Kukri, machete, karambit, Bowie knife, and jambiya. What could such different blades have in common? They originate from distinct cultures, their creation driven by completely different needs and geographical conditions. Yet, they all share one important and not-so-obvious feature – the tang!

What is a Knife Tang?

What is tang in knives? This is a part of the knife that is often hidden within the handle and invisible to the eye – a sort of unsung hero that quietly and discreetly saves the day, never receiving any recognition! It’s the tang that determines whether your blade will be strong enough to endure tasks like chopping through firewood, for example.

A knife tang refers to the portion of a knife blade that extends into the handle. It is the part of the blade that is attached to the handle, providing structural integrity and strength. The tang plays a crucial role in how well the knife performs, as it helps distribute force along the length of the knife when cutting or using it.

Types of Knife Tang

So we figured out the “what is the tang on a knife” question. And of course, there are many different types of knife tang, each designed for different purposes. Let’s dive into them now!

Full Tang

Objectively, the best type of tang, providing your knife with maximum strength—so sturdy you could use it to peck at rocks. Why should knives have a full tang? The tang extends the entire length of the handle, providing maximum strength and balance. The handle is typically made of two pieces of material that are fastened around the tang, making it very sturdy. So full tang camping knives are always a good idea!

Characteristics:

  • Strong and durable. 
  • Excellent balance. 
  • Often seen in higher-quality knives.

Partial Tang

A partial knife tang meaning refers to a knife tang that extends only partway into the handle, rather than all the way through like a full tang. The exact length of the tang can vary, but it generally doesn’t go beyond the midpoint or a little more into the handle. 

Characteristics:

  • Lighter and less durable than full tang. 
  • Provides some balance but not as much as full tang.

Rat Tail Tang

A narrow tang that tapers to a point and only goes partially into the handle, leaving a small section of the blade at the top. This type is often found in cheaper knives.

Characteristics:

  • Limited Durability: Knives with a rat tail tang may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks but can be adequate for light chores like opening envelopes or boxes.
  • Lightweight: The rat tail tang design can result in a lighter knife, which might be more comfortable for some users. However, the overall feel of the knife may be less robust, and it can lead to a less secure grip if the handle is not designed well.
  • Better suited for light use: This type of tang is generally best for everyday tasks rather than demanding, high-force applications.

Encapsulated Tang

An encapsulated tang is a type of tang construction where the metal tang of the blade is fully encased or “encapsulated” within the handle material. The tang is completely covered by the handle, and the transition between the tang and the handle is seamless, often with the tang being hidden from view.

Characteristics:

  • One of the least strong and reliable knife tang types. 
  • However, a knife with this type of tang will definitely look stylish, encapsulated tangs are often used in knives that require a high degree of craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. The smooth integration of the handle and tang gives the knife a polished look, which is popular in high-end custom or luxury knives.

Hidden Tang

The tang is fully enclosed within the handle, and the blade is attached to the handle by a hidden method, often through a secure fitting or adhesive.

Characteristics:

  • Sleek appearance, as the tang is not visible. 
  • Can be less durable if not properly secured.

Extended Tang

An extended tang is a type of knife tang where the tang of the blade extends beyond the handle, often protruding past the end of the handle. This feature is typically used in knives designed for heavier use or specialized tasks. The extended tang is often visible and can be used as a functional or decorative feature.

Characteristics:

  • Increased strength—this tang is perfect for hunting and survival. 
  • Improved balance.

Skeletonized Tang

This is a tang where the metal portion is exposed or designed with a skeleton structure to reduce weight. It’s common in knives meant for survival or tactical purposes.

Characteristics:

  • Lightweight and strong. 
  • Provides better grip options if the handle is open or partially designed to allow for different grips.

Tapered Tang

A tapered tang is a type of knife tang where the tang gradually narrows (tapers) from the base of the blade towards the handle, creating a more streamlined and lightweight design. The tapering of the tang can improve the balance, strength, and overall performance of the knife.

Characteristics:

  • more balanced and ergonomic design. 
  • the tapering often shifts the balance of the knife toward the handle, making it easier to maneuver, especially for tasks requiring precision.

Push Tang

A push tang is a type of knife tang where the tang is inserted or “pushed” into the handle, rather than being extended or enclosed. In this design, the tang is usually short and is secured within the handle using a variety of methods like adhesive, pins, or friction fit. The tang doesn’t extend all the way through the handle, and the connection between the tang and the handle is typically reinforced to ensure a secure attachment.

Characteristics:

  • The tang is often hidden within the handle, making the knife aesthetically smooth and seamless. This can be desirable in knives that focus on sleek, elegant designs. 
  • Because the tang is shorter, knives with a push tang are typically lighter than full tang knives, making them more comfortable for tasks requiring precision or extended use. The lighter design can be particularly useful for knives where weight reduction is important, such as in some utility or kitchen knives.

Choosing the Right Tang for Your Needs

It all depends on what you actually need the knife for! If you’re planning to take it on hikes, hunting trips, fishing, or camping, it’s definitely worth opting for a full tang or extended tang. If you’re looking for a light EDC knife for tasks like prying something open or cutting boxes and envelopes, a push tang or skeletonized tang will be more than enough. And if you just want a beautiful knife sitting on your desk for opening envelopes, feel free to go with a rat tail tang or hidden tang.

Conclusion

So there you have it. As you can see, the tang is one of the most (if not the most) important parts of a knife—choose it wisely! Don’t forget to visit our online store, where we’ll help you pick a blade that will accompany you through fire, ice, and copper pipes. Let the adventure begin!