Do you prefer a clip or spear point on your traditionals?

Clip all the way. Given the choice, I'd rather a sort of clipped/drop point blend actually (like not a full deep clip but more of a clipped drop to the point). Does that make sense at all? Lol
 
I prefer the spear over the clip. My ideal knife would be a spear main with a small clip and spey or sheep foot.
 
Spear for me. I like the looks of clips, and I like the fine piercing capabilities, but the spear is stronger and in my opinion more versatile. All those Europeans (specifically Swiss soldiers) seem to know. Besides, have you ever tried digging peanut butter out of a jar with a clip or spreading it? Spear works. And long pull spears look great.

 
I prefer the symmetry of a good spear but it depends on how much of a point there is. I think I'm actually equal in terms of how many spears I have to clips but I do enjoy that fine tip quite a bit. Both have their pros and cons. To me it's whichever on that specific knife is ground the thinnest since I want it to slice and cut, not just penetrate
 
Let's see, hang on a minute and I'll check my pocket. Yep, a clip. I definitely prefer a clip. Uh, wait a second, let me check my other pocket. Hmm, a spear... well whadda ya know, I apparently like 'em both :D
 
Being that I prefer multi-blade knives, it depends on what the other blade(s) is/are. I must have one blade with a slender point, so clips prevail. But if the secondary blade is a slender pen, or better yet, a small wharncliffe, then a spear main is perfectly fine. Or, even more rarely, a spear main with a pen clip secondary, like on this daddy barlow.

DaddyBarlow1.jpg~original
 
I must say I like them both. I've learned there is no "perfect" blade shape. There is always a trade off. I think that's why stockmen are so popular.
I will say that, for an urban or office environment, a spear blade looks less like a weapon than a clip. SAK recognition, perhaps.
 
For me, it depends on the clip. I've sort of moved away from that blade shape, largely because I began to dislike many of the exaggerated clips; but there are some that I wouldn't think twice about owning/carrying.
Since the original question specified for a barlow, though, I'd probably say "neither". I've realized that I (currently) have a preference for the sheepsfoot and wharncliffe shapes.
 
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The grind is more important to me. Most clip points on traditional knives are hollow ground, whereas the spear point is more likely to be flat ground. I prefer a flat grind and may put a convex edge on it, especially on a larger blade. I do like clip points, but only if they're reasonably large (a full-size Copperlock for example). I see the value of a clip point, but more for a Buck 110, a folding hunter, or a big Bowie. If it's flat-ground, then that's awesome because I just don't want a hollow grind on a huge blade. For smaller blades like a Canoe-size, I prefer the spear point, and for what is more or less a pen-knife. A mini-Copperlock is ok, but a tinier clip point starts to get too fragile. Besides the spear or pen style for small blades, I also like what I would describe as more of a drop-point like on the Case lockback. Again, this is a small blade, the tip is well-supported, and it's flat-ground. That meets my criteria.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I have been kind of torn between which style would be best for the red bone or ebony TC barlow that I have been desperately searching for. Personally i tend to like the looks of the spear better, but I do like a pointy tip sometimes, so figured Id ask what other people felt on the matter. Thanks for all the opinions. I'll find the knife one day.
Still torn and still searching....perhaps one of each if I get lucky enough.

dave
 
hhmoore said:
For me, it depends on the clip. I've sort of moved away from that blade shape, largely because I began to dislike many of the exaggerated clips; but there are some that I wouldn't think twice about owning/carrying.
Since the original question specified for a barlow, though, I'd probably say "neither". I've realized that I (currently) have a preference for the sheepsfoot and wharncliffe shapes.
Click to expand...
maybe i'm wrong but i don't see Barlow mentioned?
 
R
d.weglarz13 said:
Just like the title says....I am wondering what you guys prefer between a spear point or clip point for a traditional(barlow) for edc purpose. I am having a hard time trying to decide between the two, and wondering what would be better for all around cutting chores. Thanks for any opinions.

Dave
Click to expand...

Here ya go
 
d.weglarz13 said:
Just like the title says....I am wondering what you guys prefer between a spear point or clip point for a traditional(barlow) for edc purpose. I am having a hard time trying to decide between the two, and wondering what would be better for all around cutting chores. Thanks for any opinions.

Dave
Click to expand...

Not to make your decision harder or anything..... :)

I like both, but love the wharncliffe for "all around" cutting chores.
 
Never had a Barlow with a Spear yet. 2 Coming in October. The Barlows that I have now have Clip , Wharncliffe , or Sheepsfoot. Of those , I carry the Wharncliffe. But I would prefer a Drop Point like my 73 has. In the real world , it is best to have at least 1 of each.

Harry
 
I've always preferred thin grinds for fine slicing and tips made for piercing. That means a clip blade for me, most of the time.

If spear blades were more often ground thinner, especially at the tips, I'd take more interest in them. But most of the spear blades I've seen on traditional knives are a bit thickish, for my preferences. One notable exception: Victorinox's thinly-ground blades, of which their spear is a fine slicer. :thumbup:


David
 
The only Barlow I have has a clip main and a pen secondary.
I'm not sure, but off hand, I think half my knives have a clip point and half a spear point for the primary blade.
My EDC slip joints are a Marbles Camp/utility/scout knife, and a Buck 301 stockman. (both are in my pockets)
 
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