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Full tang
Full tang is a knife construction where the blade and handle form a single piece of steel. Handle scales are attached to both sides of this steel frame. This design provides maximum strength and durability.
What is full tang
On a full tang knife, the blade steel runs the entire length and width of the handle. Scales made from materials like G10, wood, or Micarta are riveted or screwed onto the steel frame. This design eliminates the weak point between the blade and handle.
Full tang features:
- Continuous steel: The blade extends through the entire handle
- Visible steel: Often visible along the spine and pommel
- Maximum strength: No blade-to-handle joint
- Higher weight: More steel means more grams
Full tang vs other constructions
| Construction | Description | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Full tang | Steel runs the full handle length | Highest |
| Rat tail tang | Thin extension inside the handle | Lower |
| Hidden tang | Short tang hidden inside the handle | Medium |
| Partial tang | Steel extends partway into the handle | Low to medium |
When to choose full tang
Full tang is preferred for heavy-duty use:
- Survival knives: Prying, batoning wood
- Hunting knives: Processing game
- Bushcraft: Outdoor work
- Combat knives: Maximum reliability
For EDC and everyday tasks, full tang is not necessary. A quality hidden tang or rat tail tang handles most daily situations.
How to identify full tang
How to recognize a full tang knife:
- Steel visible along the handle spine
- Steel visible at the pommel (handle end)
- Scales screwed or riveted on
- Higher weight compared to similar models
Related terms: fixed blade, survival knife, hunting knife, bushcraft, scales