knob / pommel
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knob
A usually round or spherical handle on a door, cane, drawer, or lid.
Anstelle einer Klinke hatte die schwere Eichentür einen großen, eisernen Knauf in der Mitte.
Instead of a handle, the heavy oak door had a large iron knob in the middle.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Knauf' (knob/pommel) from the context. If people are talking about doors, furniture, or canes, it means the handle. If it is about historical weapons such as swords or daggers, it means the end of the grip.
Er drehte am messingfarbenen Knauf, aber die Tür war verschlossen.
He turned the brass-colored knob, but the door was locked.
When it refers to a handle, 'Knauf' (knob) often appears together with the place where it is located. Typical phrases are 'der Knauf an der Tür' (the knob on the door), 'der Knauf des Spazierstocks' (the knob of the walking stick), or 'der Knauf auf dem Deckel' (the knob on the lid).
Der hölzerne Knauf der Schublade war ganz abgenutzt.
The wooden knob of the drawer was completely worn down.
The meaning 'Griffende eines Schwertes' (end of a sword grip) is mainly used in specific contexts, for example in history, in museums, or in fantasy literature.
Im Museum wurde erklärt, dass der Knauf als Gegengewicht zur Klinge dient.
In the museum, it was explained that the pommel serves as a counterweight to the blade.
handle / grip
'der Griff' and 'der Knauf' can both mean the part of an object that you use with your hand. 'Griff' is the more general word here: a 'Griff' can be long, wide, or shaped in some other way, for example on a bag, a knife, or a door. 'Knauf' usually means a round or spherical handle, for example on a door or drawer. The words can be confused because a 'Knauf' is also a kind of 'Griff'. If the shape is not important, 'Griff' often fits. If the handle is clearly round, 'Knauf' is more precise.
An der alten Tür ist ein runder Knauf aus Messing.
On the old door there is a round brass knob.
Der Griff meiner Tasche ist gerissen, deshalb kann ich sie kaum tragen.
The handle of my bag is torn, so I can hardly carry it.