WA handle ratio - ferrule vs main body?

[Whatsup]

Hi everyone,
Japanese WA handles often are divided in two parts; a short front part and a main body (and sometimes a but end). I am making a handle but I don't own a Japanese knife as an example. Can anyone tell me what ratio/size is about right? Total handle length will be 140mm. The knife I am making is a nakiri with a blade length of 165mm.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Cushing H.]

There is no special rule. I make front end about 1/2 inch or so.

 

[Lorien]

by 'ferrule', do you mean that the main handle body fits into a separate piece, (ferrule) at the front where the tang is inserted?

 

[Whatsup]

..no, I might have used the word "ferrule" needless, thanks for clearing that up. I just mean the ratio of the smaller front part of the handle vs main body - what's about the right ratio/size?

1/2 inch sounds fairly small to me when I compare to pictures... Though I understand that it's mainly a matter of choice/design

 

[HSC ///]

19x24 mm is good for the front part
21x26 in the back

 

[Happychicken]

Do what looks good to you. I think the right size is whatever size cut off you have that would look cool with the body of main handle

 

[Alex Topfer]

The traditional ones seem to be about a quarter or a fifth of the total length.
It doesn't really matter. I've been doing little metal spacers recently, so those are are quite thin. I think if both parts are the same size it would look a bit strange

 

[HSC ///]

 

[Lorien]

..no, I might have used the word "ferrule" needless, thanks for clearing that up. I just mean the ratio of the smaller front part of the handle vs main body - what's about the right ratio/size?

1/2 inch sounds fairly small to me when I compare to pictures... Though I understand that it's mainly a matter of choice/design

in case anyone out there is wondering what a ferrule is;

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Actually, what the OP wants is called a ferrule on a wa handle. It is a block of woo to strengthen the place where the blade enters. Often it is set on a turned tenon at the end of the handle, or on a split dowel.

Here is some good info on putting a wa handle together:

https://mcmachineworks.com/hidden-dowel-wa-handle/#:~:text=Wa%20handle%20parts%3A%20handle,body%2C%20dowel%2C%20and%20ferrule

 

[Whatsup]

Now I know what a ferrule is! . Interesting... Might do that, some time. Thanks for that clarification...

I intended to ask another question, sorry for the confusion. My question is answered by C Cushing H. , H Happychicken and Alex Topfer though so thanks to you guy's!

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith : That's one of the tutorials I am using! It has the best info imo...

 

[Lorien]

I think the correct term for that component is 'bolster'

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I agree that the terms Bolster, ferrule, and collar are regulalry misused and ofter are more or less interchangable. Different countries call then different thibgs, and translations make it worse.

However, a bolster is a single or double piece of hard material (usually metal) to reinforce the blade at the ricasso and/or the butt. It strengthens the knife, stiffens it, and provides weight for balance. It also often provides a guard feature.

Read more here:

https://knifebasics.com/what-is-a-knife-bolster-knife-bolster-types/

 

[Happychicken]

Snap kick!!
We are all learning today! Thanks Stacy!