Bolsters, or no?

M

manicreader

Joined
Jan 2, 2003
Messages
71
I've got a 5" drop point hunter blade that I'm putting Ironwood scales on to. I've noticed that many traditional hunters have bolsters, but some do not.

Is there some advantage to using bolsters, or is it fine to just run the scales up to the blade?
 
My personal view of bolsters is for two purposes. The first, as I view it, is to help protect the main handle material from damage occured by running the blade to the hilt. The second is purely for looks. I am sure there be other reasons too, such as balance and what not. The two I mentioned are my personal first reasons for bolsters.

Other than that there is little reason you could not make a beautiful handle without bolsters and I do not consider them always essential.

Roger
 
i don't ever use bolsters, that not a end all statement. i use what is referred to as a combat handle, shapping the steel to act as the guard/bolster. then using a handle configuration to match. depending on the material used on the handle. micarta all the way to the plunge cut like on my woodsman or as with ironwood look at my slachet. this is my 2 cents, there are no absolutes. find what feels right to you! happy grinding!:)
 
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