Understanding Blade Shapes: A Guide to Knife Performance
When choosing a knife, one of the most important details to consider is the blade shape. Each blade profile is designed with a specific purpose in mind—whether it’s slicing, piercing, carving, or all-around utility. At Ganzo, we use a variety of blade shapes in our knives to give users the perfect balance of function, durability, and style.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular blade shapes and their advantages:
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Drop Point
The drop point is one of the most versatile and widely used blade shapes. It features a gently sloping spine that meets the point in a controlled, sharp tip.
Best for: Everyday carry, hunting, outdoor use
Advantages: Strong tip, great for precision tasks, excellent all-around utility
Clip Point
The clip point blade has a spine that looks as though a portion has been “clipped” off, creating a sharper, thinner tip.
Best for: Detailed cutting, piercing tasks
Advantages: Extremely sharp point, ideal for precision work
Tanto
The tanto blade has a strong, angular tip inspired by traditional Japanese swords.
Best for: Tactical use, heavy-duty cutting, piercing tough materials
Advantages: Reinforced tip for maximum strength, excellent for stabbing and prying
Wharncliffe
The Wharncliffe blade features a straight cutting edge with a spine that curves downward to meet the point.
Best for: Controlled slicing, utility tasks, woodworking
Advantages: Straight edge offers excellent control and clean cuts
Sheepsfoot
The sheepsfoot blade has a straight edge and a rounded spine that curves down to the tip. Originally designed for trimming sheep hooves, today it’s a practical tool for safety and utility.
Best for: Rescue knives, general cutting without piercing
Advantages: Safe tip, great for slicing tasks
Spear Point
The spear point blade is symmetrical, with both edges tapering to a fine point—similar to a dagger.
Best for:Tactical and piercing applications
Advantages: Balanced design, excellent penetration, good for dual-edge use
Trailing Point
The trailing point blade has an upward-curved edge, giving it a long cutting surface.
Best for:Skinning, slicing, hunting
Advantages: Long belly for sweeping cuts, great for precision in skinning tasks
Choosing the Right Blade Shape
The best blade shape depends on how you plan to use your knife.
- For everyday carry and versatility → Drop Point
- For detailed work and piercing → Clip Point
- For strength and tactical tasks → Tanto
- For clean, controlled slicing → Wharncliffe or Sheepsfoot
- For hunting and skinning → Trailing Point
At Ganzo, we design knives with a variety of blade shapes to ensure there’s a perfect option for every user—whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, a tactical professional, or an EDC enthusiast.
Explore our full lineup and find the blade shape that suits your lifestyle.
