How to make a knife bolster. The thickness of a bolster shows how thick the original chunk of steel wasand the thicker the better. Brass bolsters can be used to enhance almost any full tang knife. A knife bolster is a thick junction between the handle and the knife blade which provides a smooth transition from the blade to the handle. How to make bolsters.
Here are the two pieces after some work on the buffing wheel. Knife making how to make and mount brass bolsters. Bolsters are relatively easy for knife makers to fabricate and mounting them. How to put a bolster and handle on a knife.
First steps toward a beauty of a bolster because my work is so complicated my first step is to draw and refine everything on paper working out all of the issues in terms of design and proportions. A partial tang extends partially from the blade and is completely hidden within the handle body. Finishing means shaping sanding and buffing. 10mm x 24mm x 37mm slot.
Although there are no rules about what pins to use generally the same material is used for pinning. These stamped knives are generally inferior to forged knives. The knife that i decided to make has a full tang the handle has the same profile as the tang with slabs fastened to each side by means of pins screws metal tubing bolts epoxy etc. Remember that the bolster fronts will be nearly impossible to finish once pinned to the knife.
Once this is done i make about six xerox copies of the drawing that will be cut and pasted to material as needed. An excellent way to enhance a knife project with a new type of recessed bolster making it very unusual giving a good grippy feel. Another layer underneath the bolster will give the knife a dynamic and dimensional appearance. Brass pins on brass bolster pieces.
It is also one more layer to work with a file andor anodize. Since the handle is lighter than the blade the bolster contributes to better balance and improves control. A bolster strengthens the knife adds durability and provides a counter balance.