Hidden tang knives are a classic style, known for their clean lines, comfortable grip, and traditional craftsmanship. Unlike full tang knives—where the steel runs the full length and width of the handle—a hidden tang design conceals the blade’s tang entirely inside the handle material. The result is elegant and lightweight, making it a favorite among bladesmiths, collectors, and serious users alike.
But making a hidden tang knife requires a bit of planning and a few specific skills. From fitting the guard to shaping the handle, every step matters in terms of strength, balance, and final look. Here’s a walkthrough of the process, combining expert insights and practical steps to help you get started.
1. Start with the Blade and Tang
The first step is forging or grinding your blade to shape, just as you would with any other knife. But in this case, the tang—typically a narrower extension of the blade—should be long enough to support the handle securely. Most makers opt for a rectangular or rounded tang that’s about 3.5–5 inches long, depending on the handle style.
Make sure the tang is clean and uniform, as irregularities can make the fit-up more difficult later on. It doesn’t need to be pretty—just functional and strong.
2. Drilling and Shaping the Handle
The hallmark of a hidden tang knife is that the tang disappears into the handle. That means you’ll need to drill or burn a hole through your handle block to accept the tang.
Some makers prefer to burn the tang in—heating the tang and pressing it into a soft wood block to form a custom-fit cavity. Others drill a series of holes and clean them up with a file or broach. Either way, the goal is to create a snug channel that supports the tang tightly and evenly.
Tip: If you're working with hard material like stabilized wood or bone, drilling may be your best bet. Burning works well with softer materials like walnut or maple.
3. Fitting the Guard (If You’re Using One)
Many hidden tang knives include a guard at the base of the blade for both safety and style. Fitting a guard can be one of the trickiest parts of the build, but it makes a huge difference in the final product.
The goal is a tight, clean fit—you want the guard to sit flush against the shoulders of the blade with no gaps. Start by filing a slot in your guard material (usually brass, nickel silver, or steel), then test-fit it repeatedly. Use a file guide or jig if needed to keep everything square and aligned.
A tight guard not only looks professional but also prevents the handle from shifting or loosening over time.
4. Securing the Tang
Once the blade, tang, guard, and handle are all fitted, it’s time to assemble everything. The tang is usually secured with a strong two-part epoxy. Make sure everything is clean and degreased before gluing to ensure a solid bond.
Some knifemakers also pin or peen the tang, either with a metal pin that runs through the end of the handle or by flaring the tang end like a rivet. This adds extra security—especially for knives that will see hard use.
Clamp the handle firmly and let it cure fully according to the epoxy’s instructions (usually 24 hours).
5. Shaping and Finishing the Handle
Once cured, you can shape the handle to your desired form. This is where the knife really comes to life. Use rasps, files, or a belt grinder to contour the handle, taking care to keep it symmetrical and comfortable in the hand.
Sand it down through progressively finer grits, then finish with oil, wax, or buffing depending on your material. The final look should be smooth, ergonomic, and balanced with the blade.
Don’t forget to clean up any epoxy squeeze-out around the guard for a professional finish.
Why Go with a Hidden Tang Knife?
Hidden tang knives have a timeless aesthetic and a lighter feel in the hand. They allow for greater design freedom in the handle shape and are ideal for elegant hunting knives, chef knives, and collectors' blades. When properly constructed, they’re just as strong and reliable as full tang knives—and in some cases, better suited for fine or decorative work.
Final Thoughts
Building a hidden tang knife is a rewarding challenge for any knifemaker. It takes a bit more precision and patience, but the result is a refined, functional piece that showcases your craftsmanship. Whether you’re making your first or your fiftieth, each hidden tang knife is an opportunity to sharpen your skills and create something uniquely your own.