Kitchen knife with a colourful resin handle

Knife Education

What is a full tang kitchen knife handle?

by Adam Dodd on Jan 06, 2023

What Is a Full Tang Kitchen Knife?

A full tang kitchen knife features a blade that extends through the entire length of the handle. The tang is secured between the handle scales, creating a strong connection between the blade and handle.

This design is commonly found in chef's knives, slicing knives and other kitchen knives that benefit from stability and control.

Full Tang Dundee big slicing knife handle

Benefits of a Full Tang Knife

1. Better Balance and Control

A full tang design can help distribute weight more evenly between the blade and handle. This provides improved balance and control, particularly when using larger knives for chopping, slicing and food preparation.

Full tang Dark Tessellation boning knife handle

2. Strength and Durability

Because the tang extends through the handle, full tang knives generally provide a strong connection between the blade and handle. However, overall durability also depends on the steel, handle materials and construction quality.

Full tang Sea Creature Nakiri vegetable knife handle

3. Comfortable Grip

Full tang knives can be designed with ergonomic handles that provide a secure and comfortable grip. This is useful for cooks who spend extended periods preparing food.

Full Tang vs Partial Tang

A partial tang knife has a blade that extends only partway into the handle. While partial tang knives can still be suitable for everyday kitchen tasks, full tang construction is often preferred when stability and strength are important.

The best choice depends on the knife's intended use, construction and personal preference.

Explore Full Tang Kitchen Knives

Explore the Chef Supply Co knife collection to discover kitchen knives designed for different cooking and preparation tasks.

Tags: full tang, knife handle

What is a full tang kitchen knife handle?

What Is a Full Tang Kitchen Knife?