full flat grind or hollow grind?

C

ConfuseD

Joined
Oct 24, 2009
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im new to this and i was wondering what exactly is the difference? why would one be better than the other? this may be a factor in the next knife i purchase

sorry if this is the wrong place for this
 
How about a full hollow grind? On a full flat grind the main bevels are ground flat from edge to spine( no parallel surface ) On a full hollow grind the main bevels are concave. The main bevels can not be labeled full flat or full hollow if their is any parallel surface, along the spine. Which ones better ? This arguement could go on for days. Personaly I have'nt found any thing a hollow grind can't do as long as the thickness is right for the job.
 
It's a long debate that can go on forever, similar to the stainless vs carbon steel, serrated vs plain edge. A lot has to do with personal preference.

I like convex ground knives best, followed by full flat ground knives. I'll tolerate a hollow grind on a folder, but not on a fixed blade that's intended for real use (I've got some fancy steak knives that are hollow ground, but their sole purpose is showing off at BBQs).

Try out several styles and make your own choice, what works for me might not work for you. If you search this forum, or any other knife forum, you'll find dozens of pages full of arguments for or against each type of grind.
 
i see. i ask because i was looking at a manix 2 and i noticed one of the biggest complaints was that it didnt have a full flat grind. i dont think that this change will turn me away from it.. im just wondering if i should go with the manix 2 or the endura 4 g-10..
 
ConfuseD said:
i see. i ask because i was looking at a manix 2 and i noticed one of the biggest complaints was that it didnt have a full flat grind. i dont think that this change will turn me away from it.. im just wondering if i should go with the manix 2 or the endura 4 g-10..
Click to expand...

On a blade that size it won't matter much. It depends on what you will be using it on the most.
 
The Endura will be the better slicer while the manix will be tougher but also heavier.Full flat grinds are usually better slicers Depending on their thickness. The endura will probably be more than enough and better at cutting while the manix would be better at the hardest chores. For regular EDC I would probably pick the endura. But if I ever had to do battoning or crazy cutting I'd pick the manix.
 
thanks for the insight. it makes sense. im definitely looking for several opinions to see what owners think about them. they are both awesome knives...its a tough decision

i may occasionally whittle wood with this knife if that makes a difference
 
i have always preferred the flat ground. i.m.o. it's a better slicer, stronger, & more attractive. the flat grind is also more difficult to manufacture. on pocket knives the advantages in use are'nt as pronounced.if you think about it most butcher knives are flat grinds.
 
I can almost guarantee you will not ever tell the difference. Its like asking if you will be able to tell weather the honda accord is more aerodynamic then a toyota camry.
 
This might be of some help.

knifegrinds.png
 
I like flat ground best on folders, but hollow ground blades arent bad either. For fixed blades I like flat or full convex best. Although scandi are nice too:)
 
If it's a question of Manix 2 or E4, I'd say that the ergos would play a bigger part. I didn't care for the Endura 4 because of the lack of a finger choil, but the Manix 2 fits my hand really well. Both, being Spydercos, can cut anything you put in front of them.

I love FFG because of looks, but I've never had anything to complain about with hollow saber grinds.
 
yeah thats a good diagram. i saw it on wikipedia. it helped a lot.

i appreciate all the insight you guys are givig me its doin some good
 
As a practical matter I don't know that you would be able to tell much difference. As others have stated, the thinner flat ground blade of the Endura makes for a better slicer---but how much slicing do you do with a folding knife? Most of my slicing is done in the kitchen where I have a bunch of knives just for the purpose of cooking. The knife I carry around for cutting tends to get used on tougher stuff than carrots.

The bottom line here is that ergonomics and lock type would be more important to me than the blade grind. That's why I recommended in your other thread that you go for the Manix. It just feels better in my hand.

Another factor to consider: what's the legal blade carry length where you are? The Endura is 3.75" and the Manix is 3.4" That makes a difference if the limit is 3.5".
 
thanks neo. ill have to check those out.

just an update.. i decided on the MANIX 2...more people suggested it than the endura...i really like the endura though...another factor that played into my decision was price... i was able to get the MANIX 2 shipped for 77.45 whereas the cheapest endura 4 g-10 i could find was 90.00+ after shipping...

i know i said that opinel wasnt for me but i decided to give one a try as well and see how it goes.. i went with the #8..

got my dmt aligner today...works great... it is a cheaply made tool though... i ordered the eef in addition so im waiting for it to come in..


XXX> my wife may possibly kill me when she sees her bank statement...didnt touch my account...all hers...
 
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