Aside from being very useful kitchen tools, knives are also handy outdoors. They’re great for hunting, EDC, and self-defense tools, especially for close combat. But, there are so many blade types it’s hard to know which to go with. So, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of the popular knife blade types to help you decide on your next blade.
Knife Blade Types
Normal Blade/Straight Back Blade
A normal blade or straight back blade has a curved edge and a dull, flat spine. This kind of knife is great for chopping or slicing because you can apply pressure to the spine for more leverage. This is a great feature common on tactical knives and applications meant for survival or camping.
- Edge Angles - 20 Degrees
- Overall length 11.875 inches
- The most famous fixed blade knife design in the world
Drop-Point Blade
A drop-point knife is usually used for hunting. A drop-point blade slopes on the spine from the handle to the tip with the curve on the top in a convex style. The spine is also stronger and thicker to continue forward to the tip of the blade. This way the point is also aligned with the center axis of the knife, eliminating any pitch momentum when stabbing.
This is a good all-purpose shape that excels at stabbing and can still cut and skin well also.
- DIMENSIONS: 7.8 inch overall length with a blade length of 3.3 inches
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 400 series Stainless Steel
- Details Coming soon
- Item Package Weight - 0.18 Pounds
Clip-Point Blade
A clip-point blade has its front part “clipped” off. The clipped part can be straight or concave. A clip-point blade can usually be found on knives used for tasks that require precision but not on tactical knives.
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- CLIP POINT BLADE: D2 tool steel for a durable and long lasting edge
- AMBIDEXTROUS CROSSBAR LOCK: Facilitates both opening and closing
Needle-Point Blade
A needle-point blade or a dagger blade has a weak point that can break on tough targets and has no cutting edge for slicing. It has an extremely thin and sharp point that pierces soft targets effectively.
Spear-Point Blade
A spear-point blade is almost similar to a needle-point blade but with a more defined and sharper edge that’s great for slicing. Both edges of the blade are symmetrical and can both be sharpened. Spear-point blades are often found on throwing knives.
Tanto Blade
The tanto blade is designed based on the sword used by samurais during Japan’s feudal period. The word “tanto” is a Japanese sword that means “short sword.” A tanto blade has a flat grind and a sharp, reinforced point, resulting in excellent penetrating power. These features make the tanto good for stabbing and therefore effective in combat.
- DEVELOPED AND REFINED: Through our pioneering research, this blade shape has proven the value of the "American Tanto" style reinforced point beyond question
- TRUSTED: Having seen active military application in numerous conflicts, it is on its way to becoming the preferred fixed blade for special military units and SWAT teams
- As much as Cold Steel loves the massive cutting and piercing power of big, fixed blade knives, there is no denying that wearing one in plain sight will often draw unwanted attention or comments....
- Available in traditional and reinforced point blade styles, they offer astounding cutting and thrusting potential that belies their modest stature.
Sheepsfoot Blade
A sheepsfoot blade comes with a straight, sharp edge and a dull spine. These sides run parallel with then sharply curve down towards the point, creating a 60° to 90° blade tip. Because of its dull spine, a sheepsfoot blade is great for slicing and cutting tasks that require better control of the blade. These blades can be fixed or folded and can be single bevel or double bevel.
These are great for campsite food prep.
- Crafted from the highest quality materials
- Built for performance and durability
- DIMENSIONS: 6.9 inch (17.5 cm) overall length with a blade length of 2.8 inches (7.1 cm) and a weight of 4.4 ounces
- DURABLE: Both blade and spike are made of reliable High Carbon Stainless Steel to maintain sharp edges and withstand rugged outdoor use
Hawkbill Blade/Talon
A hawkbill blade is shaped in a sharp downward curve like a hawk’s bill. The blade’s outer curve is dull while its inner curve is the cutting edge. Hawkbill knives are often used as tactical weapons because their extremely sharp point makes them great for piercing even if the spine isn’t sharpened.
- CURVED BLADE: This blade design makes cutting easy. Simply pull it towards you while dragging it along the cutting surface for a clean shear
- POINTED TIP: This knife will keep a firm hold of most surfaces. Its tip is meant for you to be able to jab it wherever you need to cut. It won’t let go easily, giving you improved cuts
- This folding utility knife features a heavy-duty hawkbill blade that is easily replaceable to eliminate the need for sharpening
- Handle has rubberized grip and release lever for lockback mechanism
Wharncliffe Blade
A Wharncliffe blade is short but very thick and durable with a highly defined point. It has a straight edge and its spine is convex-shaped and slopes down from its apex halfway along the blade towards the point.
