I don't get it. Frame handles?

[Triton]

I was just perusing my latest copy of Blade Magazine and noted an in progress picture of a frame handle knife by Salem Straub. I'm certainly not questioning Mr. Straub's ability but that construction has me asking why? As pictured it would appear that there is always going to be a cavity inside the handle and the thing is going to be forever suspect because the stubby tang is bolted in place. If the nut comes loose your knife is coming apart. The technique seems overly complicated and not as effective as a simple slab or through tang.

When finished it appears that the knife will look much like a slab tanged knife so aesthetically there is no real advantage either.

What gives? What am I missing? Is this a solution looking for a problem?

 

[Ebbtide]

Frame handle knives today are a nod to the past & a great venue for a knife maker to showcase their skills.
The design is a couple hundred years old.
Steel was precious. Nickle silver was affordable. And there was the added benefit of the nickel silver frame not rusting or getting patina, so the handle would always look nice.
Properly executed, there is no compromise in strength.
Full tang knives didn’t come along until much later.

One of my frame handled knives on the photo that inspired it.

The Rose NY Bowie by Bruce Evans.

 

[Casinostocks]

Would have been more useful to have also included the Article from Blade Magazine which makes the argument for this type of construction.

I don't have a dog in this fight, just adding the link in case someone is curious.

 

[Ebbtide]

Fight?
Question asked.
Question answered.

 

[Triton]

Would have been more useful to have also included the Article from Blade Magazine which makes the argument for this type of construction.

I don't have a dog in this fight, just adding the link in case someone is curious.

Sorry, I didn't know it was available online without buying the online subscription. Thanks for posting it.

 

[Triton]

Frame handle knives today are a nod to the past & a great venue for a knife maker to showcase their skills.
The design is a couple hundred years old.
Steel was precious. Nickle silver was affordable. And there was the added benefit of the nickel silver frame not rusting or getting patina, so the handle would always look nice.
Properly executed, there is no compromise in strength.
Full tang knives didn’t come along until much later.

One of my frame handled knives on the photo that inspired it.

The Rose NY Bowie by Bruce Evans.

That's A beautiful knife for sure, thanks for sharing it and your thoughts. I think that you came to much the same conclusion as the magazine. Plus a few more thoughts as well!