What is a bolster?
                                    
									It's the raised thick part between the blade and the handle, which usually distinguishes the knife as fully forged.
								 
								
									The bolster acts as a guard providing safety, balance, sturdiness, and comfort.
									Beware of companies that manufacture knives with an imitation bolster as these knives are invariably poorer in quality compared to a "one piece fully forged" knife.
									Read more glossary terms in our Education Section.