blade types for what purpose

[mortre]

I'm sure there is an article here somewhere, but I couldn't find it with search.

Is there an article somewhere that explains which blade shapes are made for which purpose?

 

[357Wheelgunner]

Tanto for stabbing, curvy for slashing, and sheepsfoot for general utility...

 

[mortre]

that seems a little oversimplified. I am looking for a more in-depth explanation...

 

[knarfeng]

Welcome to Blade forums!
I'm not sure that you will find an article that precisely defines shape vs. purpose. A lot of that varies by user. For instance, some folks want a skinning knife to have a big belly to it. Others don't. I've read of some folks who use their tantos for everything. Others only consider it a stabbing weapon. Recurves are usually meant for slicing, but lots of folks use them as their EDC. The generalities offered by 357Wheelgunner may be as good as you are going to get.

Persoanally, I have a fondness for drop points because I haven't found much that I cannot do with them.

 

[Rat Finkenstein]

Most Tantos generally do not stab as well as other types of tips. their only advantage is greater tip strength due to the thicker tip. I personally hate the sharply angled type of "tantos" but I don't mind the traditional type with a smooth rounded transition.

I personally don't think there is any concrete definition of blade shape/usage.

 

[Grey Mullet]

Here is a good summary.
http://www.buckknives.com/choosing_shapes.php

 

[sharpinend]

There's also this:

http://www.benchmade.com/about_knives/our_blades.asp

and:

http://www.amazines.com/Hobbies/article_detail.cfm/330845?articleid=330845

 

[Confederate]

The only type of blades I don't like are deep-bellied drop points. They're okay for slicing and slashing, but I do like a good point. The CRKT M21-04 has a wonderful blade and point. I also very much like hawkbill blades with serrations. I also like tanto configurations and find many cutting chores a breeze with my CRKT M16-14SF. I can use it upside down for easy cutting of heavier paper, and have never felt the tanto to be deficient in any chore. I have mixed feelings about recurved blades like that found on my Kershaw Storm. I do like them on my Cold Steel Vaquero, however, though I wouldn't ever carry it as my main EDC.

This hawkbill linerlock by S&W is a fun little knife that cuts well.