To B or Not to B?

[Lone Fortress]

Bolsters do not add strength to a blade.

Why would you think that?


They add reinforcement to the handle/blade junction in addition to offering additional mechanical strength to the handles if dovetailed as well as protecting the ends of the handle if it also includes rear bolsters. The later is more important on less durable or fragile materials imo such as non stabilized woods, horn, mother of pearl, etc. Rather or not they are actually needed with modern materials is another matter entirely, but they are not just for looks.

 

[Dave Behrens]

Why would you think that?


They add reinforcement to the handle/blade junction in addition to offering additional mechanical strength to the handles if dovetailed as well as protecting the ends of the handle if it also includes rear bolsters. The later is more important on less durable or fragile materials imo such as non stabilized woods, horn, mother of pearl, etc. Rather or not they are actually needed with modern materials is another matter entirely, but they are not just for looks.

My comment was bolsters do not add strength to a BLADE (which is true).

In the realm of full tang knives, which this conversation was geared towards, they are no different than standard scales. Two pieces of any material pinned to the tang/hilt of a full-tang blade do nothing to increase it's structural integrity.

I do not hate all bolsters but I do find most to be unnecessary (especially on fixed blades), and/or poorly executed. As for folders and slipjoints, the bolsters can add rigidity to the liners, and give more body to the overall package, as well as protecting fragile handle materials like you said.

 

[A.McPherson]

I'm with you Willie, I dig the brass! It's warm looking and goes well with dark woods which I also like...