Knife Balance

[AfterTFD]

I've been thinking about this for a while, but I haven't been able to convince myself of very many absolute rules. This thread in the gallery finally convinced me to ask.

What weight distribution for what blade length/profile for what purpose feels properly "balanced" to you? The more specific everyone can be the more informative this thread will be.

 

[Suicycoprowler]

I think proper balance depends on the primary purpose of a knife. For a chopper, I'd want a slightly forward balance. For a slicer, I'd want the balance just below the choil, etc.

 

[AfterTFD]

Does it mostly matter where the center of balance is, or does it also matter how even/spread the distribution is?

 

[dalefuller]

I think proper balance depends on the primary purpose of a knife. For a chopper, I'd want a slightly forward balance. For a slicer, I'd want the balance just below the choil, etc.

I'm the same way. If it's a folder (which I use 95% of the time), I like the balance to be focused a bit more toward the handle. If I'm using a FB I'm usually whacking away at something, so I prefer the balance more toward the blade.