Quick answer: a full tang knife is a knife whose blade steel continues as one solid piece through the entire length and width of the handle. The handle material is fixed on both sides of that steel. Full tang kitchen knives are stronger, better balanced and less likely to loosen at the handle than partial tang knives.
What is the tang of a knife?
The tang is the part of the blade that extends into the handle. You hold the knife by the tang; the handle scales or handle block are simply attached to it. How far the tang runs and how wide it is determine how strong the knife is at its most stressed point, the junction of blade and handle.
Full tang vs partial tang
| Feature | Full tang | Partial tang |
|---|---|---|
| Steel in the handle | Full length and width | Part of the length, often narrower |
| Strength | Very high | Lower at the handle joint |
| Balance | Balanced near the bolster | Blade-heavy and lighter overall |
| Weight | Heavier | Lighter |
| Typical price | Higher | Lower |
Why does full tang matter in a kitchen knife?
- Strength: force from chopping travels through one solid piece of steel, not through a glued joint.
- Balance: steel in the handle counterweights the blade, so the knife feels neutral in a pinch grip.
- Durability: handle scales are pinned or riveted to the tang, so they stay tight for years.
- Control: a balanced knife tires the wrist less during long prep.
How can you tell if a knife is full tang?
- Look at the top and bottom of the handle. On a full tang knife you can see a strip of steel sandwiched between the two handle scales.
- Look at the end of the handle. Steel is usually visible at the butt.
- Look for pins or rivets. Two or three pins through the handle normally hold scales to a full tang.
- Read the listing. Sellers of full tang knives say so, because it is a selling point.
Are partial tang knives bad?
No. Many traditional Japanese knives use a hidden partial tang set into a wooden wa-handle, which keeps the knife light and blade-forward by design. For light, precise slicing this works very well. Partial tang becomes a weakness mainly on cheap knives used for heavy chopping.
Full tang kitchen knife sets from ASC Forge
- 2-piece full tang Damascus chef knife set with blue resin handles.
- 4-piece full tang Damascus kitchen knife set with wenge wood handles.
- 5-piece full tang Damascus knife set with abalone shell handles.
- 7-piece full tang VG10 Damascus chef knife set.
- Full tang Damascus chef knife set with American flag resin handles.
Frequently asked questions
Is a full tang knife better?
Yes, for strength and balance a full tang knife is better, especially for heavy tasks such as chopping dense vegetables or using a cleaver.
Are full tang knives heavier?
Yes. The extra steel in the handle makes a full tang knife slightly heavier, and that weight is what improves its balance.
What is a rat tail tang?
A rat tail tang is a thin rod of steel running through the handle. It is a type of partial tang and is weaker than a full tang.
Find more full tang options in the ASC Forge kitchen knife set collection.