The bolster is the metal portion between the knife handle and the blade. The bolsters on my knives are kept in place by pins that are peened in place, no glue is utilised. Generally, stainless steel or nickel silver is utilised for my bolsters. Whereas nickel silver is “more exotic”, it is less hard-wearing than stainless steel. Stainless steel also requires additional effort to shape the bolster, so there is a play-off of using a less “exotic” material that is mute, at it is costly to use (effort-wise), and is more durable.

Pins are typically used to attach the bolsters, pommels and handle material. Generally, the bolster’s and pommel’s pins are the same material as the bolster and pommel, making them “invisible”. The pins that hold the handle material in place are often not only used to keep the handle material in place, but can also be decorative.

There is an endless supply of options as to what material one can use for a knife handle. Generally the more exotic the material, the higher the price of the knife.

I have a passion for hard woods, especially African hardwoods, and I predominantly make use of them for the handles of my knives. I do however do everything I can to ensure that all of the wood used is responsibly sourced.

The bolsters on my knives are kept in place by pins and epoxy glue.