Maybe you’re a hunter who likes to prepare his or her own game. Or maybe you’re into bushcraft and enjoy the challenge of making your own gear in the great outdoors. In either case, there’s a good chance you’ll want to know about what is a hidden tang knife.
A hidden tang knife is a type of knife where the blade is inserted into the handle through a hole at the end of the handle. This makes the blade stronger because it’s sandwiched between two pieces of metal. It also makes the knife less likely to loosen over time.
But that’s not all. A hidden tang knife is also easier to clean than a traditional full-tang knife. All you have to do is remove the blade from the handle and wash everything separately.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make a handle for a hidden tang knife. We’ll also explain what tang means on a knife and how it affects the knife’s performance. We’ll end with some tips on choosing the right materials to make your hidden tang knife handle.
So if you want to learn more about this type, or are looking to create your own knife, then read on.
What is a Hidden Tang Knife?
A hidden tang knife is a type of knife in which the tang is not visible. The tang refers to the portion of the blade that extends into it. In most knives, the tang is visible, but in a hidden tang knife, it is hidden within the handle. This gives your knife a more sleek appearance and makes it easier to hold. Hidden tang knives are often used for hunting and outdoor activities. Due to their unique design, they are very popular with collectors.
Benefits of Using a Hidden Tang
- Increased Durability – The hidden tang knife is more durable than a full-tang knife, due to its sturdier construction.
- Strength and Stability – The hidden tang provides extra strength and stability, making it ideal for heavy-duty use.
Drawbacks of Using a Hidden Tang
- Rarely available on the market – You won’t find many hidden tang knives on the market, which makes them quite collectible.
What Does Tang Mean On a Knife?
The tang is the portion of the knife’s blade that extends into its handle. A full tang runs the entire length of the handle, while a partial tang extends only a part of the length. A knife with a full tang is generally stronger and more durable than one with a partial tang, as the steel is better supported. However, knives with partial tangs can be lighter and more maneuverable, making them a good choice for certain types of tasks.
How Does the Knife Tang Affect your Knife?
The tang is the metal portion of a knife that extends into its handle. The type of tang can have a significant impact on a knife’s performance. A full tang provides the most strength and durability, while a Rat-tail tang is more fragile.
A hidden tang is somewhere in between, offering more strength than a Rat-tail but not as much as a full tang. When choosing a knife, it is important to consider what type of tasks it will be used for. If the knife will see heavy use, then a full or hidden tang is a better option. If it will be used primarily for light tasks, then a Rat-tail may suffice. Ultimately, the type of tang should be matched to the intended use of the knife.
Making Hidden Tang Knife Handle
So, now we’ll be making the handle for a hidden tang knife. This type of knife has the blade mounted inside the handle, with the tang (the part of the blade that goes into the handle) hidden from view. This makes for a strong and durable knife, as there is no weak point where the blade meets the handle.
The first step is to choose your materials. For the handle, you will need a piece of wood at least 6″ long and 1″ wide. You will also need some epoxy glue, a drill, a drill bit slightly smaller in diameter than the tang of your knife, and a saw.
The next step is to cut your piece of wood to size. If you are using a pre-made knife blank, you can simply measure out 6″ from one end and make a mark. If you are using a piece of scrap wood, you will first need to measure and mark out a 6″x1″ piece.
After you’ve cut your piece of wood to the right size, you can drill the hole for your tang. Begin by drilling a pilot hole in the center of your wood. Then, use the drill bit to drill out the hole for the tang. It’s important that the hole is slightly smaller in diameter than the tang of your knife, as this will create a snug fit and help keep the blade in place.
Next, it’s time to glue the handle together. Apply a layer of epoxy glue to one end of the wood, then insert the tang of the knife into the hole. Clamp or weight down the other end of the wood so that it applies pressure to the glued end. Let dry overnight.
Finally, use a saw to cut off any excess wood from either end of the handle. Your hidden tang knife is now ready for use!
When choosing a material for your hidden tang knife handle, it’s important to consider the weight, balance, and durability of the material. Wood is a popular choice for hidden tang knife handles, as it is lightweight and easy to work with. However, Wood can be more difficult than other materials to clean. Metal and plastic are also good choices for hidden tang knife handle materials.
Tips for Installing Your New Hidden Tang Knife Handle
If you are new to making hidden tang knife handles, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- When installing your new hidden tang knife handle, make sure that the blade is secure in the handle. You don’t want it to come loose while you’re using it.
- Check the screws on a regular basis to make sure that they are tight. You don’t want the blade coming loose while you’re using it.
- Allow the epoxy to dry completely before using your knife.
Final thoughts
A hidden tang knife is a great option for those looking for a strong and durable knife. While they are not as light or agile as Full tang knives, they offer more strength and stability. When choosing a hidden tang knife, be sure to consider the intended use and choose a handle material that is appropriate. With proper care, your hidden tang knife will provide you with years of service.
Buy a hidden tang knife now and experience the difference for yourself!