Noob question - Why a tapered tang?

[ERIK KNIVES]

I'm sure some better responses are on their way, but to lighten the tang and provide better balance. Looks good too.

Pretty good response IMO. As some others have, I would say it demonstrates skill as well. I used to think it was necessary, now I think it depends on the knife - like every other consideration.

 

[Jesse Latham]

I've only made a dozen or so knives, all but one with a tapered tang. But to my eye a knife does not look finished without a tapered tang. I prefer using .250 or so thick steels, my one non taper tang is .125 and to me looks like I should have tapered it as well. Jess

 

[ERIK KNIVES]

My limited experience says a .250 blade can really, really benefit from a taper, in most cases. A .125 blade, less so. A .0625 blade, not at all.

 

[Erin Burke]

What's really fun is tapered frame... that's when the hair starts getting pulled out... and I don't have much to spare.

Erin

 

[james terrio]

Tapered tangs show a dedication to craftmanship and symmetry. They are both challenging and fun to grind. They also help immensely when it comes to balancing a using knife, so that it feels nearly weightless in hand. I despise any knife, large or small, that feels like a brick or baseball bat.

The ability to properly taper and/or skeletonize a tang, and the wisdom to not do so when it's not required, is the mark of a true professional, and something I study and aspire to.