:
With all due respect to everyone and from someone who has made a knife or two in my lifetime I would like to add my thoughts. Perhaps clear something up about tang nomenclature also. I am far from being an expert.
I don't even like that word.
I believe that there are three basic full length tangs.
1st. is the solid full length tang that is the same thickness from front to back I assume like the knife in the pic?
This is the easiest of all tangs to make. On a very large knife or so short sword it can cause major vibration to be transmited to the wrist. I have an old German made Argentine short sword made this way.When you whack something really solid like a big hardwood chunk of firewood across the grain it hurts the hand and wrist unless a loose grip is used. Really good for those with Carpal tunnel.
It was made like this because it was easy,quicker and cost less to make.
Most all of the old military bayonets were made this way. The lowest bidder thing.
2nd.. is the "Rat tail" tang for want of a better word is the other one of the two being discussed here. A good "Rat tail" tang is more difficult to make.It saves weight and most importantly to those who didn't have a lot of resources,material.
Most of the finest knives all over the world have this type of tang.
Most swords had this type also to cut down on the vibration.
I have one of those fake Regiment kukris that has a blade length about 22" and I can hit the same piece of firewood the same way and it doesn't hurt at all and the vibration is nil because it has this kind of tang.
3rd. is the taperd tang that starts out the same thickness as the blade and tapers to a very thin edge at the back in a really well made knife. It is the same width as the the scales whatever the shape of the handle.
It also helps to change the cg forward a little and to save a miniscule amount of weight. This is also a difficult tang to make the scales match perfectly at all points and many makers use it to show off thier skill. The tang itself is the next easiest to make.
I also had one of the well known "government issue" Kukris that sell for less than $30.00. It had this type tang and was well done considering the price. It started out at 1/4" and tapered to 1/32" at the butt. I believe it was shaped to have two projections that the buttcap slipped over and then was swedged over.
This Kukri is on a par with the CS LTC that I have cutting wise. I gave it to my brother when I got my H.I. 15" Ang khola.
This Kukri and my CS LTC have vibration if you hit the same piece of firewood the same way. I have to say the LTC isn't as bad because of the Kraton handle which dampens it some.
I have one of the old Sami (Lapland) Puukko knifes that has a "rat tail" tang. These knives are known all over for thier strength and durablity under adverse weather conditions. I believe that all the old military Quartermaster
and field use knives had a version of this tang. The old Marine Kabars established a reputation for toughness so that all the knives of that style are generally known as Kabars.
The nice Persian engraved brass handled scimitar I gave my cuz for an old Mark 4 No.1 Lee Enfield that is a good shooter had this style of tang.
I used to worry about thier strength also. I have never broken one at the tang,but I did break a good knife one time across the blade by throwing it. I believe that thier strength is more than adequate.
I prefer the "Rat tail" tang now over any of the others. The beauty of the handle material is untinterupted also.
Perhaps this will help to clear up what a "Tapered tang" is, as I was taught anyway.
Thanks for listening.
------------------
>>>>---¥vsa---->®
The civilized man sleeps behind locked doors in the city while the naked savage sleeps (with a knife) in a open hut in the jungle.
[This message has been edited by Yvsa (edited 07 July 1999).]