Spyderco Blade Shapes

When it comes to knives, a lot of focus is (justifiably) given to the blade’s steel. You can make a great knife with good steel, but you can’t make a good knife with bad steel. Some are just way better than others. Obviously, this also has to do with the designated use of the knife, but essentially the focus on the steel, and the grind which is used (hollow, scandi, flat, etc.)

One of the aspects which is sometimes slightly overlooked is the actual shape of the blade. This is also a major contributing factor, and it sets knives – and their uses – apart. There are many different types of blade shapes, and they serve different purposes. Some shapes were invented by seafaring buccaneers and fishermen, others were made by hunters and wilderness campers, and there are also shapes specifically designed for combat, and even emergency situations.

The Most Common Blade Shapes:

Drop Point

A blade in which the tip point is a little lower than the spine of the knife. The origin of this shape is in hunting knives. The drop point shape is one of the most popular shapes for every day carry (EDC).

Sheepfoot

This blade has a smooth cutting edge and a blunted, rounded tip. The main advantage of this shape is that there is no point, and this greatly reduces the chances of accidental punctures. For this reason, it is widely used in emergency situations.

Wharncliffe Blade

Wharncliffe

A blade shape in which the point of the knife slides downward from the spine to meet a straight cutting edge at the tip. It resembles a Sheepfoot, but there is a very sharp point to it. One main advantage of this shape is that they are very easy to sharpen. There is no belly or indent, but a straight edge. This could be a disadvantage when slicing or draw cutting, since the tip does a lot of the work.

Clip Point / Modified Clip Point

A blade ground on the spine in an angled or sweeping line downward to meet the point. Very similar to drop point blade shape.

Hawkbill Blade

Hawkbill

This tearing- and slashing-oriented shape is most commonly used by fishermen. It is a blade with a sharp curve on it, and it is designed for cutting with a pulling motion. Excellent for quickly getting through lines, webbing, and netting.

Reverse S Blade

Reverse S

So named due to its resemblance to a backwards letter “S”, this blade shape has the tip curving downward. It has a tip which is reminiscent of the Hawkbill blade, but it has a wide belly in an outward arc. A good slicer.

Assist

This blade has a blunt tip, which is designed to prevent any accidental punctures. Ideal for cutting webbing, rope, seatbelts, or clothing. This shape is also used by emergency and first-response personnel.

Bowie Blade

Bowie

The Bowie blade is used to describe any variation of a blade which has a primary cutting edge with a curved “belly” and a clipped point. This blade shape is named after Colonel James Bowie. The clip may be sharpened or unsharpened or may be straight or concave, and the shape is still considered to be a Bowie.

Double-Edge

A blade with sharpened edges on both the primary edge and the spine. Alternatively, the shape could be a symmetrical blade with two sharpened edges, like the ones on a dagger.

Spearpoint

This blade is symmetrical, and it has curves on the spine and the cutting edge. The blade’s centerline holds the primary bevel and the point. Spearpoint-shaped blades sometimes have swedges (sharpened or unsharpened) on the lower part of the knife’s spine.

Leaf Blade

Leaf

This is a shape which was developed and refined over the years by Spyderco. It resembles a Spearpoint blade, but is not as symmetrical. Furthermore, it typically has more of a point, and no swedge.

Other types of shapes exist, but these are the most popular ones. The blade shape matters. Depending on the task, one shape could complete it before another. Certain shapes have specific uses, and it shows. Trying to prepare food with a Hawkbill is usually going to result in disappointment, but it can cut through ropes and boxes like nothing else!

It is of utmost importance to pay attention to the law, as well. Some shapes are not permitted for every day carry in the United States. There are federal regulation and state regulation. Depending on your local laws, you will find that carrying one shape is much more preferable to the other. You’ll have to see which shape meets your requirements, as well as the law’s requirements. Doing research always helps, and it guarantees that you will be purchasing a knife which will last you for a long time. Providing, of course, that you maintain it and take good care of it.