- Joined
- Feb 6, 2000
- Messages
- 3,021
These are very popular these days. Am I the only one who doesn't understand these things?
Their supposed hammering qualities are very questionable. First off, if you're driving a tent stake or something and you don't hit it perfectly then you're hand is screwed. Even if you do hit it perfectly, it doesn't distribute the force well and splinters the stake. Second, apart from the safety issue, it's not the best place on a knife to hammer with IMHO. I have much better control with the spine or face of the blade when hammering.
Another problem (often) with extended tangs is that they often also form a rear guard of a blade. This is fine unless you're chopping. When chopping, the rear guard doesn't spread the load like the full thickness of a handle and thus you're hand is once again in pain.
So, why do they exist? (I'm not being sarcastic; with so many respected makers using them I'm sure there are reasons)
Their supposed hammering qualities are very questionable. First off, if you're driving a tent stake or something and you don't hit it perfectly then you're hand is screwed. Even if you do hit it perfectly, it doesn't distribute the force well and splinters the stake. Second, apart from the safety issue, it's not the best place on a knife to hammer with IMHO. I have much better control with the spine or face of the blade when hammering.
Another problem (often) with extended tangs is that they often also form a rear guard of a blade. This is fine unless you're chopping. When chopping, the rear guard doesn't spread the load like the full thickness of a handle and thus you're hand is once again in pain.
So, why do they exist? (I'm not being sarcastic; with so many respected makers using them I'm sure there are reasons)
. since your more likely to hurt yourself, than anyone else. i am open to any thoughts about real uses for these?