A knife handle is not purely for an aesthetic purpose. It is a fundamental part that is integral to the overall performance of your knife. 

With this in mind, in this article, we’ll be looking at some of the most common types of knife grips, including wood, metal, bone, aluminium, and leather. Read on to learn about them:

#1 Wood Handles

Wood has been the most preferred handle material ever since humans started using knives for cooking. A premium-quality wood handle is durable and aesthetically appealing.

However, wood is an inexpensive material as a heavy-duty knife handle. There are many wood choices; you can select according to how and where you’re going to use it. 

If you are using your knife for cutting juicy fruits, then avoid fine or softwoods such as black walnut; go with a hardwood handle. There are options for exotic hardwoods in the knife-making industry, with each one having its unique characteristics.

Pros of Wood Handles

  • Durable
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Attractive

Cons of Wood Handles

  • Porous and unstable

#2 Metal Handles

Metal is another popular pick for a knife handle because of its strength & durability. Titanium and stainless steel are two typical types of metal knife handles. 

The stainless steel is resistant to corrosion but not light in weight. When buying a heavy-duty knife, you should avoid opting for stainless steel handles.

Titanium is also corrosion-resistant but light in weight and has a higher threshold to withstand tension. Titanium handles are available in a selection of unique colours and designs to complement your kitchen’s interiors. 

Pros of Metal Handles

  • Metal handles are light in weight, except the stainless steel
  • Metal handles are highly durable and rugged.

Cons of Metal Handles

  • Metal handles are expensive and brittle. 

#3 Bone Handles

Bone handles have been there since the dawn of man and are still popular among the knife collectors.

The bone is derived from animals, recently deceased, and many animals, such as elephants and giraffes. 

They are dyed to have bright colours and can also be textured for a smooth texture.

However, bone handles can be slightly slippery for a heavy-duty knife and are porous; therefore affects its stability. 

Pros of Bone Handles

  • They are inexpensive.
  • They have a traditional feel.

Cons of Bone Handles

  • Susceptible to cracking
  • Somewhat slippery. 

#4 Leather Handles

Occasionally, you may have come across a knife with a leather handle. The production process involves wrapping leather over another material. 

In some knives, a series of leather washers are compressed & stacked to the knife tang and held together with cement. They are profiled and finished to achieve an attractive appeal. 

The leather handle is stylish to look at but lacks durability & strength, thus why you rarely see them with utility knives. 

Pros of Leather Handles

  • They are inexpensive and traditional.

Cons of Leather Handles

  • Lacks strength
  • Not durable

#5 Aluminum Handles

An adequately textured aluminium knife provides a secure grip and is comfortable for extended use. However, you’ll find using a knife with an aluminium handle uncomfortable in winter because of aluminium’s conductive properties. There numerous choices for aluminium in terms of design; you can choose one that looks great in your hand. 

Pros of Aluminum Handles

  • Aluminium handless are corrosion-resistant.
  • Aluminium is light in weight and durable.

Cons of Aluminum Handles

  • It can be slippery.
  • Susceptible to dings and scratches. 

Where to Buy Your Next Kitchen Knife?

At House of Knives, we stock a huge range of knives, including bread knives, vegetable knives, boning knives, butcher knives, and more. Get Free Shipping: Orders $99+ in Australia | $299+ Worldwide

 

Also Read: How to Pick The Best Knife for Cutting Sourdough Bread

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