An Evaluation of Knife Handle Guarding

Abstract

This research evaluated two variables affecting the performance of tang guards in preventing injury due to the hand slipping forward on a knife handle: the radius of transition from the handle to the blocking portion of the tang and the height of the tang. For the radii evaluated, there was no effect for either men or women. The guard height, however, did have a significant effect for both genders. There is a height, different for men and women, that appears to be critical. Guard heights exceeding this critical height do not enhance the capability of the guard to prevent the hand from slipping. Guard heights less than this critical value are less capable of preventing slipping.