What is the Term for This Knife Feature?

[Darth Indiana]

the thicker portion just before the tang on some chef knives. what's that called? i mean if i wanted to go into a shop and get that kind, what would i tell them i was looking for?

 

[ouch]

Bolster.

The knife pictured has a full bolster, which makes it harder to sharpen the heel portion of the blade. Here's a knife with a half bolster.