What does the term "Shadow" mean when describing a traditional knife?

Stephen Tolar

Stephen Tolar

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I guess I'm confused. :confused: I've seen the term "Shadow" used to describe several different patterns. I thought the term referred to the way the knife was finished; usually smooth micarta and no bolsters. Less often I see it used to describe knives that may have a shield or bolsters but always with micarta scales. Is the use of micarta the key?

I'm trying to learn a little at a time. Any insight would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Stephen
 
Stephen, a traditional knife is a Shadow pattern if it has no bolsters, but it doesn't have anything to do with shields or handle material. Hope that helps.
 
It just means no bolsters.....

EDIT: 4ever3 beat me to it. :)
 
For example this is my Case Shadow Bone Baby Butterbean...

butter3.jpg
 
Some advantages are:
* Shadows are lighter THAN bolstered knives. Some custom knifemakers are making linerless shadows which make the knife lighter still.

* There is no "thin spots" in the handle due to a lack of bolster/cover joint. This makes the handle stronger to a certain degree.

They aren't necessarily as nice looking as bolstered knives but lighter and stronger are both good things.:cool:
 
KnifeHead said:
They aren't necessarily as nice looking as bolstered knives but lighter and stronger are both good things.:cool:
Click to expand...

I agree. I'm new to collecting slipjoints but I am definitely drawn towards the shadows. Lighter, stronger, and really clean looking. However, bolsters, shields and jigged bone get the sexy vote!!!
 
I throw this one in my pocket with keys....change...whatever. You really can't hurt it. This is a Dowell sway back with natural canvas micarta.

DSCF0163.jpg
 
I'm a big fan of bolsterless knives. Many old Sheffield knives were bolsterless... penknives, whittlers, lobsters, senators, multi-tools etc
 
I really like the looks of shadow patterns. I also like that there are no bolsters to get all scratched up or tarnished. Plus, the feel of the handle material is usually better than the feel of a cold, slick bolster. I wonder why you don't see more shadow patterns.

The Northwoods/ Scagel #12 I have is a shadow-pattern trapper, (of sorts) and it's wonderful.
 
I almost forgot this vintage classic shadow style...from new'old stock still in the wrapper I give you the Colonial Saf-T-Lok

yellowcolonial1.jpg
 
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I always thought the term "Shawdow" when placed on traditional folders meant that it referred to a model typically seen with bolsters only when a shawdow the folder was made without bolsters to make the knife less heavy in the pocket and give it a more utilitarian look according to some. Based on what I've seen these 'shadows' are typically done with 'birdseye' pins to secure the pivot pin if not the other pins in the body as well in all places or others to give some better lateral strength to the folder body pin placement and help it absorb those stresses in place of the bolster as a way to prevent lateral blade movement or spreading apart of the liner from the back spring from use.

Many people think bolsters are just for looks but they actually have (had) a purpose and that was probably more important in the days when mostly natural materials like antler and bone were being used for handle scales compared to today where high tech man made synthetics are preferred by many.

STR
 
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