Chen Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Tree (mù) Entry: Ba Kangxi Stroke Count: 25 Page 564, Entry 17 Pronounced ba (falling tone). The name for the handle of a knife. Classified Dictionary (Leipian) states it has the same meaning as fang (a square timber or pillar). The character pa is sometimes written as ba. Record of Vermilion Lead (Danqianlu) states this refers to obtaining this handle.