noun
Primarily a pull handle or knob on a drawer, sliding door, or lid. The 'patron' sense is rare and historical, referring to a supporter or backer, especially in traditional arts or sumo.
引き出しの引き手が取れてしまった。
The knob on the drawer came off.
ふすまの引き手に指をかけて開けた。
I hooked my finger into the sliding door's pull handle and opened it.
取っ手 is a general handle or grip, often on pots, doors, or luggage. 引き手 specifically implies a pulling action and is common on sliding doors and drawers.
Compound of 引き (hiki, 'pulling', the continuative form of 引く) and 手 (te, 'hand'). Literally 'pulling hand', referring to a part grasped to pull something open.