
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.
- Easy To Sharpen: High carbon stainless steel blade takes an edge well
- Enhanced Protection: Black stonewash is durable and ages well
- DIMENSIONS: 8 inch (20.32 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) and a weight of 4.8 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel with a black, G10 handle
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.
- DIMENSIONS: 7.1 Inch (18 Cm) Overall Length With A Blade Length Of 3.1 Inches (7.9 Cm) And A Weight Of 3.5 Ounces
- DURABLE: Blade Is Made Of Reliable 7Cr17Mov Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel With A Black, Aluminum Handle
- DIMENSIONS: 7.8 inch (19.8 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.3 inches (8.4 cm) and a weight of 3.2 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel with a black, aluminum handle
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.
- COMBAT DESIGN - The Recon Tanto has been extensively used in various conflicts over the past two decades, earning its reputation as a go-to combat knife for military and SWAT teams worldwide, thanks...
- SUPERIOR BLADE QUALITY - Crafted from SK-5 high-carbon steel, the Recon Tanto boasts a razor-sharp blade that delivers superior durability, abrasion resistance, outstanding cutting power, and edge...
- Tanto Blade: Featured great hardness and excellent corrosion resistance 7CR13Mov stainless steel sharp blade, this slim tanto knife is good for puncturing and piercing. It’s a nice edc knife with...
- Ergonomic Handle and Glass Breaker: Black coating stainless steel handle with unique texture allows stiff grip and feels awesome in your hand. Cool survival knife with window breaker can get emergent...
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
- Stonewashed D2 Steel Blade: Featuring a 2.99-inch sheepsfoot blade with a rugged stonewashed finish, this knife offers corrosion resistance and durability for outdoor or everyday tasks.
- Compact and Lightweight: With an overall length of 5.79 inches and a weight of 0.13 lbs, it’s perfectly sized for everyday carry.
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
- Crafted from D2 steel, this knife offers exceptional edge retention and wear resistance, maintaining its sharpness over extended use. The black coating adds corrosion resistance, enhancing durability
- Curved blade design ensures easy cutting; just pull it towards you along the cutting surface for a smooth shear. The pointed tip allows precise jabbing cuts, holding firm for cleaner results
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.
- QUALITY CRAFTED: Features a stainless steel, plain edge blade, textured grip, liner lock, reversible thumb stud, and reversible pocket clip
- SURVIVAL GEAR AND EQUIPMENT: Made with a stainless steel blade that will stand the test of time and conveniently travel with you
- Versatile Folding Pocket Knife Utility: The CJRB Pyrite-Light pocket knife isn't just any tool; it's a versatile folding knife companion for various cutting tasks. Whether for everyday carry, hunting...
- Precision Engineering : Crafted with precision engineering, this pocket knife boasts a flat blade grind and a 3.34'' AR-RPM9 Wharncliffe blade. This ensures exceptional edge retention and durability,...
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.
- DIMENSIONS: 8 inch (20.32 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.5 inches (8.89 cm) and a weight of 4.8 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel with a black, G10 handle
- TOUGH BLADE - The largest Razor Tek knife features a robust 6.5" recurve blade crafted from 4116 stainless steel, known for its resistance & durability; With its finely grained steel and belly-forward...
- READY FOR ADVENTURE - Built for wilderness outings, the hunting knife combines a sturdy blade and an ergonomic, textured GFN handle; Its contoured grip ensures control & comfort, while the...
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.
- 7.0 inches overall length
- Stainless steel blade
- ✅Premium Nitro-V trailing point blade.
- ✅Wildly ergonomic 3D machined G10 handle.
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: 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
- DIMENSIONS: 6.9 inch (17.5 cm) overall length with blade lengths of 3 inches (7.6 cm) and a weight of 2.8 ounces
- DURABLE: Blades are made of reliable High Carbon Stainless Steel to maintain a sharp edge and to withstand rugged outdoor use
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.
- DURABLE HUNTING GEAR: The Gerber Vital Zip utility knife features an exchangeable plain edge utility blade, a textured grip rubber handle, fabric sheath with belt loop, and two replacement blades
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Finger choil offers quick, confident use, and the structured utility blade reduces risk of accidental puncturing in delicate areas while field dressing during hunting trips
- EFFORTLESS FIELD DRESSING TOOLS – Includes the patented Butt Out 2 for quick removal of the anal alimentary canal and a 5.7-inch Gut Hook for precision cutting, making game preparation easier and...
- DURABLE AND REPLACEABLE BLADE DESIGN – The blaze-orange Gut Hook features a replaceable blade, ensuring long-lasting use and reliable performance for multiple hunting seasons, while its bright color...
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 2025-04-15 / Images from Amazon Product API