Do all Bushfingers have a slight extended tang?

[w.t. anderson]

Curious about the design - I see several practical (and not so practical) applications, and I like the idea of an extended tang on a hard use knife. Just curious if all Andy's Bushfingers have it.
Best Wishes to all,
"Bloody Bill"

By the way, I just received a fantastic Curly Cue Recluse from Fiddleback Forge - now that's an extended tang!
(photo courtesy of Fiddleback Forge)

 

[discdoggin]

I just ordered my first, I don't believe it has the protruding tang. If not, do I get to send it back for a curly cue???

 

[schmittie]

I asked the same question in an email. I hope it is ok to share the answer he sent me:

"I vary that aspect of it.* If the knife design has a termination that is suitable for exposing a tang, I sometimes do that.* Really, functionally, I don’t see much advantage.* I make the bushfinger for myself with no exposed tang."

 

[Fiddleback]

Thanks Schmittie. I vary it. What are the advanced rages you see in it Bill?

 

[Fiddleback]

That should have read "advantages".

 

[w.t. anderson]

Practical advantages - While I'm no expert, especially compared to many others on these forums, I find it handy out in the woods to have a cutting tool that can also be used, if necessary, as a hammer/striker/grinding tool - and the extended tang provides a hammer-pommel thingy (note the technical terminology). I'm not talking about some silly combat skull crusher here, but a modest round tang extension that not only protects less-durable handle materials from damage, but that can be used to: break glass, chip obsidian or flint, crack nuts, flay poll or scrape small hides and skins, grind powders, shred or break down fiberous plant material, tap or knock objects in or out of place, shape softer malleable metals, etc. (I've used the extended tang for all of these activities except for breaking glass)

While I used to have plenty of decent rocks out West to do many of these things, back here in the Virginia woods it's often hard to find one. The extended tang also balances the knife (for me, at least) further back into my hand (which is where I want to keep the durn thing).
It can also, on the not-as-practical side, just be pleasingly decorative (the Curly Cue).

And during those advanced rages, it can be an effective striking weapon as well.