When designing a knife, the tang may not be the first element you sketch, but it is one of the most critical. Hidden inside the handle, it determines the knife’s strength, balance and durability.
No matter what type of knife you’re designing, whether it's a chef's knife, a boning blade or a full set of kitchen cutlery, understanding tang construction helps you make better decisions, from choosing the right materials to optimising weight distribution and handle assembly.
In this guide, we break down the main types of tang, their impact on performance and the factors to consider when choosing the right option for your next collection.
The tang is the unsharpened part of the blade that extends into the handle. Although it is usually hidden from view, the tang plays a crucial role in determining the knife's overall structure, balance and durability.
In technical terms, the tang connects the cutting blade to the handle, anchoring the two essential components of the knife. Depending on its length and shape, the tang distributes cutting forces, absorbs pressure during use and contributes to the knife’s stability and controllability.
A well-designed tang ensures the knife feels solid in the hand and performs reliably, even under repeated stress. The shape and integration of the tang with the handle directly affect the knife’s longevity, weight distribution and user comfort, making it a key design consideration for any cutlery project.
The distinction between these two types of knife tang lies in how deeply the blade extends into the handle and this difference has a significant impact on both the knife's form and its function.
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When we talk about full tang knife construction, we’re not referring to a single design, but rather a range of solutions based on one principle: the blade's metal extends the full length of the handle. Different constructions within this category serve different purposes, from maximising strength to achieving visual minimalism and optimising weight. Let’s explore the most common types.
This is the most recognisable form of full tang, with the tang clearly visible along the spine and base of the handle. Two handle scales are usually attached to either side of the tang using rivets, screws or a mechanical fastening system.
This construction is often found in professional-grade knives and offers outstanding stability, weight balance and rugged durability. The visibility of the tang also contributes to the perception of craftsmanship and robustness, making it a popular choice for high-performance culinary tools.
In this variation, the tang runs through the entire handle but remains completely enclosed within it. The external material wraps around the tang, hiding it from view while retaining the core structural benefits of a full tang.
Hidden full tangs allow greater freedom in handle design, enabling sleek shapes, custom materials and visual minimalism. They strike a fine balance between performance, formal elegance and a premium tactile feel, making them popular for knives where aesthetics and function must coexist.
Designed with strategic cut-outs or hollowed sections, the skeletonised tang offers a lighter alternative while preserving the structural integrity of a full tang. By removing non-essential material from the internal portion of the tang, the knife’s overall weight is reduced, a vital consideration in applications that demand agility and prolonged use.
Skeletonised tangs are commonly used in technical or design-focused knives, where innovative form and ergonomics matter as much as cutting performance. It's a smart option for brands seeking to stand out in terms of both engineering and style.
While full tangs offer superior strength and balance, the purpose of partial tang knife constructions is different. These designs prioritise lightness, cost-efficiency and creative flexibility, making them ideal for decorative pieces or lighter-duty tools. However, they often have reduced structural integrity. Here's an overview of the most common types.
The rat-tail tang, also called a stick tang, is a narrow rod-like extension of the blade that runs through the center of the handle, often reaching its end.
This is a lightweight and economical solution, requiring less steel and simplifying production. However, because of its small cross-section, it offers limited strength and poor balance, especially under pressure. It's not ideal for knives intended for demanding or repetitive use but may be used in entry-level or display-oriented products.
In this construction, the tang is pushed into a pre-shaped handle cavity and secured with adhesives like epoxy. The tang typically extends halfway or three-quarters through the handle.
Push tangs are common in lightweight or decorative knives, where visual appeal and cost control take precedence over durability. While easy to manufacture and visually clean, this type of tang provides minimal resistance to torsion and impact, making it less suitable for tasks that involve repeated force or precision control.
When designing a new knife collection, the choice of tang is critical in determining the product's performance, durability and perceived value. The right tang construction for your brand depends on your priorities and the intended use of the knife. Here’s how to approach it:
If you're developing professional kitchen knives, a full tang is the most reliable option. It ensures maximum strength, perfect balance and long-term durability, meeting the expectations of demanding users.
For premium or design-oriented lines, consider using a hidden or exposed full tang. These solutions provide excellent structural integrity while allowing for greater freedom in terms of aesthetics, materials and finishes.
If your goal is to create lightweight or lifestyle-focused knives, a partial tang can be an effective choice. It reduces the overall weight and is suitable for applications where the knife won’t be exposed to heavy loads.
When working on entry-level kitchen knives, a partial tang offers a cost-effective construction method that is well suited to budget-conscious markets without compromising on everyday functionality.
Designing a knife handle involves much more than shaping a piece of wood; it requires structural harmony, ergonomic precision and brand identity. At Minelli Group, we have decades of experience in producing custom knife handles and collaborate with leading manufacturers to deliver components that balance aesthetics and functionality.
Every project starts with the tang. Our engineering process integrates the tang design with the handle's structural and stylistic requirements, ensuring a seamless fit, solid anchoring and long-lasting performance.
We work alongside our partners in a true co-design approach, aligning technical specifications with brand vision. Whether you require an exposed full tang handle with industrial-grade rivets or a hidden tang solution with minimalist lines, we can translate your requirements into tangible, ready-to-assemble components.
Thanks to our precision machining capabilities and premium surface finishes, Minelli Group knife handles meet the highest standards in terms of both form and function. All components are available in certified FSC® hardwoods with food-safe finishes and a wide range of customisation options.
Looking for a knife handle manufacturer that understands both engineering and design?
Let’s create something that fits your blade and your brand.
Explore our custom knife handle solutions at wood.minelligroup.com.