- German-made Nitro-V Wharncliffe Blade --- The Wharncliffe blade offers precise cutting and versatility. Its straight edge aids in controlled slicing and safety.
- Buttery Smooth Action --- This folding knife rides on ceramic ball bearings, ensuring buttery smooth action via flipper or thumb stud opener.
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- Raising The Bar: Raising that bar even higher, the newest version of this workhorse design features a traditional Wharncliffe-style blade.
Recurve
A recurve blade has an edge that curves inward like an elongated S. Recurve knives are excellent for cutting objects with rounded surfaces, for cutting sticks or branches, and for cutting rope.
- Archery arrows:Length:31", Outer diameter: 0.31 inch/7.8 mm. Fletching with 2 Black 1 white vanes. For draw weight 20-60 pounds recurve, compound, or long bows.
- Hunting arrows are solid & well made. Precision carbon targeting arrows made for extended durability and long lasting target practice.
- Shaft length:30", Full Length:31.5",Outer diameter: 7.8mm.For draw weight 35-50 lbs recurve bow or long bows.The carbon arrows are solid & well made
- 5" big turkey feathers fletching make flight always pointed the right way.flying faster, more stable and shoot straighter. obtain higher value in hunting and practice.
Reverse Tanto
As the name implies, a reverse tanto is a flipped version of the tanto blade. Its spine meets the edge in a straight, downward manner, while the edge is curved upwards. This design gives it better penetration, making it more effective for stabbing.
As you can see in the picture above, knife designers often mix and blend styles to achieve benefits from multiple types.
Trailing Point Blade
The trailing point blade has a tip that curves upwards and higher than the knife’s spine. The tip is also significantly thinner than the blade’s body so it breaks easily when used on hard objects. Trailing point blades are used for skinning, slicing, and other delicate cutting tasks.
- Dimensions: 7 inches in overall length with a 3.5-inch handle. 3.5 inches in blade length, 1-inch width and 4mm thickness.
- Strong: This hunting knife features a full tang, upsweep point blade made from premium quality stainless steel treated for optimal edge retention and resistance to rust and corrosion.
- Pocket Folding Knife with Stainless Steel blade and IronHandle which can withstand great force,wear resistance,skid resistance.
- Blade length - 2.2”; Handle length - 3.8”; Overall length - 6”; Weight - 2.24 oz.
Spey Point Blade
A spey point blade was originally designed to neuter farm animals. It features a blunt point that prevents the user from accidentally jabbing the surface. This type of blade is great for making clean cuts.
- DIMENSIONS: 7 inch (17.8 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.2 inches (8.1 cm) and a weight of 2.8 ounces
- DURABLE: Blades are made of High Carbon Stainless Steel with a realistic Staglon handle
- DIMENSIONS: 6.2 inch (15.7 cm) overall length with a blade length of 2.8 inches (7.1 cm) and a weight of 2.1 ounces
- DURABLE: Blades are made of High Carbon Stainless Steel with a realistic Staglon handle
Gut Hook
A gut hook blade is usually used by hunters to skin downed game. It has a sharp and curved tip that resembles a hook. This hook is extremely helpful in making long, straight cuts while opening an animal’s body without piercing the lining of the tender belly.
Personally, I do this work with a skinning or caping knife instead of switching to a special blade just for convenience. But for bigger jobs, these can really come in handy.
- Knife with a 2.0 mm thick blade of Swedish cold-rolled special stainless steel with inside edge.
- Plastic handle.
![Gerber Gear Vital Zip [31-002745], Orange](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31-M-3ivLLL._SL160_.jpg)
- Highly visual, orange rubber handle is easy to spot + grip.
- Nimble razor blade ideal for the hunt, worksite, or rescue situations.
Conclusion
Consider each blade type carefully especially if you’ll be using it for your EDC because there might be instances when your task or even your life will depend on it. Always keep your blade clean because no matter how sharp it is, it will get dull or rusty if not cared for properly.
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Last update on 2024-04-15 / Images from Amazon Product API
