Jerry, have you tested tapered tangs?

resinguy

resinguy

Joined
Feb 19, 2006
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I look at the new SARGE knife and the Light Brigade technology, and I can't help but thinking: wouldn't a simple tapered tang be easier to do? You have the whiz bang CNC machines to grind the blades and carve the scales, so that is not a barrier. Many forgers and grinders use tapered tangs to achieve optimum balance in a bigger blade, and so I have to wonder if you have tested this idea (assume so) and how have you found it lacking?
 
The benefit of the non-tapered version is that any scale previously used can be put directly onto a light brigade knife without modification. The tapered tangs would require an entirely new set up. I can only assume that the tapered tang would give less strength than the light brigade treatment, though I'm not sure how much of that the user will experience.
 
One might wonder if that is how the Battle Pappy is made. ;)
 
My understanding (and I may be completely wrong) was that skeletonized tangs are a lot easier to machine than tapered tangs, at least when using an automated process.
 
Why, yes, yes I did. But not from the peanut gallery, of course. ;)


I would agree that milling out a skeletonized tang might be easier than a tapered one, but it seems to my own uninformed view that the practical difference to the CNC mill is minimal. Jerry has previously stated that skeletonized tangs do not work well on choppers, as they transmit vibrations to an excessive degree. That sounds like the conclusion from real world testing. So is a 7 inch blade the upper limit of where skeletonizing is effective?

The Light Brigade/ I-beam technology certainly looks cool, but one wonders exactly how it is superior to a tapered tang, and to what magnitude.

At least one enquiring mind wants to know.
 
Tapered tangs refer to tapering along the thickness, not the width of the steel, right? Or is it the other way?
 
Resin guy, Ron Hoods Hoodlum chopper claims the skeletonized tang decreases vibrations (Shock Mitigation System)
 
uyotg said:
Tapered tangs refer to tapering along the thickness, not the width of the steel, right? Or is it the other way?
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Yes.

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Tapered tangs are used on some very heavy duty forged knives. I can't think of any (machined) semi-production heavy duty examples, though.
 
The exposed tang, which some call 'skullcrusher' (to my disdain) is a useful feature on a military or survival type knife. But I would LOVE to see Busse come out with some 3-6 inch knives with a tapered tang. The LB series would be OK, too. But anyone who has ever carried a game warden knows what a freakin TANK it is... it's really just a bit too handle-heavy and unbalanced for an EDC IMO... (yeah... I know I've stepped in it now)...
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Think of a GW or an AD... or even a meaner or Boss Street that is just a tad less handle-heavy. Slap stag handles on it and I'll call it PERFECTION!!! :D



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I would think the "LB" treatment would give about the same weight loss with a much more ridgid handle. The only reason they taper tangs is to reduce weight and they didn`t really have any other ways to do that until now other than drilling many holes and that can cause strength issues as I understand it .The skeleton tang can help with weight but I think not as much as the "LB" treatment would and without vibration transfer problems.
 
I have a Drop Point Distal Tapered Busse SHSteelHeart II, don't you? started off as 5/16" and tapers to the point. DWF Tan Handles and a Kenny Rowe Gator Sheath.
It is a user in my travel bag, my Chuckette' is on the same pack with a S&W Performance Center .38 Hammerless 1 5/8" Ported Barrel.
 
1whobuys said:
I have a Drop Point Distal Tapered Busse SHSteelHeart II, don't you? started off as 5/16" and tapers to the point. DWF Tan Handles and a Kenny Rowe Gator Sheath.
It is a user in my travel bag, my Chuckette' is on the same pack with a S&W Performance Center .38 Hammerless 1 5/8" Ported Barrel.
Click to expand...


Yes, there are some Busse knives with a distal taper to the blade, but I am wondering about a tapered tang.
 
It starts at the butt and tapers to the point. Yes, I know you are meaning just the handle but the handle is tapered too, only forward instead of to the rear.

resinguy said:
Yes, there are some Busse knives with a distal taper to the blade, but I am wondering about a tapered tang.
Click to expand...
 
1whobuys said:
It starts at the butt and tapers to the point. Yes, I know you are meaning just the handle but the handle is tapered too, only forward instead of to the rear.
Click to expand...


That's pretty interesting, never seen or heard of one like that, thanks.
 
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