Bolsters

R

Russell Payne

Joined
Oct 9, 2000
Messages
183
Have many Schrade knives and like them very much. I have asked this(not on this forum) but have not gotten an answer. Is there ia reason for some pocket knives having round bolsters and others square bolsters? I thought it might be for strength. The large Seniors and King Ranch Uncle Henry knives have square. The junior size have round. Just wondering.
 
I don't think the shape affects the strength of the knife. The only advantage I see to rounded bolsters is less wear on pockets. The only advantage of square bolsters in my experience is that I find that my grip on the knife and control of cutting is superior with a sq bolster knife.
 
Thanks for the replies. I was just curious. I have been known to sand the corners off just a bit to make the sq bolster knives a little more pocket friendly. Seems there is always something to learn about pocketknives.
 
I think it is for aestetic reasons, too. I think some knives, I don't know why, just look better one or the other. For example, to me at least, large stockmen look better with square bolsters, and medium serpentine ones with round bolsters. Square ones make them look sturdier, and the round ones make them look sleeker.
 
There is a minor mechanical reason to have square on
the larger knives........backspring length.

If you look at a larger stockman you will find that not
only is the backspring thicker it is a tad longer to hold the
longer blade open better. The best way to fit that into a compact
package is to make the bolsters square to just cover the end of the
longer spring.

One could make a round bolster but is would be that much longer
to maintain and even arch of the rounding for the same length
spring.
 
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