A knife is a simple tool, but it is made up of several parts, each with its own function. In this lesson, we will provide an overview of the different parts of a knife and their function.
- Blade: The blade is the most important part of the knife and is the part that is used for cutting. It is usually made of steel and is sharpened to a fine edge. The blade can come in various shapes, designs and lengths depending on the intended use of the knife.
- Handle: The handle is the part of the knife that is held in the hand and provides a grip. It can be made of a variety of materials such as wood, plastic, rubber or metal. The handle also plays a key role in balancing and controlling the knife.
- Tang: The tang is the part of the knife that extends into the handle. The tang helps to balance the knife and provide strength and stability to the blade. There are full tang, partial tang and rat-tail tang design, the full tang is the most desirable one as it provides the most strength and balance to the knife.
- Guard: The guard, also known as the bolster, is the part of the knife that sits between the blade and the handle. It serves to protect the hand from the blade and to balance the knife.
- Pommel: The pommel is the bottom part of the handle, it can be used as a striking tool and also helps in balancing the knife.
- Sheath: Some knives come with a sheath, a protective cover for the blade, this is especially important for outdoor or defensive knives, as it helps to protect the blade and prevent injuries when not in use.
A knife is a simple tool, but it is made up of several parts, each with its own function. Understanding the different parts of a knife and their function can help you to choose the right knife for the task, use it correctly, and maintain it properly. By knowing the different parts of a knife and their functions, you will be able to make informed decisions about the knives you use and handle them with more confidence and safety.