Knives have come a long way since their invention over two million years ago. And while their purpose has remained the same, the blade shapes have evolved from sharpened stones to curved, flexible blades made of tough, durable metals. The shape of the knife blade determines how well it will perform in specific use cases.
Different blade shapes excel in specific cutting tasks – some are designed to cut through bones while others are simply made to slice bread. And while you may have plenty of knives in your kitchen to choose from, you won’t have a full arsenal while you’re out hunting, hiking, or exploring. So to make sure you get the sharpest, cleanest, and most precise cut, exactly when you need it, let’s take a look at the best types of knife blades to add to your everyday carry (EDC) collection.
18 Types of Knives & What They're Made For
1. Drop Point
The drop point blade is one of the most popular shapes, characterized by a convex curve along the spine of the blade that drops down to meet the point. This shape creates a broad and strong tip, ideal for tasks that require controlled, precise cuts. The broad blade also provides ample cutting surface, making it suitable for slicing, chopping, and general-purpose use. Drop point blades are commonly found in chef's knives, everyday carry knives, and hunting knives.
2. Clip Point
The clip point blade shape features a concave curve near the spine of the blade, which creates a distinct “clipped” or angled tip. This design has a more fine and delicate point, making it ideal for piercing and detailed work. The clipped portion of the blade often contains notches for sharpening or cutting cordage, while also enabling you to cut in tight spaces with precision. Clip point blades are typically present in pocket knives, survival knives, and tactical knives.
3. Full Serrated
The full serrated blade shape is distinguished by a series of small, jagged teeth running along the entire length of the cutting edge. These teeth are designed to grip and tear through materials effortlessly, making it ideal for cutting fibrous materials like rope, fabric, and cardboard. Full serrated blades are commonly found in rescue knives, bread knives, and some tactical knives.
4. Partial Serrated
As the name suggests, the partial serrated blade features a combination of a smooth edge and a serrated edge, usually near the base of the blade. This dual-purpose design offers the best of both worlds: the smooth edge is suitable for clean slicing and chopping, while the serrated portion can handle tougher, fibrous materials. Partial serrated blades are versatile and are often found in multi-purpose knives, camping knives, and some everyday carry knives.
5. Straight Blades
The straight blade shape, as its name implies, features a linear cutting edge that runs uniformly from the base to the tip. This straightforward design offers a consistent cutting surface, versatile enough to handle everything from slicing to chopping. Straight blades are staples of utility knives, chef's knives, and many everyday carry knives, prized for their simplicity and effectiveness.
6. Spear Point
The spear point blade shape resembles a symmetrical spearhead, with both sides of the blade curving upward to meet at the center spine, forming a sharp and unbreakable point. This blade shape pierces and slices equally as well, and the symmetrical design allows for double-sided sharpening, perfect for ambidextrous users. Spear point blades are widely used in throwing knives, combat knives, and some everyday carry knives.
7. Trailing Point
The trailing point blade shape features a convex curve along the spine of the blade that curves upward toward the tip, resembling a trailing tail. This design creates a large cutting belly, providing ample slicing surface for skinning and fileting. The trailing point minimizes the risk of puncturing or damaging delicate surfaces, while also delivering a powerful slice where needed. It’s a staple of filet knives, skinning knives, and some pocket knives.
8. Gut Hook
The gut hook blade shape stands out with a unique notch, or hook, on the spine near the tip, and is specifically designed for hunters and outdoorsmen. This hook enables you to quickly slice open the abdomen of game without damaging internal organs. The primary edge of the blade is versatile enough for other cutting tasks as well, though its primary use case is hunters & fishers.
9. Sheepsfoot
The sheepsfoot blade shape is characterized by a straightedge and a spine that curves down to meet the edge at a sharp angle, creating a rounded, blunt tip. This design offers excellent control and safety, as the lack of a sharp point reduces the risk of accidental punctures or slips. Sheepsfoot blades are commonly used for tasks that require controlled cutting, such as opening boxes, slicing vegetables, and trimming materials. First responders also use these sheepsfoot blades to cut through seat belts to rescue car crash victims.
