full tang knife vs partial tang knife: which is better? From hunting to cooking, knives have been an essential tool for humans since ancient times. A good knife makes our day to day lives easier and more efficient. Now we take a look at the construction of a knifes handle, particularly the knife’s “tang” which can add to the functionality, performance and durability of a knife. So to the question of full tang or partial tang, we’ll take a deeper look within this article to discuss the pros and cons of each type of knife tang.

What is a Full Tang Construction?

Full tang construction refers to a knife that has a blade that extends all the way to the end of the handle, where it is secured with two handle scales attached to both sides. This design provides a solid and sturdy construction, making it more durable and reliable than partial tang knives.

What is Partial Tang Construction

Partial tang construction refers to a knife that has only a portion of the blade extending into the handle. Typically the blade is secured with adhesive or pins and the method of attaching the handle to the blade are using the same methods. Partial tang knives tend to be lighter and less expensive compared to full tang knives, but the downside is that they may not be as durable or sturdy.

Advantages of Full Tang Construction

Full tang construction of a knife comes with may advantages compared to a partial tang knife. Some including:

  • Strength and durability: Full tang knives are more durable and sturdy, thanks to the solid construction of the blade and handle. They can handle more stress and pressure, making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks such as chopping, slicing, and cutting through tough materials.
  • Better balance: The full tang design distributes the weight of the knife evenly across the handle, providing better balance and control, which is essential for precise cutting and handling.
  • Easy maintenance: Full tang knives are easy to maintain and repair because you can easily disassemble and reassemble them.

Disadvantages of Full Tang Construction

However, full tang construction also has some disadvantages, such as:

  • Higher cost: Full tang knives are generally more expensive than partial tang knives due to their sturdy construction and higher quality materials.
  • Heavier weight: The solid construction of full tang knives makes them heavier, which may be uncomfortable for some users, particularly for those who use knives for extended periods.

Advantages of Partial Tang Construction

Partial tang construction also has its advantages, including:

  • Lighter weight: Partial tang knives are lighter and more comfortable to use for extended periods, making them suitable for everyday tasks such as food preparation and light cutting.
  • Cheaper cost: Partial tang knives are generally cheaper than full tang knives, making them an affordable option for those on a budget.

Disadvantages of Partial Tang Construction

However, partial tang construction also has some disadvantages, such as:

  • Less durability: Partial tang knives are not as durable and sturdy as full tang knives, making them less suitable
  • Poor balance: Partial tang knives may have a less balanced weight distribution, which can affect the user’s control and precision when cutting.

Which One is Better – Full Tang Knife vs Partial Tang Knife?

The answer to this question depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a knife that can handle heavy-duty tasks and last for a long time, a full tang knife may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you need a knife that is more lightweight and affordable for everyday tasks, a partial tang knife may be more suitable.

1. Strength And Durability

A single piece of metal running the full length of the knife is strong and offers superior durability and strength. Full tang weighs more, but it also means that your knife is not as likely to bend.

2. Full Tang Offers Better Balance And Leverage

The way a knife’s weight is distributed affects how it handles and how much leverage you get. A full tang allows for great balance and leverage capabilities, so if you use your knife a lot, then you want full tang.

3. Weight

If you are looking for a reduction in weight, then a full tang is simply going to weight more. A partial tang allows for some metal that is part of the handle, but it doesn’t have as much substance as that of a full tang. Improvements in metal processing and knife making have improved partial tang construction, so it has a better reputation than it once did.

4. Extreme Conditions Demand Full Tang

When someone mentions extreme conditions for a knife, they are talking about conditions that are well beyond anything the average person is ever likely to experience in their lifetime. The bottom line is that although a partial tang knife will fail before a full tang knife if all other construction is the same, it is not likely that this will ever come up. A custom hunting knife that is partial tang will likely perform well under any conditions you throw at it.

Full Tang vs Partial Tang Knives: Choose Exquisite Knives.

Full tang vs partial tang knives, what’s your preference? Exquisite Knives carries only the finest custom knives created by some of the best to do ever involve themselves in the craft. Contact us today for any questions regarding our listings in the shop!

May 13, 2016