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Knife Handle Styles

Whether you are a chef, an outdoorsman or just an avid knife collector, finding the right knife to add to your collection can be a challenging task. In addition to paying attention to a knife's blade, you should also give consideration to the construction, feel and appearance of its handle. Knife handles come in a variety of different styles, all of which offer different features--some functional and some ornamental.

Wood
- Wood handles are one of the most comfortable styles of knife handle to grip, and their textural, natural appearance make them quite aesthetically pleasing. According to Knife Making Supplies, some of the most popular types of wood that manufacturers use to make knife handles include ebony, rosewood and cocobolo, the last of which is a stiff, reddish timber from the American tropics.
Composite
- Composite knife handles consists of a number of different materials that manufacturers mix together and set in molds. These include epoxy resins, paper, linen and polymers such as fiberglass-reinforced nylon and the flexible polymer kraton. According to Bread Maker, composite handles are much easier to clean and maintain in comparison to their wooden counterparts, as they have no porous or open areas that moisture, food particles and germs can penetrate. If you want the best of both wood and composite-style knife handles, you can also find composite handles that contain wood pieces, the manufacturer's goal being to create a more comfortable grip while keeping the low maintenance.
Metal
- Metal knife handles are the most durable style available. According to Knife Making Supplies, manufacturers commonly use titanium for their handles, as the metal is resistant to corrosion, is lightweight and has a high tensile strength. Tensile strength refers to a material's ability to withstand tension without breaking. Another common metal that knife manufacturers use for handles is stainless steel, which is also strong and corrosion-resistant. According to Bread Maker, the main downside to metal knife handles is that they can be difficult to handle, due to their slippery surfaces.
Stag
- Stag refers to the natural bones and bone-like materials that come from animals. These include bone, ivory, antler or horn, and shell. According to Jay Fisher, the texture of stag makes it a good material for gripping. In addition, manufacturers can use the stag's natural shape, such as the curve of a tusk, to define the handle's shape. The use of stag knife handles dates back to at least 2300 B.C., when Babylonians use carved ivory for their handles.

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