What is a Frame Handle Custom Knife?
E N L I G H T E N – What is a Frame Handle Knife?
Years ago, while attending the Arkansas Custom Knife Show, Les was talking with ABS Master Smith, J.R. Cook. He pointed out what he thought was a full-tang hunter on Cook’s table. J.R. laughed and said, “This is a Frame Handle Knife.” He explained a Frame Handle Knife consists of 5 parts: the blade, the guard, the frame, and the scales. The blade slides into the frame, giving the knife the look of a full tang knife. This type of knife requires more precision and time to build than a standard hidden tang knife. Also, not every maker has the skill set needed to build one of these knives. After seeing the first one on JR’s table, Les has always been intrigued by this sturdy knife construction method.
Frame Handle Knife before assembly
This photo shows the inner workings of a Frame Handle Knife before assembly. The tang of the blade is slid through the guard and into the frame. The guard is pinned into the frame.
All components are then dipped into Ferric Chloride to bring out the pattern of the Damascus. After which, the scales for the handle are attached. As you can see, the construction of this knife is more complex than a standard full or hidden tang knife. It also takes longer to build, which explains the additional cost.
RCC just received two frame handled hunting knives from ABS Journeyman Smith, Dan Lewis. Take a look…
Dan Lewis Forged Feather Damascus Frame Handle Hunting Knife with Mastodon Ivory.
Dan Lewis Forged Feather Pattern Damascus Frame Handle Hunter with Amber Stag.
