A knife’s “tang” or shank refers to the back of the blade that connects to the handle. In this case, “full tang” means the blade runs the entire handle length up to the edge, creating a seamless connection between the blade and the grip.

The result of this solid construction is unmatched durability and even weight distribution that allows you to perform even the most challenging kitchen tasks with ease.

Whether you’re dicing vegetables, breaking down a whole chicken, or slicing through a crusty loaf of bread, a full tang knife provides the stability to confidently tackle any kitchen task.

Full tang knives come in a variety of styles to meet your culinary needs.

Hidden Tang

Hidden tangs are fully surrounded by the knife's handle, which means the component is thinner than the blade itself. This type of construction gives your kitchen tool a more streamlined and cleaner look.

It is also lighter than a knife with a typical full tang, which may be more beneficial for long hours of prep work. 

Extended Tang

The extended tang features a small curved portion that goes beyond the length of the handle. This part is commonly referred to as the butt of the knife, and it offers added functionality to the kitchen tool.

The extended tang can improve the balance of the knife, but it can also be used for various tasks, including crushing garlic and cracking nuts. 

Encapsulated Tang

Encapsulated tangs are similar to hidden tangs in that the tang is completely surrounded by the handle’s material. The critical difference is that the encapsulated tang’s width is much closer to the size of the actual blade. 

This design provides strength and reliability through even weight distribution, all while offering extra protection that the regular full tang knife lacks. 

Encapsulated tangs, like chef’s knives, are ideal for those who want a secure, comfortable grip as well as the strength and durability of a full tang knife without the exposed metal.

Skeletonized Tang

Skeletonized tangs have sections of the tang removed to reduce the knife’s overall weight. These gaps then become the center of the knife handle, allowing you to grip the kitchen tool better.

This design is most well-known in knives used in outdoor settings. It maintains the integrity and strength of a full tang while creating a lighter knife that is more comfortable to use over extended periods. 

Skeletonized tangs are particularly suited for cook who need precision and control without the added fatigue caused by a heavier blade.

A high-quality full tang knife excels in blade strength, handle ergonomics, and precision sharpness. 

Full tang construction means the knife is forged from a single piece of metal extending from the blade tip to the handle's end, which results in unmatched stability and strength. 

Here are the key attributes that define a superior knife with a full tang.

Blade Strength

Full tang knives forged from premium-grade steel ensure outstanding blade strength and durability. 

The continuous metal construction gives the knives the resilience needed to power through tough ingredients like dense cuts of meat and root vegetables without bending or compromising.

Handle Ergonomics

The handle of our full tang knives are designed for optimal balance with the weight evenly distributed between the blade and handle. This balance allows for greater control and reduced fatigue during extended use. 

Ergonomically shaped handles also provide a comfortable grip, making precise cuts effortless and accurate—whether mincing herbs, dicing onions, or slicing proteins.

Precision Sharpness

A sharp, precise edge is crucial for any quality knife. The full tang construction provides stability throughout the blade, which, combined with high-quality steel, ensures a razor-sharp and long-lasting edge. 

Whether you need to chop through a hearty squash or finely slice produce, the consistent sharpness of a full tang knife guarantees efficiency and accuracy in every task. 

The sharp edge is particularly essential for chefs who demand seamless performance in both heavy-duty and intricate kitchen preparations.

Nacionale Bladeworks offers exceptional full-tang knives crafted with precision, durability, and premium materials. Our knives deliver unparalleled performance and lifetime satisfaction.

Premium Steel

We use high-grade steel known for its hardness, edge retention, and toughness.

• San Mai 440C Stainless Steel. 58-60HRC
• San Mai AUS10 Stainless Steel. 60HRC
• 67 Layer Damascus Stainless AUS10 Core. 60HRC
• Sandvik14c28n Stainless Steel. 58HRC
• Sandvik12c27 Stainless Steel. 56-58HRC
• Carbon Steel Leaf Spring 5160 (not rust resistant). 60-62HRC
• Stainless AUS8. 56-58HRC

Expert Craftsmanship

From blade forging and treatment to handle shaping, every step is executed with precision and care.

Combining traditional techniques with modern design, our knives showcase the best of Filipino artistry.

This commitment to excellence ensures you receive a knife that performs at the highest level and stands out as a beautifully crafted tool you’ll be proud to own and display.

Ergonomic Design

We understand the importance of comfort during long hours in the kitchen.

Cooking should not be a chore, and your knife should not be a burden. Your knife should fit well in your hand and work in your favor.

Our handles are ergonomically designed to fit your hand perfectly to reduce fatigue and enhance control. We use out-of-the-box materials such as stabilized wood or recycled skateboard material, often accented with our current design inspirations.

Accessibility and Price

Nacionale Bladeworks was founded with the goal of bridging the gap between exclusive artisan knives and accessible/more affordable food service knives.

We believe everyone deserves a high-quality knife, regardless of their budget.

Reputation for Excellence

Trusted and used by top restaurants and chefs all over the world.

We work hard to ensure every knife in our collection reflects our values of good design, excellent craftsmanship, and service.

Proper maintenance is crucial to keep your Full Tang knife in optimal condition, ensuring it remains sharp, durable, and ready for culinary challenges. 

Here are some key maintenance tips:

• Regular Honing: Hone your knife before or after each use to realign the blade's edge. Honing helps maintain sharpness by correcting minor bends in the edge, keeping your knife effective for precision work without removing material.
• Sharpening: Even with regular honing, your knife will eventually need sharpening. Use a whetstone to sharpen your Full Tang knife, maintaining a consistent angle of 15-20 degrees. Carbon steel blades may require more frequent sharpening compared to stainless steel due to their tendency to dull faster, but they offer a sharper edge overall.
• Cleaning: Always hand wash your knife with warm water and mild soap. Dishwashers can be detrimental due to harsh detergents and high temperatures, which may damage both the blade and handle. Immediately dry the knife after washing to prevent rust, especially for carbon steel blades, which are more susceptible to corrosion.
• Storage: Store your knife in a knife block, magnetic strip, or knife roll to protect the blade from damage and maintain its sharp edge. Avoid storing your knife in a drawer, as this can lead to nicks and dulling.