10. Wharncliffe
The Wharncliffe blade shape features a straight edge that curves gradually upward to meet the spine at a sharp angle, creating a tip that is aligned with the spine. This strong, durable edge allows you to slice and cut with control, while the tip offers pinpoint control for detail work and piercing. Wharncliffe blades are commonly found in utility knives, pocket knives, and some folding knives.
11. Hawkbill
The hawkbill blade shape has a uniquely curved edge that resembles the beak of a hawk or falcon, hence the name. The spine of the blade typically curves downward, creating a sharp and aggressive cutting edge. Hawkbill blades are primarily found in utility knives and rescue knives, as the shape is meant for pulling cuts and ripping motions, like cutting ropes, opening packages, and installing carpet or linoleum.
12. Dagger
The dagger blade shape is characterized by a symmetrical, double-edged design with a sharp, needle-like point. Historically associated with combat and self-defense, dagger blades offer exceptional piercing capabilities. However, due to their double-edged nature, they require caution and skill in handling. Though they used to be a common accessory during the Renaissance Age, worn as part of a man’s everyday dress, dagger blades are now just built into combat knives and some tactical knives.
13. Cleaver
The cleaver is one of the most famous blade shapes, thanks to butchers & meat lovers everywhere. With a broad, flat surface and a squared-off tip, cleavers easily chop through bone, sinew, and hard vegetables with minimal effort. They’re typically heavier than other types of knives, giving you added force for downward cuts, making it a staple in butcher shops and kitchens. And though they’re best for tenderizing, mincing, slicing, and scaling, cleavers make an excellent partner for certain tactical and survival scenarios.
14. Tanto
The Tanto blade shape originated in Japan and was traditionally used in samurai swords. With a razor-thin straightedge that ends with a sharp angular point, a Tanto can cut through just about anything. It’s the ideal shape for self-defense and tactical applications because of the sturdy tip, though the straight edge can be used for controlled slicing and cutting. Tanto blades are commonly found in tactical knives and utility knives.
15. Kiritsuke
Also originating from Japan, the Kiritsuke blade shape combines elements of both a chef’s knife and a slicer. It features a straight edge that curves slightly toward the tip, allowing for a wide range of cutting motions, from slicing to chopping. The angled tip provides precision for detailed work. Kiritsuke blades are often used by experienced chefs and are considered a symbol of expertise in Japanese kitchens.
16. Chisel
The chisel blade shape features a single beveled edge: sharp on one side and flat on the other. Designed for precision, it’s the perfect blade shape for woodworking and carving. The flat side helps to guide the blade, offering excellent control, while the sharp side guarantees precision cuts. Chisel blades are commonly found in woodworking tools and specialized carving knives.
17. Talon
The talon blade shape is characterized by a curved edge and pointed tip that resembles a bird’s talon. Similar to the hawkbill, talon blades are used for ripping, tearing, hooking, and pulling actions. Talon blades are most commonly inserted into specialized hunting knives, karambits, and some tactical knives.
18. Pen
The pen blade shape is slender and narrow, resembling the shape of a pen nib. It is designed for fine, detailed work like whittling, carving, or making small incisions. The thin tip allows for precision, while the narrow edge offers control for delicate tasks. Pen blades are often found in multi-blade pocket knives and are favored for their versatility in everyday tasks, though they’re not recommended for EDC usage or any case where strength and durability are of importance.
Whether you’re a master chef, tactical expert, or knife hobbyist, it pays to know which knife blade type is best suited for your needs. Each blade shape offers unique power, precision, and angles, so it’s critical that you choose wisely when shopping for your next knife. From the precision of a drop point blade to the unique & cultural significance of the tanto, each blade type serves a distinct purpose. Now that you’re equipped with the right knowledge, it’s time to arm yourself with the best blade shape for your needs.