Wood, bone or steel? How to choose a knife hilt to suit your style

An assortment of steel, aluminium and G10 knife handles. Beyond their functionality, knife handles are a fashion statement too. — Photos: THOMAS AW/The Star

The handle or hilt of a knife is a pivotal component of any cutting tool, and how it is made plus what it is made with can even determine the knife’s reliability.

Knife hilts also have a high form factor, because artfully made hilts scream good aesthetics and instil pride of ownership, especially for those who make a hobby out of collecting knives, just like people who collect watches or handbags.