custom knife making

What does the bolster of wa handle for? Japanese kitchen knives generally have a bolster(a part of wa handle) made of buffalo-horn, plastic or plywood for bolster which material is harder than its wooden handle. These days, there are Japanese kitchen knives without bolster. So what does the bolster for?   To prevent from cracking When you attach the knife blank to wa handle, some might have experienced, the handle may crack or break. Even a skilled craftman carefully attach it, especially for deba knife (pointed carver) which tang is thick. Also, it might crack or break by pressing the...