There are several different knife blade types and uses, dependent upon what it’s being used for and the shape of your knife’s blade spine. For instance, a traditional pocket knife would usually have a smooth and straight spine with a straight point, probably made of steel, while a switch knife usually has a reverse curvature on its spine and is designed to be used in pairs. A hunting knife, also known as a folding knife, is much smaller and has a tapered, egg-shaped blade spine. It’s used most often in hunting and camping situations, since it’s light enough to be carried in pockets or handbags. And then, of course, there are all the collectible knives – such as those made by Kohler, Schrade or Kershaw – which can come in countless styles and designs, each with its own unique set of features.
Another type of knife blade, particularly popular among collectors, is the spey-point, which has a straight spine, but a slightly curved edge for cutting wood. The name comes from the technique in which sharpeners ground the knife blade down to make it less blunt; when it was ground down further, it had the desirable sharpness for cutting. Although the Spey-Point does not usually have any replaceable parts, if the user prefers to change the tip size, he could simply take off the existing blade and replace it with a new one.
One of the most unique types of knives is the sheath knife, which has a hinged handle, and is perfect for slipping into a protective bag or pocket. These knives, which typically have a solid steel blade and a wood or rubberized finish, were primarily used in army units, since they could be carried comfortably even at waist height. Although they lack the sheath option, some knife blades do feature replaceable tips, which can be changed by the owner in order to create a tip that is specifically suited for the job at hand (such as hunting, for example). Since many of these blade types have a curve on the spine, the use of a sheepsfoot holder, or other similar apparatus, to ensure that the knife remains balanced, while being safe and secure, is also widely popular.
