Types of Blades on Pocket Knives

Clip-Point Blade

• Many pocket knives have clip-point blades. These may be compared to a normal blade, only the back is formed in a concave so that the tip becomes thin and sharp. A sharp-tipped clip-point blade may be use for picking, stabbing and cutting in tight places. It is usually a single-edged blade which means that the back is often a false edge. But you have the option to sharpen both edges if you want to take advantage of the knife’s piercing ability.

  Clip-point blade pocket knives, much like other pocket knives,. may be folded easily with a button, lever or lock for safer portability. The blades are often made of either carbon steel or stainless steel so they last for a long time and can be sharpened easily. They are only prone to corrosion if exposed to strong acids and a salty environment; otherwise, the blades are resistant to rust.

Drop-Point Blade

• Unlike the clip-point, drop-point blades have a convex shape at the back, making the tip a little less pointy and sharp. The design affects the function in the same way that the design of a clip-point does. Because it is relatively thinner, it is also less suitable for piercing, stabbing and cutting tight spots. Instead, its lower point of control compensates as it gives more strength to the tip of the blade.

  The popular Swiss Army pocket knives usually feature large drop-point blades which are perfect for slicing. This format is also used as a hunting knife. Generally speaking, the drop-point blade has many functions, whether for indoor or outdoor use.

Spear-Point Blade

• A spear-point blade is also often found in pocket knives. The design of the blade is symmetrical and has a spine along the middle of the blade. The point is closely in line with the spine so that it ends equally into a sharp tip.

  Spear-point blades can be single-edged or double-edged. There are other designs wherein only some parts of the secondary edge is sharpened. In most cases, though, spear-point blade pocket knives are double-edged to make it more useful for stabbing.

  Pen-knives are often compared to spear-point pocket knives. It is even considered as a large pocket knife. Pen knives, however, are often singled-edged. In addition, it doesn’t have spines that often characterize a spear-point pocket knife. Pen knives were first used to sharpen quills for writing--hence, the name.