Why frame handles?

A.McPherson

A.McPherson

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Jan 27, 2012
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So I didn't want to interrupt RangerBob's thread on his frame handle build, so I'll ask it here...
Why frame handles? Just so you can put a one piece guard on and still have a scaled type handle?
 
Several reasons...
Frame allows you to use scales on a hidden tang knife, like stag, etc.
Frame allows you to use Damascus, filework, etc on the frame, to add to a hidden tang knife.
Frame allows the maker to show off a bit, that they can make a frame handle. "Anybody" can do a mortise or block handle with a guard. Not just "anybody" can pull off a frame handle.
 
Jason Fry said:
Several reasons...
Frame allows you to use scales on a hidden tang knife, like stag, etc.
Frame allows you to use Damascus, filework, etc on the frame, to add to a hidden tang knife.
Frame allows the maker to show off a bit, that they can make a frame handle. "Anybody" can do a mortise or block handle with a guard. Not just "anybody" can pull off a frame handle.
Click to expand...

I don't see any more difficulty in a frame handle over a mortise tang or well fit thru tang......anyone can drill an oversize hole and fill it with epoxy, but to properly fit it before adding adhesives is tougher.
A frame handle allows a thicker handle with thin scales, so adds to the finishing options. Plus some people like the look of a frame. It may have the potential to be stronger than a mortise tang....but that depends on the fasteners used etc. Look how Karl Anderson makes a frame handle takedown to see how to make them strong.:thumbup:
Now the big question......if a full tang must be tapered to be "top shelf", why are frame handles not tapered as well?:confused::D

Darcy
 
A frame handle can also let you work with a knife more comfortably into lower temperatures, by not having to touch the cold steel.

And depending on if it's tapered in width and / or thickness, it can change the balance point.
 
Camber said:
A frame handle can also let you work with a knife more comfortably into lower temperatures, by not having to touch the cold steel.
Click to expand...

Not much cold steel contacting the hand on a mortise or thru tang. Many frames are made of "cold steel" though some are micarta or other materials that are warmer.

You win Don! I didn't realize anyone was doing that, although it makes perfect sense to taper them. Is it common to see tapered frames, or are you one of the few?
Thanks for posting those beautiful examples:thumbup:
Darcy
 
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Thanks for the input guys! So basically it just comes down to "because we can, and we like to". I'm down with that! I'll have to give it a try, after if get my junk together and make some basic knives! Lol!
Keep up the good work there guys!
Don, I love the Damascus frames! Pretty wicked!
 
DEllis said:
Not much cold steel contacting the hand on a mortise or thru tang. Many frames are made of "cold steel" though some are micarta or other materials that are warmer.
Click to expand...

Agreed. There are other ways to go about it. Sometimes though the maker isn't in a position to do those types though. And I should have been more specific that I meant when the frame is micarta or other handle material (not steel). I have one from Bruce Culberson like that. The blue G10 frame also helps find it if I set it down.
 
DEllis said:
Not much cold steel contacting the hand on a mortise or thru tang. Many frames are made of "cold steel" though some are micarta or other materials that are warmer.

You win Don! I didn't realize anyone was doing that, although it makes perfect sense to taper them. Is it common to see tapered frames, or are you one of the few?
Thanks for posting those beautiful examples:thumbup:
Darcy
Click to expand...

Thanks Darcy. I'm sure others have done tapered frames, but it would have to be very few. I can't recall any.
 
OK, dig this... a tapered faux-integral frame.

DSC03862.JPG


DSC03864.JPG


It actually worked out well, for a crazy idea.
 
Other reasons are:
Handle restraints with the tang and guard slot sizes.
The ability to have multiple handles that can be changed.
Complete take down ability.
Damascus tang to match blade, and or filework.
Ease of engraving and embellishment.
 
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Tapered frames?.?.

How about a tapered frame with an integral bolster? (My latest... I still have to take final photos of this knife.)
19345920850_210a65c328_z.jpg



And here's my very first frame... also tapered.
7031119069_4cd1b35964_z.jpg



The only non-tapered frame that I've ever done was built with thin G10 on a thin tang. A non-tapered frame might also be necessary if a builder was planning a threaded through-tang.
Erin
 
WoW .. there is some inspiration that I need ! Great examples guys , I am glad I opened this one up. I think I will try one next ! I am bored and I need a challenge .
 
I haven't seen the simplest and most basic reason mentioned yet. If you have a design that calls for a full tang (because of the handle material, etc.), but also has a double guard, and a butt wider than the ricasso area, you're sorta stuck, since ya can't slip the guard on over the too-wide butt. There are several workarounds for this problem, and the framed handle is one of them.
 
I had the line, "handle restrictions with tang and guard slot", but left it off, because it seemed hard to understand. I'll add it back.
 
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