Do Bolsters Make the Knife?

[Bartleby]

It takes a lot of actual cutting to make a folder fail at the bolster. The only times I have had a traditional folder fail in the pivot area during use were because of poor execution (early Chinese made sodbuster knock off that had glued together pivot pin unglue), or out and out abuse on my part (used an Opinel No6 to cut adhesive holding a sliding door frame on a tub. The blade flexed without bending, bolster and pivot pin were straight, but the handle cracked behind the bolster-absolutely my fault though).

 

[Modoc ED]

It depends on the pattern of the knife and the configuration of the bolsters as to how bolsters make the knife.

Here is a Venture H. M. Slater Sheffield barehead knife with nickle-silver, tripple rat tail, bolsters. I think the tripple rat tail bolsters really set this knife off.

 

[Jack Black]

Lovely knife Ed :thumbup:

 

[Modoc ED]

Thanks Jack. I haven't seen many knives with tripple rat tail bolsters. Although this thread is not about covers, I've got to say the stag covers on the knife pictured are very nice.

 

[Joe58]

I think nicely executed they are pretty classy. And for me, with my fumble fingers, it'll help keep me from damaging the scale when I eventually drop it.

So many varieties out there to choose from. Another reason why these traditionals are just cool knives with their own distinct personality.

 

[Fish30114]

I will say that I like bolsters, for me they show another level of craftsmanship, what with the fixing of them to the knife, and the fitting of scales against them, some of my favorite knives have integral bolsters and finely fitted scales. I think it's pretty obvious that they can add a degree of protection for scales behind/beside them as steel or whatever a bolster is made of, will be tougher than most scale material.

 

[navihawk]

The pins on the stag are all hand peened. Nice.

 

[Chris Montgomery]

I am in the knife dependent school of thought. I really like some of the old Sheffield pen knives with tip bolsters or no bolsters at all. I have also admired many shadow patterns. The bolster configuration on the Washington Jack that is being made by GEC, through the great insight and fore thought of Charlie, is really getting my attention of late. Then there are some amazing bare head jacks that have been made. It boils down to one thing for me, too many great knives and not enough funds to own them all.

Chris

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks Jack. I haven't seen many knives with tripple rat tail bolsters. Although this thread is not about covers, I've got to say the stag covers on the knife pictured are very nice.

Neither have I Ed, the nearest I have is this Rodgers. Those stag covers are exceptional :thumbup:

 

[meako]

I used to be indecisive but now I'm not so sure...
Take these three random barlows.In terms of appearance.

The Schrade-yes the bolster makes the knife-without that ornate bolster it would be a delrin handled knife plain andd simple(not that there's anything wrong with that)
The GEC wlst-yes the bolster lifts it and makes it look more classy.
The RR-not especially I feel it would be better looking without the bolster.
As far as function the bolsters I think lend strength and durability in all three-as has been mentioned.
Cheers -interesting topic:thumbup:

 

[Alnamvet68]

They do make the knife when it comes to a sodbuster...

 

[Modoc ED]

I don't agree with you on that as to the particular knife shown Vet. The covers on that knife far outshine the bolsters. That's a great knife overall but the covers make that knife. I couldn't read the tang stamp. Who made the knife - Case????

 

[5K Qs]

Ed and Sir Al, that's some stunning stag in your photos!! And the triple rat tail bolster on your knife is marvelous, Ed. Every time I come here, I end up breaking the 10th Commandment: thou shalt not covet

- GT

 

[black mamba]

If there is any bolster that makes the knife, it is this one!

A couple more fancy bolsters.

And finally, a somewhat rare example of parallel slanted and pinched bolsters.

 

[Woodrow F Call]

I like bolsters quite a bit. About the only shadow pattern knife I like is a good ole sod buster. In some models, I really like a bare head though.

 

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

While not having bolster treatments won't prevent me from buying a knife, I see no reason to not have threaded, lined, rat tailed, pinched, slanted, domed pivot pin/hidden pivot, etc work on a knife. It seems a pity to not do SOMETHING with the bolsters, not even counting engraving! I appreciate the tactile feedback from the bolsters too. It seems as though I develop more muscle memory/touch familiarity with bolster treated knives, outside of extreme patterns like my GEC Eureka. When holding/ "worry stone" using my knives I find myself often going over the bolsters with my thumb- especially if the knife remains in pocket. I took this picture a while ago to show my appreciation for bolsters. My favourite being the fine lined bolster on the Skelton Pruner. I want to update it tonight if I get a chance.

I've never noticed a difference in function of knives with or without bolsters. On jacks I prefer a single bolster, double ended knives double bolsters, but also appreciate a nice shadow pattern as well. The diversity in knives is what drives me, and I'm very glad that bolster choices are very diverse as well!!

 

[Pipeman]

They Sure do on this masterpiece.

Regards

Robin

 

[RDFinn]

I guess it depends on the pattern...

 

[pmew]

If there is any bolster that makes the knife, it is this one!

I wondered as soon as I read 'bolster' in the title how long it would be till someone put a Charlow into this thread

 

[Will Power]

In general, I really favour Barehead knives. They look better to my eye and actually feel better in the hand, at least I believe so. Yes it depends, an Equal-End would look absurd in Barehead but they look great in Shadow or particularly with tip bolsters. I've been hoping GEC will tackle a Tip bolster project, a lot of their knives have rather bulky disproportionate bolsters e.g. the Conductor which would look much sleeker with less metal, less weight too....

Here's a few different types:

Do you know? I think they might

Regards, Will