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

[5K Qs]

My first reaction was that I obviously prefer a spear point blade; I think that goes all the way back to my first knife being a scout pattern with spear. But further reflection has me thinking my preference may depend on the pattern. On 2-blade jacks, I really like many of the clip main, pen secondary combos I see, while on pen configurations I think I definitely prefer a spear main.

- GT

 

[AreBeeBee]

Yea kinda wish I could find a Barlow with sort of a drop point clip type blade like the 73 in a charlow format. Seems to be my favorite but since I am still looking for that perfect Barlow, my options that I like are really the clip or spear.

Well, it's not really a Barlow, but it has just one blade — and it locks, too — but here you go:

The woodie is from a Ducks Unlimited run, I'm told. Schrade (USA) 5OTs, both of them.

 

[Old Hunter]

Sean, that Case-Bose is stunning - blade and frame! OH

 

[texasshipagent]

Yea, this thread didn't really help my decision lol. Thanks for all the responses and opinions guys, I do also love both but since these Charlows are so darn elusive, one has to make the right choice if or hopefully when i track one down. Thanks again

dave

What opinions ???? There are no opinions on this forum !!

Asking knife nuts what's their preference is like asking kids what candy they like in the candy store

So what's your answer ??? Buy them all my friend, but them all...

 

[Buzzbait]

I absolutely adore the look of a nicely done clip. But from a functional perspective, I find the spear to be far more functional.

 

[glsj1011]

I like both and own both, but I find I prefer the spear. I'm not sure if it's because of the actual blade shape or the knife overall though.

 

[black mamba]

. . . But from a functional perspective, I find the spear to be far more functional.

Buzzbait, please don't think I am picking on you, as many others have said the same thing. But being a clip guy, I just don't see how a spear is more functional. Below is the same clip blade you showed, with my poor rendering of turning it into a spear.

I fail to see how adding that little bit of depth to the clipped area makes it more functional, but if you, or anyone else, can explain to me why, I'll gladly take the instruction to heart. I can easily see how the clip, with its pointy and narrower tip can get into more places the spear cannot, which is why I prefer it. Someone, please educate me!

 

[Buzzbait]

Buzzbait, please don't think I am picking on you, as many others have said the same thing.

No worries. For me, the sharp point on a clip often gets snagged on things, or inadvertantly sticks into things when it shouldn't. It's best feature can also be its curse. I also find the tips on many clips to be too delicate for my tastes.

I also like to rest my left thumb on the spine of the blade for very controlled cuts, right near the tip. It's just easier to do with the broad tip of a spear or sheepsfoot. If I try that with a clip, I often end up pricking my thumb repeatedly.

I guess I just don't find myself needing a clip's extra-pointy tip very often. If I do need a very point tip, I kind of prefer a Wharncliffe for highly detailed work.

But it's all a preference thing. I carried a clip point on a stockman for years, and never complained. It was especially good for cleaning trout after a morning of fishing. The pointy tip was awesome for starting the belly cuts and getting behind the fins. Between the sheepsfoot and the clip on a stockman, there's not much you can't do.

 

[black mamba]

Thanks for the response, I guess variety is the spice of life! It seems that few people use a tool in just the same way, and so we have many patterns. I agree that the clip/sheepfoot is a combo that can do almost anything, hence my love of stockman patterns.

 

[SubSpace]

I'm still trying to decide how much I like the wide spear on my GEC 85.
It's great at slicing fruit/trimming plants. Can't say it is better or worse than a clip...