Classifications of Knives, Wanna help me out?

S

snorkem

Joined
Aug 12, 2009
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Hey guys, its been a while since I've posted, but recently I got an assignment in a writing class to do a classification essay, and i thought gee i could do this whole essay on classifying different types of knives. I have a pretty good knowledge, but shoot me some advice on different classifications and sub classifications of knives, or any way of classifying them that seems useful.

PS, fun story, I met a man with one of the worlds most expensive private knife collections-- almost had a heart attack talking to him about his blades. Going to get a private tour soon should be a blast.


Thanks guys
 
The two that spring to mind are intended purpose/function, and shape (namely blade shape but also overall shape.) With successful and enduring designs, the two go hand-in-hand. Obviously, more specialized blade shapes (mushroom knife!) will demand different writing than say, a generic drop point.
There are probably at least 8 different ways you could write this essay. Have fun!
 
Go to any knife retailer website - they all classify knives for the discerning buyer.
 
Modern and traditional would be a good start. Classifications of alloy, handle material, opening mechanism, etc
 
fixed
flat * saber
hollow * convex (full or partial)
one edge * two edges * three edges * no edge
single guard * double guard * no guard
clip [several varities] * spear * trailing point * semi-skinner * plain (as with Sod Buster) * "one-handed" * sheep's foot * spay * warncliffe * Jambiya * khukuri * Khyber [LOTS of "ethnic" varities] * bull-nose
folding
lock
slipjoint
automatic
 
These are the 3 classifications I use:

Sharp knives <----- My knives -----> Dull knives



Sorry, I couldn't help it :p
 
Different slipjoint patterns/handle materials/blade steels
 
There are a lot of ways to classify knives:


By purpose, blade shape, lock type, blade material, size, opening mechanism/method...ect


I think if you are going for a buyers guide sort of thing that explains different types of knives you'd probably best served going with classifying by purpose/use.
 
mcrow said:
There are a lot of ways to classify knives:


By purpose, blade shape, lock type, blade material, size, opening mechanism/method...ect


I think if you are going for a buyers guide sort of thing that explains different types of knives you'd probably best served going with classifying by purpose/use.
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Respectfully, I don;t think that will work.

What is the purpose of the Mark II Fighting Utility Knife? 225Q? Turns out, mainly a can opener.
 
Thomas Linton said:
Respectfully, I don;t think that will work.

What is the purpose of the Mark II Fighting Utility Knife? 225Q? Turns out, mainly a can opener.
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Well, you have to take into account that there are more knives than what are typically used by people here or discussed here.


Such as Fillet knives, skinning knives, boning knives, machete, pocket, survival, carving, utility,hunting,dining/food prep, combat.....ect
 
mcrow said:
Well, you have to take into account that there are more knives than what are typically used by people here or discussed here.


Such as Fillet knives, skinning knives, boning knives, machete, pocket, survival, carving, utility,hunting,dining/food prep, combat.....ect
Click to expand...

Absolutely, and a butchering "sticker" was a favorite fighting knife in WWII, as were "boning" patterns. The famous weapon the Bowie Knife was apparently closest to a large "French Chef's Knife in today's terms. The "Ka-Bar" was a 7" "hunting" knife -- and can opener. :D
 
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