Why do knives have scales?

[Neptune]

The title is the question. Why are the sides of knife handle called scales?
Even Mr Google seems vague and quotes various theories that often contradict.
Over to you AGF Knife Intelligensia.

 

[Frappy]

Because you have to weigh up which ones you like?

 

[Bladesmith]

Good question in olden times it’s the word for cover the sides ( tang )

 

[2506sendero]

Good question in olden times it’s the word for cover the sides ( tang )

And the USA custom makers still tend to use the word "covers" for folders rather than scales.

 

[Bladesmith]

Been researching a bit more and it comes from Germany to cover the tang and the word scale comes from the Norse word scal which means shell

 

[Plinkerton]

I also went on a little entomological journey and it was interesting to learn that scale as in weighing scales, ruler markings or ascending a ladder have a different origin, coming from the Latin Scala, to climb.

 

[Berber]

Put the fish down, and take the knife out of your mouth.