The Different Types of Pocket Knife Handle Designs

Pocket knives have been around for centuries. And in that time, there have been hundreds of pocket knife handle designs. That doesn’t mean all of these varieties are still around today. Continue reading to explore the different types of pocket knife handle designs you’ll find today.

About Pocket Knife Handle Patterns

There are a couple of terms you should familiarize yourself with when learning about pocket knife handles. “Handle die” is the first one, and it refers to the handle shape of the pocket knife. Many people use patterns interchangeably with handle die.

A sheet metal liner shapes the pocket knife by stamping the material into a steel die. That’s where the term “handle die” comes from. Surprisingly, many of the common handle shapes today are from 1840 to 1890.

French Pocket Knife Patterns

French pocket knife patterns are some of the most popular designs to collect. They’ve been around for centuries. One well-known style from this time is the Laguiole. It will have a single main blade and corkscrew with a slim design.

Another French pocket knife design was the Pradel. The French named it after the cutler who created it. Its style was similar to the classic American Barlow jackknife that was popular at the time. It contained a short spear blade.

Japanese Pocket Knife Patterns

Modern collectors love Japanese pocket knife designs, especially Higonokami. It’s an elegant-looking knife that is all metal. You’ll find a sharp laminated steel blade with a cut-off point.

British Pocket Knife Patterns

Would you like to know where the pocket knife design from the 1800s was created? It was Sheffield, England. This location produced thousands of knives for international and domestic use. The horseman’s multi-blade was the most popular handle design. This style contained a quill and spear blade, along with a punch, corkscrew, and hoof pick.

Other well-received handle shapes include:

• Knife with rope spike
• English folding knife
• British Lobster
• English Jack

Each of these pocket knives has different components that make them so popular. There was something for everyone to enjoy.

Many modern knife handle types take cues from the traditional knife handle designs above. If you’re searching for the perfect knife handle for sale, shop at The Knife Connection. We carry high-quality knife handles, knives, and accessories for every knife enthusiast.