Scandinavian style knives come from a long tradition of form following function. These knives are nearer to having straight spines than to having pronounced clip or drop points. Similarly, Helle (of Norway) favors blade patterns that have a slight drop point profile. Another Finnish maker, Marttiini, makes a model called the Lynx, with a clip blade, but the clip is so subtle that it looks like a straight spine on casual inspection. Roselli of Finland mostly have straight spines. Scandinavian knives that follow traditional designs are among the best examples today. Straight spine blade: This blade type is pretty much self descriptive, meaning any blade that has a straight, or very nearly straight, spine for its entire length. Otherwise, they are pretty much equal in capability. The drop point may have an advantage in field dressing big game animals, while the clip point is usually a bit better as a skinning knife. It is a modern example of the classic American Bowie knife type, suitable for heavy duty outdoor adventures.Ĭlip point blades are arguably as versatile as drop points. The Joker CN100 Bowie Knife has a longer and wider blade, with a more pronounced clip point. It is a light, nimble, versatile, general purpose hunting and outdoor utility knife. The Buck #102 Woodsman has a slender clip point blade. Either way, the tip usually lies somewhat lower than the rearward portion of the blade spine. The clipped forward portion of the spine may be straight, or may have a shallow concave curvature. The typical clip blade has a spine that is mostly straight, but is abruptly "clipped" at some distance toward the tip. Clip point blade: The clip point is also a quite popular fixed blade pattern. A well designed drop point knife can be used to deftly gut, skin and butcher a deer, prepare the ingredients for a camp stew and do just about anything else that one may need a knife for while hunting, camping, or pursuing other outdoor adventures. The Spyderco Bill Moran FB02BB, Buck Vanguard and Buck Open Season Small Game Knife are typical examples of drop point blade knives.ĭrop point knives are very versatile and the design puts a little more steel above the point, making it stronger than, for example, a clip point. The spine may be straight for the majority of its length, then curving downward near the tip, or it may curve gently downward throughout its length. A drop point blade is so-called, because the blade spine drops to the point in a convex curve. Image courtesy of Buck Knives.ĭrop point blade: This is probably the most prevalent blade pattern for fixed blade hunting and general outdoor use knives today. I believe this will become clear as I work through the pattern list.įixed blade knives Buck Vanguard knife. Others are named for the use for which the blade pattern is best suited or purposely designed (e.g., skinner). Several blade pattern names relate to how the spine of the blade is curved or angled, relative to a straight line. I use these brands and models as examples, not as endorsements, so anyone who may be unfamiliar with a blade pattern can use the Internet to find images of the knife model cited and see what the blade pattern looks like. I will cite one or more examples of popular commercial knives that use the blade pattern in question.īuck brand knives will be my main examples for fixed blade knives, and Case brand pocket knife models for most folding knife examples. I made a list of common and useful blade patterns (or profiles, if you prefer) for fixed blade knives, and also a list of patterns for folding knife blades some key patterns appear on both lists. Reflecting on knives that I currently own and on those which I have used at one time or another, I realize there are certain blade patterns that dominate my experience as a user of knives for hunting, general outdoors use, and everyday carry (utility uses). I am into my seventh decade of buying, using, giving away, wearing out and discarding knives. Blade Patterns for Hunting/Outdoors and Everyday Carry Knives
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