Blade Shapes - Definitions Thereof

[JDBLADE]

I have 2 questions and they are:

1. Your definition of an Upswept Blade; and

2. your definition of a Trailing Point Blade.

I am looking for written definitions not pictorial.

 

[Quiet Storm]

To me they're the same: blades with tips that are raised over the spine level.

 

[pogo]

Upswept blade is a pure skinner & the trailing point can perform both skinner & slicer. Hope this helps!:thumbup:

 

[JDBLADE]

They are definately different shapes although there appears to be some overlap and that's why I am looking for definitions to sort the differences out. So far the best definition I can find for a Trailing Point is:

The trailing point blade’s point is higher than the spine. This is typically engineered with an extended belly for slicing, with the point up and out of the way.

But this needs further definition as it could cover a number of types. As far as the Upswept goes I have yet to find a definition that in itself is definitive.

 

[JDBLADE]

Thanks for the input. The reason I asked this question is that I am preparing an article on Blade Shapes for our "Knife Knews" and our website and researching the 2 shapes, Upswept and Trailing Point there is not much available and mostly it is conflicting. I have come up with the following definitions:

Trailing Point Blade

The point/tip is higher then the spine which is horizontal for a greater part of its length. The belly is the objective of this format, and it's used for tasks where slicing is the most important function. NB Where the spine rises higher than where it meets the handle a horizontal line should be taken from that point (ie the handle). Example = Bark River "Custom Trailing Point"

Upswept Blade

The point/tip is equal to or higher then the spine and the spine is concave. Like the Trailing Point the belly is the objective of this format, and it's used for tasks where slicing is the most important function. Where the point is higher then the spine this shape may be referred to as a Curved Trailing Point or Upswept Trailing Point. NB Where the spine rises higher than where it meets the handle a horizontal line should be taken from that point (ie the handle). Where the point/tip is lower then the horizontal spine, or line, this is often referred to as a Concave Clip Point. Examples = Case CA384 "Hunter"; Schrade "Sharpfinger"; & Bark River "Upland Special".

Most "lists" of blade shapes have a Trailing Point but few have the Upswept although many knife makers use the latter term.

I hope on the right track here if you think I'm not please let me know.

 

[puukkoman]

I think that a trailing point means that the tip is raised higher than the spine. The spine is concave, but this occurs nearer to the tip of the blade. There is usually a sharp point associated with this shape, although the belly is the main feature. It is similar to a "persian" shape, in that it is upswept near the tip, and pointy.

An upswept blade does not necessarily have a sharp point to it; it can be a very subtle point, or even a drastic clip (like a spey blade). In an upswept blade, the spine is also concave, but upswept over the entire length of the blade, and it is not necessarily pointy at all.

I know you didn't want pictures/examples, but I'll give them to you anyway.
Trailing Point:

Upswept:

(Notice how both examples are Bark River knives?)
Peace.

 

[JDBLADE]

The Lower blade above the Bark River Wolf River is a Green River Style Skinner - an Upswept blade has a definite point that is why it sometimes referred to as an Upswept Point. Below is the Bark River Upland Special which is about the best example of an Upswept blade: