| Today, there are hundreds of blades shapes | | | | gardeners for grafting because it makes a clean, |
| available to do a variety of tasks. Each one is a | | | | straight cut. Sheepsfoot blades are usually only |
| compromise combining differing degrees of | | | | used in smaller sized knives. |
| efficiency and utility. Let's discuss some of the | | | | A blade style that has gained in popularity during |
| most common blade shapes. | | | | the last couple decades is the hawkbill. As the |
| One of the most common blade shapes is the | | | | name implies, the blade is shaped like a hawk's bill |
| drop point blade. Drop point blades do most | | | | or talon. Many times these blades are serrated |
| everything well. The tip of the blade is narrow and | | | | for use in maritime environments for cutting |
| has some curvature for fine slicing when doing | | | | ropes or other lines. There use is otherwise very |
| chores such as cleaning game. The drop point also | | | | limited. |
| works well in gardening or in the kitchen. | | | | The tanto is also a common blade shape. It is |
| Another popular blade style is the clip point. The | | | | identified by the geometric shape of its' tip. Tanto |
| clip point is also popularly known as the | | | | blades are known for being able to take abuse |
| bowie-style blade. Clip point knives have a fine tip | | | | due to maintaining their full blade thickness near |
| that is less ideal for fine cutting but penetrates | | | | the tip. That translate into a blade that can take |
| well for poking holes in tough materials such as | | | | heavy prying and stabbing without sustaining |
| heavy nylon or leather. The clip point blade usually | | | | serious damage. |
| also has less curvature at the edge which makes | | | | That covers the most popular blade shapes but |
| it less useful for many everyday cutting tasks. | | | | there are a myriad of them. It is best to identify |
| A less common blade shape is the sheepsfoot. | | | | what activity the blade will be used for and then |
| The sheepsfoot blade has a blunt tip so is suited | | | | choose the shape that best meets your need. |
| only for cutting. It is popular with botanists and | | | | |