Knife Buyer's Guide: Understanding Blade Shapes

#NEED AKNIFE wwW.BLADEHQ.COM #NEEDAKNIFE wwW.BLADEHQ.COM CLIP POINT The spine continues straight past the handle and partway across, the spine near the tip of the blade angles downward This portion looks as if part of the blade has been cut out, and it can be straight or concaved. -Good for piercing and stabbing -Plenty of belly for slicing -Narrow tip, doesn't have the most tip strength DAGGER Features two cutting edges. This type of blade is typically seen on fixed blade and OTF knives. -Great for piercing -Generally a fragile tip-no prying with it DROP POINT The spine gradually drops ina convex angle to the tip of the blade. -Popular for hunting and survival knives -Strong, wide tip, less prone to breaking (takes lots of use į abuse) -Great all-purpose blade -Plenty of belly for slicing -Because tip is broad, not as good for piercing HAWKBILL %S4 The blade features a rounded spine that curves downward in addition to a concave cutting edge. -Often used by fisherman (to cut line, webbing, and netting) -Usefulness revolves around using the tip -> the tip will dull quicker -Good for self-defense -Seen on Karambit-style knives KUKRI This shape is a recurved drop point/spear point Combination. -Good chopping action -Not good for delicate tasks LEAF-SHAPED Similar to a spear point or drop point blade, but it typically doesn't have a swedge, and its point is more acute. -Fine point is good for piercing and detail work -Long belly makes it a good EDC SHEEPSFOOT The spine curves down to the end of the blade and forms a blunt tip, and the cutting edge is straight. -Popular in rafting, sailing, and emergency rescue knives -The blade is designed to be held for maximum control -Easy to sharpen -8ecause there's no point, tip is strong and durable SPEAR POINT The spine and edge curve symmetrically to the blade tip. Spear points will sometimes have a swedge or false edge. -Good for thrusting -strong point -Smaller slicing belly STANDARD The spine runs from the handle to the blade tip in a straight line (no drop, no clip) and has a long, sweeping edge. -Lots of belly for slicing -Good for skinning TANTO The Americanized tanto blade features two distinct edge angles. Typically, these two angles meet toward the tip at an obtuse angle. -Great for piercing -Strong tip -NOT easy to sharpen (z edges=double the work) -Good for precision work TRAILING POINT The spine curves upward with the tip higher than the spine, and the blade edge sweeps upward to the tip. -Good for skinning -Great slicing and slashing action -Thinner tip, but it is out of the way WHARNCLIFFE The cutting edge is straight, like a Sheepsfoot, but it has a longer Sweeping of the spine and an acute angle at the tip of the blade. -Easy to sharpen -Good for whittling -Can get into small holes -fragile tip #NEED AKNIFE wwW.BLADEHQ COM #NEEDAKNIFE wwW.BLADEHQ.COM BLADE SHAPES