples illustrate the redundancy of bolsters, on both fixed and folding knives.

What's the point of using bolsters on a folder like the Spyderco Persian, which has sturdy dual steel liners? Perhaps some appreciate the 'style' or 'tradition' of needless bolsters, but I find them ugly and dislike the weight they add to the package.

 

[Matt Shade]

They do add strength, kind of like putting a big thick washer on each end of the pivot. The bolster sure won't bend, si it stops any flex in the front end of the liners too.
Now on some of these knives with ultra thick liners, which are more like framelocks with overlays, they aren't all that necessary as the knife is already more than strong enough, but they do stiffen things up.