Bolsters vs Shadow Pattern

[Hengelo_77]

To me it is a small victory, I just soldered my first bolsters.
This got me thinking, what do others prefer and why?
Do you have a preference?

Please feel free to explain your preference as elaborate as you like and show examples.

My first bolsters:

 

[screened porch]

I like bolsters because they stiffen and strengthen the joint.
Though if the handle material is rigid enough the handle is stronger being in one piece.
So it depends.

Good job with the soldering. That's a trick I can't learn.

 

[mrknife]

bolsters and end caps generally when applicable

 

[waynorth]

Either option has its charm and/or beauty!! Sometimes it depends on the pattern!
The Barlow requires a main bolster to achieve its mission, and lacks a cap for the same reasons!!! Strength and economy in the same knife!!


A hard-working stockman, with blades at each end benefits from the extra protection!!

An EDC, here showing the beauty of the wood handles, doesn't necessarily need bolsters, because of less-rugged use!

 

[waynorth]

These Horticultural knives achieve their strength (and beauty!!) using thick, rigid liners, with pivots set back from the ends, to achieve outstanding durability without the need for bolsters!! They have a rugged beauty in my eye!!

 

[Rsmith_77]

I like bolsters but prefer no endcap
Am I strange??

 

[fishin1635]

I like all 3… it’s a traditional knife what’s not to like.

I like them with bolsters and end caps.

I like them with no end caps and barehead.

I like them with a shadow bolstet too and totally agree that a Barlow” just isn’t a barlow without a bolster and no end cap.

 

[afishhunter]

For me, it depends on the pattern.

These Horticultural knives achieve their strength (and beauty!!) using thick, rigid liners, with pivots set back from the ends, to achieve outstanding durability without the need for bolsters

No doubt the tang wide and relatively heavy stock back springs add strength, as well?

I think the sodbuster pattern is another shadow knife that is well known (and respected) as a not weak knife.

A question for you, Charlie:
Could the shell knives like the various up to 93mm Celudor SAK, and the Imperial R.I. and Ireland Barlow (among other shell patterns they made) be considered a shadow knife?
They have no bolsters, and the molded plastic SAK, and stamped steel (stamped tin?) Imperial covers add zero structural strength.
Both get their strength and rigidity from the liners and backsprings. Just like a shadow pattern knife does.

 

[jc57]

Bolsters cause dey iz pretty.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Generally I don't care.

The only time I do care is when it comes to equal end pens, I have tried to like them with tip bolsters but I just can't warm up to the look.
For the most part I really don't like the look of tip / cap bolsters in general regardless of the pattern.
I'm undecided when it comes to full bolsters on an Eisenhower type pen or a cigar pattern, but I pretty much prefer the look of equal end pens without bolsters.

 

[danno50]

I like bolsters but prefer no endcap
Am I strange??

Not strange at all. I really like the bare head jacks!

 

[Peregrin]

I don't really have a preference. If I need to use my knife in a way that's going to put too much stress on the pivot, I use a fixed blade knife.
Here's what I pick from on most days. A mixed bag, but they all do what I need for the most part.

 

[Old Engineer]

I prefer to have Bolsters and Bareheaded . No reasons , I just do .

Harry

 

[waynorth]

For me, it depends on the pattern.

No doubt the tang wide and relatively heavy stock back springs add strength, as well?

I think the sodbuster pattern is another shadow knife that is well known (and respected) as a not weak knife.

A question for you, Charlie:
Could the shell knives like the various up to 93mm Celudor SAK, and the Imperial R.I. and Ireland Barlow (among other shell patterns they made) be considered a shadow knife?
They have no bolsters, and the molded plastic SAK, and stamped steel (stamped tin?) Imperial covers add zero structural strength.
Both get their strength and rigidity from the liners and backsprings. Just like a shadow pattern knife does.

By some definitions they could, but not in the spirit, I would say!!
JMO!!!

 

[Will Power]

I like Tip but they're very rare these days and likely a big challenge to make

But as others have noted, it depends of the pattern and even the material. Sodbusters work well in Delrin/Micarta as it's tough enough for a Shadow knife, certain woods work very well too. Stock knives can appear in Shadow too but usually double bolster, slant is good too. Likewise Equal End need bolsters but some are Shadow. Single blades I much prefer Barehead and with decent Stag think it a shame to lop off the character and put steel on the end

 

[black mamba]

On single-pivot jacks I prefer bareheads, allowing more play for the covers which are invariably more interesting to me than a bolster. Double-ended knives need bolsters at each end, and can be made more interesting by having them slanted parallel or opposing.

Slanted Parallel

Slanted Opposing

 

[kamagong]

It depends on the pattern. But on what is perhaps my favorite design, the laguiole, I prefer shadow construction.

 

[Will Power]

It depends on the pattern. But on what is perhaps my favorite design, the laguiole, I prefer shadow construction.

Ouais....

 

[abcdef]

I like a good fluted threaded pinched bolster but won't turn up my nose at a nice shadow pattern.

 

[Will Power]

I like a good fluted threaded pinched bolster but won't turn up my nose at a nice shadow pattern.