Scales

[Garufa]

Why are knife grips called scales?

[tbenedict]

Think that mainly applies to ones clamped (screwed/pinned/glued) to the sides of the tang. I read about several aftermarket options for knives like the BM Griptillian series.

[Grand Torino]

1 hour ago, Garufa said:

Why are knife grips called scales?

I think originally the handle pieces or grips were only called scales if they were removable. But today the term scales has stuck.....it's what sellers of handle material call them as well as most knife makers.

[willis68]

10 hours ago, Grand Torino said:

I think originally the handle pieces or grips were only called scales if they were removable. But today the term scales has stuck.....it's what sellers of handle material call them as well as most knife makers.

This is what I have always heard as well,

 

[quedz]

Now I am confused.  (Image deleted)

Edited March 22, 2017 by hughd

[Randall53]

14 hours ago, Garufa said:

Why are knife grips called scales?

It probably came from trade slang terminology. Like the junction box on an electric motor where you wire it up. it's called a "peckerhead" by electricians.  Well us 64 year old ones anyway!!  LOL

[TGO David]

15 hours ago, Grand Torino said:

I think originally the handle pieces or grips were only called scales if they were removable. But today the term scales has stuck.....it's what sellers of handle material call them as well as most knife makers.

 

 

5 hours ago, willis68 said:

This is what I have always heard as well,

 

 

Same here.  Removable = scales.

 

[sybo]

What I've heard also. 

[quedz]

 Would pinned slipjoint scales be considered removable or are we talking only screw drive type fasteners?

Edited March 22, 2017 by hughd

[quedz]

http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/is-scales-a-misnomer.1506958/

[MP5_Rizzo]

Visual reference from post above.