Knife Blade Types

Knives were first used at least two and a half million years ago, and the first ones were made up of rock and flint. Since then knives of different types, with various types of blades, made of various materials, have evolved. This is one tool that has remained with man since the stone age. It's an important part of the kitchen cutlery even today. In the following paragraphs, we will see the various types of knife blades that are available today and the purposes they are used for. Have a go.

Types of Knives

Fixed Blade Knife
The fixed blade knife is the most basic type of knife. It is a single piece of metal connected to a handle. This knife was developed for hard jobs. If you are looking for a knife to take for camping purposes, then the fixed blade would be the perfect choice. It has a simple design and does not have any moving mechanism, so using this knife is very easy. It is also very durable. The Bowie knife is the most used fixed blade knife.

Folding Knife Blade
Folding knives are compact and are easy to carry. They do not have a simple design and are hence difficult to make. These knives can come with various types of folding mechanisms, and some folding knives even have a locking system. Due to the complex designs the blade types that can be used with these knives are limited. They are less durable as compared to fixed blade knives.

Butterfly Knives
The butterfly knife is a very innovative type of knife. It bears many similarities with the folding knife, but its mechanisms are very different from that of the folding knife. This type of knife has two handles which have cavities in them that house the knife blade. In some states these knives are illegal to use.

Types of Knife Blades

Straightback Blade
This is the basic type of knife blade. One of its sides is straight, which is called the knife back, while the side that cuts, is a curve. Thus it is called the straightback blade. The straight back adds to the mass of the knife and lets the user apply more impact by placing his fingers on the back. It can be used for various purposes like chopping, slitting, etc.

Trailing Point Blade
Both the sides of this knife are curvy. The back edge of the blade, which is straight in the case of straightback blades, curves away from the cutting side in a trailing point blade. These knives are usually lighter in weight and cannot be used for heavy work. But they can be very effectively used for slashing or cutting something open.

Clip Point Blade
This one is like the normal blade whose back curves concavely. This blade usually has a very sharp point. The back of this knife can have another edge. The pointed tip of this blade comes in handy when you are digging, piercing or making way through tight places. The Bowie type of knife uses this clip point blade.

Drop Point Blade
This blade is the opposite of the clip point blade. Its back curves in a convex way and its tip is not as sharp or pointed as the clip point blade. The Swiss army knives used by military personnel employ this drop point blade.

Spear Point Blade
This blade is, like the name suggests, spear shaped. Its cutting and back side are symmetrically curving. This blade may be double edged or single edged with the back edge being blunt. Pen knives mostly use this type of blade. Throwing knives also use the spear point type of blade.

Needle Point Blade
This knife is somewhat similar to the spear point blade, but the symmetrical edges are more narrowing toward the tip. This blade is mostly double edged and is used in many kinds of knives that are used for combat or hunting. It is a variety of the dagger.

Choose a knife based on the purpose for which you want to use it. Secondly, check if the knife you are buying is legal in your state, as some types of knives are illegal to own in some states. Also, you can get assistance from the knife sharpening tips and techniques that are available all over the web. Lastly, remember to use them carefully.