Drop point
A gently lowered spine meets a strong, controllable tip; common all-purpose shape.
Blade Types
Blade shapes & materials
Compare common blade profiles and the materials used to make them.
Blade shape chart
Simplified blade profiles, tip to the right; shapes are illustrative and not to scale. A knife's actual grind, edge, and use depend on its design.
Clip point
A clipped or scooped spine creates a narrower point for detailed tip work.
Tanto
A straight spine meets the angled tip edge; the long main edge and short tip edge form a distinct corner.
Sheepsfoot
A straight edge and rounded, lowered tip reduce accidental piercing.
Wharncliffe
A gradually descending spine meets a straight edge at a fine tip.
Spear point
Upper and lower profiles meet near the blade's centerline.
Trailing point
An upward-curving tip makes a long sweeping belly for slicing.
Straight back
A straight spine and curved cutting edge provide a broad belly.
Reverse tanto
An angled spine drops toward the tip while the cutting edge stays gently curved.
Hawkbill
A hooked tip and inward-curving edge draw material into a pull cut.
Leaf shape
A broad, leaf-like profile tapers toward the point, with a curved cutting belly.
Recurve
The edge bends inward then outward, helping draw material into the cut.
Blade shape references: Benchmade and Spyderco.
Blade material chart
Steel grade, heat treatment, edge geometry, and care all affect how a finished knife performs. A pattern name alone does not identify the cutting-edge steel.
D2 tool steel
A wear-resistant tool steel that can hold an edge well. It is not fully stainless; wipe it dry and protect it from prolonged moisture.
440C stainless steel
A high-carbon stainless grade used for blades. It offers good hardness and wear resistance with more stain resistance than D2, but still needs cleaning and drying.
1095 carbon steel
A simple high-carbon steel often used in traditional blades. It can take a useful edge but rusts readily if left wet; dry and oil it as the maker recommends.
14C28N stainless steel
A knife steel designed for sharpness, edge stability, and corrosion resistance. It still benefits from prompt cleaning and drying after use.
Damascus / pattern-welded steel
Layered or patterned steel with a distinctive visible design. “Damascus” is not one steel grade: the alloys and construction vary, so ask for the actual steels and care instructions.
Copper Damascus / copper-layered steel
A decorative layered construction that may combine copper with steel around a steel cutting core. Copper adds visual contrast; confirm the actual edge steel, construction, and care for each knife.
Material references: D2 research, 440C producer data, carbon steel testing, 14C28N producer data, Damascus constructions, and copper-layered maker example. These are general descriptions, not claims about current inventory.