Square-end Construction

smiling-knife

smiling-knife

Joined
Nov 11, 2006
Messages
2,697
This post focuses on 'square-end' construction. The end of the tangs and springs are flush with the end of the bolster. This tends to be found on older jack knives and is revived on many modern custom-built knives. If you have other examples, especially of different patterns, please add them. I hope this is of interest.

The knife is a Harrison Bros & Howson circa late 1800s. There were tweezers and pricker attachments that slot into the end of the handle but alas the pricker is lost. It is the larger knife on the left in the 2nd photo.

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This photo compares the sqaure-end from the typical inset tang from above.
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Nice post:thumbup: great lookin' knife as well.
even though I cant contribute.

keep it up.

Peter
 
This old 1920's-1930's vintage Remington R1123 has the same attributes.

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I just edited my post, S-K. It's mid 1920's to 1930's vintage.
 
Another breathtaking knife s-k, many thanks.

I know that amongst contemporary cutlers, Great Eastern follows this technique. Why is it less popular these days? Can anybody say?
 
willgoy said:
Another breathtaking knife s-k, many thanks.

I know that amongst contemporary cutlers, Great Eastern follows this technique. Why is it less popular these days? Can anybody say?
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I am by no means an expert, but making one of these flush joint knives has got to be a lot tougher. When the joint is inset a little there is a lot more room for adjustment I would think and when they are flush everything seems that it would have to be near perfect or the maker would have to start over again.

Anyway, that is my story (at least until someone who knows a lot more than I do comes along and debunks it, which is quite possible). :D
 
Sounds plausible thanks:D

Makes me even more impressed by G.E. as a manufacturer:thumbup:
 
willgoy said:
Sounds plausible thanks:D

Makes me even more impressed by G.E. as a manufacturer:thumbup:
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Does this technique have anything to do with GEC's being such nail-breakers? Or are there springs really that much stiffer than other companies?
 
Yes, it might play a role. I'm just lucky to have very tough thumbnails so a heavy spring doesn't bother me much at all.Take your B-vitamins and calcium, they strengthen nails:D
 
sixgunner455 said:
I love this thread. That half trapper is gorgeous, as is the IXL cattle knife.
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This type of construction is called a flush joint. You can have a half stop on any knife, even a round end, but the flush joints are always built like these.
 
A flush joint is different than a flush and clean joint. On a F and C joint the pocket is full and flush at any position and the run up stands much prouder. A flush joint is just flush on the end.
 
What are the advantages and disadvantages between a flush joint to a slipjoint. I always though that slips were tuffer, especially to side to side forces.

God Bless.
 
kidwholaughs said:
What are the advantages and disadvantages between a flush joint to a slipjoint. I always though that slips were tuffer, especially to side to side forces.

God Bless.
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but a flush joint is still a slipjoint, only that the joint is flush, it's still a 'slippy' since the backspring holds it open...;)

Peter
 
Yes...but its a flushy slippy. HA! I beat you to it CHARLIE!!!! :D
 
Knifehead,that picture you display is making my bowels slippy:eek:

Pretty square-end nail that,it COULD BE a small toe-nail aaaaarrghh:barf:
 
KnifeHead said:
Yes...but its a flushy slippy. HA! I beat you to it CHARLIE!!!! :D
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lol fair enough guys. But seriously though, is the inset tang construction a bit stronger than that flush joint construction? I mean, the appeal of the flush end for me is that you could clean it easier.
 
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