Harpoon grind question.

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

I was just wondering if there is a practical application for the harpoon swedge, or is it just there for aesthetics. I see it often, but also seems to be a newer swedge type, and I'm not really sure if I like it or not, so thought I would go to the experts to see why they do or don't add it. Thanks all.

 

[ev13wt]

I ain't no expert but I like the look on some knives. Gives a tad of medieval / dragon hunter type look without going overboard.

 

[jdspaw]

Not an expert either, but I have seen some designs where the swedge acts as a thumb stop, perhaps adding to the security of the grip. As a buyer, I usually like the way they look, regardless of function.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The explained "purpose" is for close quarters hand to hand fighting on a ship. The blade is heavier to give it more inertia, and the tip will cut on a backstroke.

In practicality, the purpose is just for looks. I think they are being overdone lately.

The only reasonable explanation I have heard from a maker was that he puts one on his camp choppers to add a low angle edge. The main edge is thicker for chopping tasks, and the harpoon is much lower angle for slicing things. I guess if you are cutting up dinner and the only knife around is a 10" chopper, that makes some sense....but I still think he did it mostly for looks.

 

[andrewh2011]

im obviously not an expert or even close to as well informed as most here but it seems to me it might have a place on a tactical knife causing more damage or making a bigger hole without making the whole knife larger. though the difference would probably be negligible. But on the chopper adding weight to the end might make some sense, but of coarse anything that large made out of thick steel is probably heavy enough. idk
either way i think they look kind of cool.

 

[Matthew Gregory]

Increases forward mass for chopping power. Can also be sharpened to provide for back-cut.

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

My thoughts exactly, Matt. :thumbup:

Increases forward mass for chopping power. Can also be sharpened to provide for back-cut.

Both of these were designed for "the chop"





And this was designed to pierce, stab and slice its way out of an alley!