Tang (tools): Difference between revisions
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A ''push tang'' and alternatively a ''full push tang'' means that the tang of the sword is ''pushed'' into the handle and fastened in place. The ''push tang'' only extends part of the way through the sword, where as the ''full push tang'' extends all of the way, though not necessarily extending out of the end of the handle. These types of tangs are very durable while also presenting a decorative handle. |
A ''push tang'' and alternatively a ''full push tang'' means that the tang of the sword is ''pushed'' into the handle and fastened in place. The ''push tang'' only extends part of the way through the sword, where as the ''full push tang'' extends all of the way, though not necessarily extending out of the end of the handle. These types of tangs are very durable while also presenting a decorative handle. |
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A ''hidden tang'' or ''rat-tail tang'' means that a long rod extends from the blade through a drilled or hollow grip, and is threaded so as to hold the grip in place by tightening a fastener at the end. Such fasteners are frequently built into the sword's or knife's [[Hilt#Pommel|pommel]], which is then screwed on. This tang design results in a lighter but much weaker weapon. Swords that have these kinds of tangs are for decorative purpose only (with the exception of the three sport [[fencing]] |
A ''hidden tang'' or ''rat-tail tang'' means that a long rod extends from the blade through a drilled or hollow grip, and is threaded so as to hold the grip in place by tightening a fastener at the end. Such fasteners are frequently built into the sword's or knife's [[Hilt#Pommel|pommel]], which is then screwed on. This tang design results in a lighter but much weaker weapon. Swords that have these kinds of tangs are for decorative purpose only (with the exception of the three sport [[fencing]] weapons—[[foil]], [[epee]], and [[sabre]], which are designed for competitive use) |
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A ''stub tang'' means that the blade has only a short tab of metal at the end — often less than an inch in length — which fits into a slot in the grip and is held in place with epoxy, occasionally with a pin for reinforcement. Stub tangs are frequently found on low-quality knives and some wall decoration swords. Use of a stub tang greatly reduces the amount of metal required, as well as the skill of workmanship needed for manufacture. This results in lower prices for the consumer, but produces a non-functional weapon capable of breaking. Most knives with cast-metal grips utilize a stub tang. Any swords with a stub tang are to be decorations only, any use is extremely dangerous. |
A ''stub tang'' means that the blade has only a short tab of metal at the end — often less than an inch in length — which fits into a slot in the grip and is held in place with epoxy, occasionally with a pin for reinforcement. Stub tangs are frequently found on low-quality knives and some wall decoration swords. Use of a stub tang greatly reduces the amount of metal required, as well as the skill of workmanship needed for manufacture. This results in lower prices for the consumer, but produces a non-functional weapon capable of breaking. Most knives with cast-metal grips utilize a stub tang. Any swords with a stub tang are to be decorations only, any use is extremely dangerous. |
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Revision as of 19:19, 11 July 2010
The tang of a sword or fixed-blade knife is that part of the blade extending into and usually through the grip that is fastened to it.
A full tang means that the grip conforms to the shape and follows the outline of the tang, which is a solid piece of metal (typically steel). It is a single piece of metal from tip to base but the hilt is usually encased. Scales (flat pieces of handle material, like stag, wood, or synthetics) may be affixed to the tang with rivets or pins. Alternately, the tang may be wrapped with braided cord or paracord. Injection-molded rubber (Kraton) or plastic (Zytel) are other grip options. A full tang generally implies a tough and durable sword or knife hilt, provided the steel has been properly heat treated and is not too hard (the harder it is, the more brittle it is). This method of production means that the sword or knife is stronger as it is a solid construction rather than a blade fixed to a base which can come off through wear or contact.
A half tang means that the grip conforms to the shape and follows the outline of the tang, much like the full tang, though not fully. Approximately half of the handle will be tang.
An encapsulated tang meant that the handle is molded around the tang of the sword. The tang matches the shape of the handle itself.
A push tang and alternatively a full push tang means that the tang of the sword is pushed into the handle and fastened in place. The push tang only extends part of the way through the sword, where as the full push tang extends all of the way, though not necessarily extending out of the end of the handle. These types of tangs are very durable while also presenting a decorative handle.
A hidden tang or rat-tail tang means that a long rod extends from the blade through a drilled or hollow grip, and is threaded so as to hold the grip in place by tightening a fastener at the end. Such fasteners are frequently built into the sword's or knife's pommel, which is then screwed on. This tang design results in a lighter but much weaker weapon. Swords that have these kinds of tangs are for decorative purpose only (with the exception of the three sport fencing weapons—foil, epee, and sabre, which are designed for competitive use)
A stub tang means that the blade has only a short tab of metal at the end — often less than an inch in length — which fits into a slot in the grip and is held in place with epoxy, occasionally with a pin for reinforcement. Stub tangs are frequently found on low-quality knives and some wall decoration swords. Use of a stub tang greatly reduces the amount of metal required, as well as the skill of workmanship needed for manufacture. This results in lower prices for the consumer, but produces a non-functional weapon capable of breaking. Most knives with cast-metal grips utilize a stub tang. Any swords with a stub tang are to be decorations only, any use is extremely dangerous.
See also
External links
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