i'm looking into getting a knife made. how far into a shed antler does a hidden tang go for a 4" blade. i'm looking at putting a firesteel up the inside of the handle (see firesteel in handle thread on here) just trying to work out how long the handle has to be.

IMO, 2" minimum.

Hey oz,

I usually try to get at least 3 1/2" of tang into a handle no matter the length of the blade or handle.  More is better.  You'll have to do the cm conversions.  ;~)

But I'd rather have the tang at least 3/4 the length of the handle if I can.  It's just a personal preference.  

Some guys only go a couple inches, but the knife will balance easier and be stronger the more tang you have to work with to start.  

With your fire starter idea, you can always notch the tang so that the stick will fit down the center of the tang.  You'll be drilling all the way through anyway, so you can make the tang nearly to the end like a T/D or through tang, slot/notch for the fire stick and still have a strong, well balanced knife.

I've taken Xrays of a lot of hidden tang knives to see how different bladesmiths make 'em.  Very informative and surprising how short some are...even one mastersmith's blade.  tippit

how short Doc? <><

Frank,  I don't tend to do hidden tangs so I not the one to really comment.  But I was just surprised by my xrays that even some bigger blades just had a few inches of hidden tang.

Yeah I know I am not a big fan of them. But I got lots of them. Made A few and always made sure they were at least hafl the handle. I just wanted to know what some of the pros do.<><