The Different Types of Knife Blades
If you have ever shown even a minimal interest in cutlery, you may have noticed that knives can be radically different, even to a novice eye. Indeed, there are different blades, designed for distinct purposes and uses.
First of all, it is necessary to differentiate between two types of knives: fixed blade knives and folding blade knives. The fixed blade is favored by all survivalists due to its ease of use and robustness. Folding blades are preferred when space is needed or when the use of the knife is more occasional. The choice will therefore depend on the use and frequency. In any case, it is always better to have a knife than nothing at all!
Now, there are different types of blades to choose from, not based on aesthetics (even though it is very tempting) but based on the utility of the knife.
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Straight Edge Blade: probably the most standard blade. It allows for cutting or piercing, and the flat back allows the user to place their fingers on it.
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Trailing-Point Blade: an easily recognizable blade thanks to its upward curve designed for slicing but can also be used for skinning.
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Drop-Point Blade: sometimes called a Bourbonnaise blade, this blade is more made for piercing and perforating than slicing. The tip of the blade is slightly lower than the axis.
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Clip-Point Blade: this blade comes in several forms and can resemble saber blades. The sharp tip is very practical for cutting in tight spaces but also for piercing.
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Spear-Point Blade: a blade with a symmetrical tip that somewhat resembles the Drop-Point blade. The Spear-Point can be made with a single or double edge.
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Spay-Point Blade: once used for animal sterilization, this blade has a single sharp edge curving towards the tip.
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Needle-Point Blade: meaning needle in English, this symmetrical blade is designed primarily for piercing and perforating. It is generally less robust than other blades. Its particular shape sometimes allows it to be considered a stabbing weapon.
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Tanto Blade: this blade is similar to the Japanese katana and has a very sharp tip. Most of the blades of this type available in Europe are a Western adaptation of the Tantō blade.
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Sheep Foot Blade: sometimes commonly referred to by its French name (pied de mouton), this blade has a straight edge and thus allows the user to place their fingers on the back.
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Wharncliffe Blade: very similar in shape to the Sheep Foot but with a more gradual and rounded curve, this blade is also thicker than that of a knife of similar size.
There are obviously other types of blades, but here are the most common ones. Finally, you also have the choice between a serrated blade or a straight edge (some knives have both). If you need a good knife for cutting bread, small wood branches, or ropes, opt for a serrated blade. Conversely, a straight edge will allow you to slice meat like butter. Even though it can also cut wood or rougher materials, the straight edge is not specifically designed for that, and you will therefore need to sharpen the knife more often to maintain its cutting power.