Tapered tangs.... why?

[manicreader]

I've noticed that fixed blade hunters will often have a tapered tang.

I like the look, but have wondered if it is just for esthetics, or is there a functional reason for a tapered tang? Anyone know?

 

[lifter4Him]

When Bob Loveless started doing it(he wasnt the first, just the most popular) he said it was to lighten the knives and it looked good.

 

[Danbo]

It does lighten the knife, and looks cool too. You can lighten a knife just as easily by drilling holes in the tang, but tapering the tang shows the maker put some extra TLC into the project.