15 Different knife blade shapes & their purpose

Every knife is designed to serve a specific purpose. Their blades or carefully engineered to deliver the best possible outcome for the purpose that you wish for it to serve. So, whether you want to purchase a knife for yourself or as a gift, ask yourself what purpose do you wish the knife to serve. Your answer will point you in the direction at what to look for.

Have a look at the compiled list of blades and what you can use them for.

Different knife blade shapes & their purpose

Blunt Tip

Blunt tip blades are designed for watersports to prevent accidental stabbing when cutting entangles on boat throwlines or monofilament fishing lines.

Clip Point

A clip point knife is ideal for precision tasks as it is a very sharp and controllable point. This knife is great for piercing objects and can be found on anything from pocket folders to large fix blade hunting and fighting knifes.

Drop Point

The drop point is a very popular hunting, tactical and survival knife. Perfect for hunters to use for skinning and slicing. Great general-purpose use.

Gut Hook

The gut-hook is more a feature included on a blade that a shape itself. The main use for this feature is for field dressing wild game and allows hunters to cut through an animal’s skin without damaging what lies underneath it.

Hawkbill/Talon

The Hawkbill is designed to cut efficiently when pulled back in the direction of the handle, making this perfect for utilitarian tasks like carpet, linoleum and pruning vegetation.

Needle Point

The needle point is designed on the image of a toothpick with its main purpose to pierce and penetrate.

Pocket

Pocket knives are versatile with multiple features, designed to fit into small spaces and for multiple uses - making this the perfect gift!

Serrated

 

Serrated blades make it easier to cut through coarse, textured objects like tree branches or thicker objects.

Sheepsfoot

With no prominent top, the sheepsfoot purpose is to cut where a point is not needed. Great for carving wood or electrical work.

Straight Back

The straight back is heavier than normal, making it sturdier when pressure is applied for a deeper cut on thick objects.

Spey Point

The spey point is constructed with a flat edge to serve the purpose to hunters of skinning and dressing animals.

Spear Point

Spear points sometimes have two sharp edges, serving the purpose for accurate throwing.

Tanto

This is an extremely strong point blade and is a great utility knife and can be used in tough situations where piercing hard materials is needed.

Trailing Point

Ideal for processing fish and other small wildlife. Aiding in slashing, slicing and making long, even cuts.

Wharncliffe

This knife is a great replacement for a box cutter, with the intention of limited forward penetration.

If you have any questions about any of the knives mentioned above, please contact us or visit your nearest Safari Outdoor branch, or you can send a mail to [email protected]. Also, feel free to share them with us in the comments below.

Sources:

Knife Depot: Knife Blade Shapes

Gear Patrol: 12 Types Of Knife Blades And What They’re For

Backcountry: Know Your Blade – A Guide To Knife Shapes

Lansky: Knife Blade Profiles And Uses

Gear Experts: What’s The Point? A Guide To Knife Blade Shapes

Photo Credit: Expeds