Blade shapes - What and why?

[Matthewd]

Clip point
Drop point
Tanto
wharncliffe

I know that there are many many more, but these seem to be the 4 most common.
What is the original purpose for the shapes?
Which one makes a better edc?
Why?

 

[ibute21]

Wharncliffes aren't that common...and tanto, do you mean American tanto or Japanese tanto or both?

 

[IMightBeWrong]

I usually go for clip points and drop points. I just like them.

 

[Matthewd]

I don't know. I just want to start a discussion as to the whats and whys.
What are pro's and con's of each?

 

[RevDevil]

http://www.knivestown.com/ktown/blade_shapes.asp

Good example of each bladestyle mentioned in the original post.

 

[unit]

It is hard to say what is best for EDC...since it is going to depend on what a person does and wants to do.

It is like a mechanic and a wrench...they generally own more than one wrench even in a given size because there are circumstances that warrant different shapes.

I EDC a modified wharncliff (basically the blade has a VERY slight curve to it), but I also carry a drop point (second knife). I find myself using the wharncliff ~100% of the time, but it never hurts to have an extra tool that may be needed.

Unfortunately, the only way to know what you will like/use/appreciate the most is to buy a lot of different knives and try them out. Only then will you be able to appreciate the differences these various blade shapes offer in your hands.

 

[marthinus]

http://www.knivestown.com/ktown/blade_shapes.asp

Good example of each bladestyle mentioned in the original post.

Jip, found that site in google just now.

A blade shape depends greatly on your EDC uses.

 

[knarfeng]

Clip point
Drop point
Tankto
wharcliffe

I know that there are many many more, but these seem to be the 4 most common.
What is the original purpose for the shapes?
Which one makes a better edc?
Why?

I agree with Unit. To a certain extent, the optimal EDC blade shape is dependent on the chores you expect to perform on a daily basis. It also depends on personal preference. From a very general view, I'd put them as below:

I've corrected your spelling.

• Clip Point - Originally designed as a hunter with an upswept point so as to be able to skin.
  
• Drop Point - IMO, the best "general purpose" shape. Also good for hunting or skinning.
  
• Tanto - made for piercing. I've never actually found a good use for one in my daily chores.
  
• Wharncliffe - good for starting a cut in the center of a box. Easiest to sharpen. IMO, it's a fair option for city folk because we most often use our knives to open packages.