Scales or Covers?

[Boji]

Which is the better term to use when listing a knife for sale? I have always used "scales" Seems a lot
of the listings here use "covers"

[Mumbleypeg]

I used to call them scales but then I learned that term applies to fixed blades, whereas on folders the proper term is covers. It’s confusing. IMHO unless you’re a knife maker yourself it’s a technicality. Either way folks will likely know what you mean. Here’s an older thread that addresses the question. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=63459&p=754425&hilit=Scales#p754396

Ken

[jerryd6818]

I say handles. Lifetime habit.

[cody6268]

Handle on fixed blade, or folder if interframe/linerless design. Scales if traditional knife with liner. I use the term shell-handle for most cheaper Imperials.

[ea42]

In the knife factories the liners were always referred to as "scales"; center scales, bolster scales, etc. The handles were always referred to as "covers" or at times simply "handles". This was both at Schrade and Canal Street, and I know for a fact Queen used those same terms for the liners and Great Eastern still does.

The common definition was that anything touching the blade tang was the scale.

As Ken mentioned collectors use such a mishmash of those terms that it's generally understood no matter how you say it in those circles. Just don't use the wrong terms in a knife factory or you'll get a puzzled look from the workers (or a knowing wink and chuckle amongst themselves )

Eric

[knife7knut]

"The things you hold onto a knife with"

[Boji]

I used to call them scales but then I learned that term applies to fixed blades, whereas on folders the proper term is covers. It’s confusing. IMHO unless you’re a knife maker yourself it’s a technicality. Either way folks will likely know what you mean. Here’s an older thread that addresses the question. viewtopic.php?f=2&t=63459&p=754425&hilit=Scales#p754396

Ken

I read the linked thread, no wonder I'm confused, even the published "experts" don't all agree.
Guess I'll just use whatever pops in my head at the time. Maybe just plain handle material is .....
I was trying to sound like I knew what I was talking about

[just bob]

Depends where you buy them;

https://www.smkw.com/catalogsearch/resu ... e+material


https://knifemaking.com/collections/handle-materials

[Beavertail]

I say handles. Lifetime habit.

That's what I've always called them.

[Steve Warden]

"The things you hold onto a knife with"

There ya go!!
HANDS!!!

[Dinadan]

I have called them scales and covers at times. But really: handles is a term that anyone will understand. So maybe it is the best term except on places like AAPK where everyone who reads the post is an expert!

[tongueriver]

In the knife factories the liners were always referred to as "scales"; center scales, bolster scales, etc. The handles were always referred to as "covers" or at times simply "handles". This was both at Schrade and Canal Street, and I know for a fact Queen used those same terms for the liners and Great Eastern still does.

The common definition was that anything touching the blade tang was the scale.

As Ken mentioned collectors use such a mishmash of those terms that it's generally understood no matter how you say it in those circles. Just don't use the wrong terms in a knife factory or you'll get a puzzled look from the workers (or a knowing wink and chuckle amongst themselves )

Eric

Well said. Defined. End of story. I think I have a handle on it now.

[orvet]

In the knife factories the liners were always referred to as "scales"; center scales, bolster scales, etc. The handles were always referred to as "covers" or at times simply "handles". This was both at Schrade and Canal Street, and I know for a fact Queen used those same terms for the liners and Great Eastern still does.

The common definition was that anything touching the blade tang was the scale.

As Ken mentioned collectors use such a mishmash of those terms that it's generally understood no matter how you say it in those circles. Just don't use the wrong terms in a knife factory or you'll get a puzzled look from the workers (or a knowing wink and chuckle amongst themselves )

Eric

Well said. Defined. End of story. I think I have a handle on it now.

Or at least we have a scale by which to define the terms of the handles!

[tongueriver]

Some rough customers here; do you think you can handle it?

[1967redrider]

I say "scales" in reference to the "handle" material.

[tongueriver]

I guess that we could have early-on scaled down all this jocular repartee by suggesting we all go out and get a new knife with beautiful handles., and devil take the hindmost.

[kootenay joe]

ea42 has given us the correct answer. According to BRL the old Sheffield manufacturers also used "scale" and "cover" or "handle" for the same parts as ea42 describes. The American cutlery manufacturers long ago adopted these names as they were used in Britain.
kj

[Dan In MI]

I use all three terms, depending on what sort of knife I'm referring to: "scales" for Swiss Army knives, "covers" for most other pocket-knives, and "handles" for fixed blades.