What is a tapered Tang?
Tapering a tang simply means that the tang of the knife gets thinner as it progresses towards the butt of the knife. Tapering a tang is not required but it serves several purposes. One benefit is that the handle is lighter. By removing metal from the handle it moves the balance point of the knife towards the center of the knife. This creates a better balanced knife that feels better in your hand. There is a great tutorial on how to taper tangs that was written by fellow knifemaker Don Cowles. Don explains in detail how to taper the tang and has many pictures to show you how it is done. Go to the tutorials listed at the end of this FAQ and look for the one done by Don.
