Scales - Terminology?

O

OneStoneFly

Joined
Mar 1, 2009
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New here and wonder about the background on the 'scales' terminology for the inlaid side pieces on knives. Could someone help me with the background and why the inlay pieces, whether wood or some other material, are called scales. Thanks.
 
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hee hee i had the same question my self once and got an answer from Levin his self!
that answer was basicly...
the terms are inter changeable and depending on were you are what they are called..

that scales or inlay is saying it is not a solid handle such as one piece of antler as in crown or roll stag..
 
Dave,

Thanks, but do you know where the term scales originated? I can't find any older meaning to the word.
 
Scale= from old North French (see escale),another possible orgin is Old Highlands German
(see scala).Courtesy an ancient World Book Encyclopedia Dictionary.Take your pick the word has its roots in one.To substantiate the French usage,most of our knife nomenclature of today is of French orgin:ricasso/choil,sabatier/a very early French cutlery,knife pattern dating back several 100 years.The Germany's were very early knife makers as well.As some of the Solingen pattern exist today which date back to merely an area of Germany before a town bearing that existed.The town existed in 1790 to early 1800 so the area before that.
Scales has many definations,as in those of fish and flakes on butterflies wings.Slabs, used for the same term has many definations too.Also planks was used for the same term.These are English terms and date back nearly as far.So,the word has been around along time,take your pick of the orgins.DM
 
Dave,

Thanks for this information. One of the definitions I found was that of thin stabs of materials, hence the possible connect to the inlays on knives.

Paul
 
Fly, Your welcome.That word has so many different definations, even musical notes,a measuring tool,climbing a wall,ect..Inorder to get at your enquiry knife history should be looked at.DM
 
As we all know both scales and inlays are accepted terms for the material added to the sides of knives. However, inlay is the term used at the plant. Where it really gets confusing is when a medallion or plaque is added to the handle. Then you have an inlay in an inlay.
 
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