To bolster or not to bolster, that is the question.

I like bolsters because of their looks but knives with bolsters require extra care to avoid scratches. Carbon fiber, G-10, micarta scales etc. without bolsters are much easier to care for and age more gracefully IMHO.
 
I prefer bolsters for purely aesthetic reasons (they look purty)...worth the added aggravation for the maker. Fore and aft bolsters are even purtier :)
 
Originally posted by anthony cheeseboro
knives with bolsters require extra care to avoid scratches.
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Would you forget the bolsters for a user then?
 
To me, an ideal user should have no bolsters, at least no titanium bolsters. Steel bolsters on tradtional style knives are much more scratch resistant. That said, my favorite everyday custom is a De Villiers Exectac Spearppoint which has titanium bolsters, I just baby it although I carry it all the time.
 
Some knives just cry out for bolsters. Imagine a Buck 110 with out them. I really like the Emerson Custom's with bolsters as well.

In some cases it's merely a cosmetic thing. In others it's a functionality issue.

In a folder I use really hard, I like bolsters. When I make a really hard ice pick stab and penetrate to the "hilt", I like the confidense of hitting steel as opposed to micarta, wood or, carbon fiber.

In a gentle use pocket knife, I am looking for different qualities. Do the bolsters complement the look of the knife? Am I using natural wood or micarta/Carbon fiber?
 
Neil, would you please stop teasing me! :D I love your knives and desperately need more.

I take it that you prefer no bolsters?
 
I have always liked the idea of G-10 or micarta bolsters for a wood handle. It would protect the end grain from chipping and glurp, and wouldn't show scratches much. I couldn't get any of my favorite makers to make me a handle like that though. Dang.
 
Dennis,

PLEASE Email me!! I can't seem to Email you!!!


Steve like this????? Black and gray G10 bolsters with stabilized spalted maple burl wood :)

Neil
 

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Originally posted by Ferret
I prefer bolsters for purely aesthetic reasons (they look purty)...worth the added aggravation for the maker. Fore and aft bolsters are even purtier :)
Click to expand...

I'm with Ferret on this one...IMHO, folders look MUCH better with bolsters, particularly with an "unconventional" mix (like the Elishewitz models with carbon bolsters and wood scales...WOW).

This is a good question...when I first got into knives, I HATED the look of bolsters but now I think that knives look "naked" without them (possibly because I don't have any folders with bolsters...until my Lightfoot arrives :D )

RL

PS Anthony, could you please post a scan of your ADV? Thanks
 
I don't mind bolsters, but I had to laugh when I thought over my entire collection (custom and factory) and realized that the only knife I own with bolsters (counting both fixed and folders) is my old Buck 110!
 
I tend to prefer bolsters for the look as well. Titanium also tends to add strength around the pivot. If your whole handle is titanium, this of course would not be a benefit.
 
I have to agree with Ferret, bolsters are real purty! :D A knife just doesn't look finished without bolsters.
 
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