knifeopedia
Nomenclature
To better understand our knife-o-pedia you will find below an explanation about the terminology most commonly used when referring to the different parts of a knife:
Blade
Handle
A Spine
B Tip
C Edge
D Heel
E Choil
F Finger guard
G Bolster
H Tang
I Handle
J Rivets
K Handle guard
L Butt
Spine
Upper end of the blade that extends to the handle.
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Tip
Front end of the knife which is used for piercing.
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Edge
Cutting edge of the knife, from tip to heel.
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Heel
Rear end of the blade, which if sharp can be used for cutting.
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Choil
Part of the blade between heel and handle.
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Finger guard
Only full bolster knives: extension of bolster towards heel, protecting the hand from the blade.
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Bolster
Thicker metal part between blade and handle.
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Tang
Portion of metal part of blade that extends into the handle, adding weight and balance.
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Handle
Handle, consting of 2 scales added to the tang, or one piece put on the tang.
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Rivets
Metal pins that attach the scales to the tang (in case of riveted handles).
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Handle guard
A lip below the butt of the handle for a better grip and to prevent slipping.
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Butt
The terminal end of the handle.