Exploring the Different Types of Wa Handles for Japanese Knives

The handle is one of the most important parts of a knife, next to the quality of the steel. A handle should feel good in the hand and give the knife a good balance. It should also be easy to maintain. In our collection of knives you will come across many different types of handles in a variety of shapes and materials.

Western Handle vs. Japanese Handle

Many customers come to our shop looking for a Japanese knife. They think that a Japanese handle is the most traditional. This is indeed true, but then when they try out the different models, they often find that they like a western handle better. It is all a matter of preference. It is not that a Western handle does not belong on a Japanese knife.

This is also the reason a lot of Japanese knife makers release knives with both types of handles. But there is a big difference between the two and they give a knife different weight and balance.

Western Handle

Western handles have more curves that are more in line with the shape of the hand. This, combined with the fact that we in the West are used to knives with these handles, makes them instantly familiar. With these knives, the tang of the knife always goes all the way to the back. This gives more weight to the knife and, as a result, the balance of the knife tends to be a little more towards the handle.

Japanese Handle

Japanese handles come in 3 different shapes: the octagonal, the D-shaped, and the oval. The main difference between these 3 shapes is that the D-handle version, due to its shape, is only suitable for use by a right-handed person (unless the knife has been modified). In a Japanese handle, the sting (tang) does not go through the handle, so the balance is a little more to the front. They are slightly lighter because they are usually made of wood. Wood requires a little more care. We recommend lubricating these handles with mineral oil every few months.

Octagonal

The handle is octagonal shaped, making it easy to grip even with wet hands.

D-Handle

When viewed from behind, the handle looks like the letter D. It projects slightly to the right for more stability than an oval handle. They are generally only available for right-handed users, but some knives are available with an inverted "D" handle.

Oval shape

This is the classic shape, simple and always feels good. However, this shape has less grip with wet hands. This is why it is used by fewer blacksmiths than the octagon.

High-quality handles

Recently, we have been getting knives with premium handles. These handles are made by a specialist in woodworking. They take the design of a knife to a higher level. This includes using fine woods like maple and ironwood, special lacquers like urushi, and extra details like mosaic pins, nickel or silver rings, and horn or turquoise handles.

These extras make the knife more beautiful and exclusive. This is reflected in the price. But it makes sense, because now there is not one, but two masters working on one knife.

Material Types

Traditionally, Western handles were made of hard plastic and Japanese knives were made of a soft wood (a species of magnolia) known as ho-wood. Today, a variety of materials, including wood and synthetic materials, are used to make Japanese handles.

Types of Wood

Ebony

Advantages:

• A hard and dense type of wood
• Comes with a beautiful black color
• Makes knives look elegant.

Disadvantages:

• Can be expensive
• Can be heavy to handle

Walnut

Pros:

• Has a warm brown color and subtle grained texture.
• Relatively light weight.

Disadvantages:

• To prevent drying and cracking, may need to be treated with oil or wax.

Magnolia

Advantages:

• Lightweight and easy handling.
• Absorbs moisture well and prevents hand slippage.

Disadvantages:

• Not as durable as some of the other woods.
• If not properly maintained, can be prone to cracking.
• Because it absorbs moisture, it can discolor.

Teak

Pros:

• Extremely durable and resistant to the weather
• Golden-brown colored and grained

Disadvantages:

• Can be heavy and is less expressive in design than Wenge, Walnut or Ebony.

Burlwood

Advantages:

• Can be found in a variety of species with unique grain patterns
• Is relatively light in weight.

Disadvantages:

• Can be expensive. Some species may have cavities or other imperfections.

Cherry Tree Wood

Pros:

• Has a warm, reddish-brown color and attractive figured grain.
• It is lightweight and easy to work with.

Disadvantages:

• Can be less durable than some other types of wood
• If not properly maintained, it can be prone to cracking.

Wenge

Advantages:

• Has a dark brown color. Has a distinctive grain pattern.
• Can withstand heavy use. Very hard and dense wood.
• Relatively lightweight.

Disadvantages:

• If not properly cared for, can become brittle and prone to cracking.
• Some people may find the dark color or the grain pattern to be less attractive.

Synthetic Materials

Micarta

Advantages:

• A composite material that is made up of several layers of fabric or paper.
• Available in a variety of colors.
• For a more luxurious look, can be highly polished.

Disadvantages:

• Can have a "lifeless" feel to it.

Pakka Wood

Pros:

• Wood composite made by fusing several layers of wood together under high heat and pressure and impregnation with resin.
  
• Looks like normal wood. Requires no maintenance.

Disadvantages:

• Does not feel like real wood.

Conclusion

These are the main differences between the different types of grips and the materials. Choose the one that you like and that feels good in your hand. Have you already got a Japanese knife? Then let me know what your preferred handle shape is.