Bolsters, with or without

Don Powell · Jun 30, 2002

Two or three years ago I couldn't imagine a knife without a
bolster. Now there are knives everwhere without them. I recently
saw a picture of a Jerry Hossom knife without a bolster and it
was just beautiful. Are bolsters just for looks? Are they useful?
What do you think?

Bruce Evans · Jun 30, 2002

Don,I look at Bolsters like this..Since you are not actually adding a finger guard to the knife they really don't make a difference in the knife itself.They look good,add balancing weight and mostly will help keep from hitting and chipping or cracking natural handle materials.But with all the new synthetic materials being used today no there really isn't any reason to add them if you like the knife without them.All the old real working knives like the Buffalo skinners and such didn't have guards or bolsters and di just fine for there intended purpose.They are there mostly as flash and also to show a little more workmanship on the knife In my opinion.
Bruce

Dan Gray · Jun 30, 2002

You have to have something on there
to keep the gravers
going

well put Bruce I dito it...

Don Powell · Jun 30, 2002

I haven't made a knife without a bolster yet, but it sure looks
like it reduces the work. Ahaaaa, and that metal to handle fit
will be missed, but only in looks, not effort.

P.K.Hansen · Jul 1, 2002

I make both kind, but personally I prefer knives without a bolster for weight reasons - I like lightweight hunters, and like Don Powell says: it's a lot less work.

Sylvester · Jul 1, 2002

Well the way I see it is , the knife will
tell you if it needs bolsters or not.
Just talk to it man it will tell you trust
me. Everyone does talk to there knives don`t
they? Or should I be worried about myself

Bruce Evans · Jul 1, 2002

Don't worry Sylvester,We all end up talking to our knives at some point in the process of making it

Bruce

Dan Gray · Jul 1, 2002

good thing they don't have ears and can turn on you too

I wonder.. I think a few have turned on me??

Sylvester · Jul 1, 2002

Dan, they do turn on you. I had one just
yestday that jump up an bit me!

But Bruce, I swear that I hear mine
answering me