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Points?

Mack

Mack

Expert Ultracrepidarian
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Aug 19, 2007
Messages
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What are your preferences when it comes to points? Clip, drop, Wharncliff, etc.
I don't know what design is good for what. A little education if you would gentlemen.
Thanks.
 
personally, i like strait spines. they are easy to batton with, they drill pretty good and i really like how they look.
 
Drop points for me. Works well both ways up and makes for a great utility pattern. I have no use at all for severe clips, or most clips come to that. Radical upswept skinners give a lot of belly for processing critters but for the most part their excellence in the singleness of purpose makes them no good for me at anything else. I think the Wharncliff pattern is great, although for what I do in the woods not as useful. Fantastic for a general hard work knife though, bit like a big craft knife - think cutting carpet, rigging .etc.

I'm sure others will think differently, especially after that little poll here recently found quite a few liking the mini Bowie [that isn't necessarily but seems most often clipped].
 
Spear points and drop points are best for me. I can deal with a clip point like on a bowie provided it isn't a swedge (I hate those). Aesthetically I love a really dramatic sharp point line on a Koster bushcraft, but they suck for durability (not implying this of the koster). When it comes down to it, a rugged point with a bit of spine thickness at the top but sharp enough to dig is all you need. Spear points seem about the most rugged of them all.

I never tried a warncliff, but it strikes me as something I wouldn't like. I know these things are the queen bee for sharpening, but I find I use the belly part of drop points a lot for straight push cutting. Being able to rock the knife on the belly just work so well.

Back to the OP - having the point centered to the knife handle is also something that works well for me. You just know where the point is without having to look at it. Again, spear points excel here. So I guess on a point score - I probably like the spear the lest but they always compromise on the belly which I also like. Sometimes the point on a spear is also too stubby.

Proturist - you should have a whole lot of Busse points - and I'm sure they are redeemable everywhere :)
 
I like wharncliffes and sheepsfoot blades, as they are very good for utility type cutting, such as boxes, rope, all kinds of things. The are easy to sharpen because the edge is straight, and they are good for woodworking, especially notching.

Andy
 
Are there bushcraft tasks that you would prefer one over another? I assume if you are going to drill a spear or drop would be best. What would a Wharnie be better for? I have several sheepsfoot blades that I use when boating but I don't really see them used for bushcrafting.
Geez, I'm trying to think too much about this.
I see part of this was answered as I was posting.
 
I prefer spear and drop points. I can handle all of my chores with them. Warncliffs never appealed to me, so I don't own any. I have a couple of clip points, bet they sit most of the time.
 
protourist said:
Are there bushcraft tasks that you would prefer one over another? I assume if you are going to drill a spear or drop would be best. What would a Wharnie be better for? I have several sheepsfoot blades that I use when boating but I don't really see them used for bushcrafting.
Geez, I'm trying to think too much about this.
I see part of this was answered as I was posting.
Click to expand...

Most "bushcrafting" knives are spearpoint or droppoint. Supposed to be better for drilling holes in wood.

Andy
 
Maybe some pictures and descriptions would be helpful. Maybe a comparison of a Buck Special 119 (drop point) and an RC4 (Clip? Someone else chime in) and list what each one accomplishes better.
 
Spear and Drop for overall usability. I despise clip because of aesthetics and lack of forward weight.
 
Another vote for drop points, though I like my Scandi grinds to have a straighter spine.

I like the look of clip points, especially on traditional bowies - but the design doesn't offer much in the way of bushcraft utility. I prefer the spine to be thicker up front, for batoning or striking a rod to create sparks.

Wharncliffes can be great for creating fuzz sticks, and they are easy to sharpen, which is a bonus.

All the best,

- Mike
 
I really love the hunting style clip points of the Buck 119 and the Ka-Bar but I like drop points and spear points aswell.
 
tp08-10-02_124309481.jpg

- gist lifted from
 
I prefer drop and spear points mostly since they give you a reasonably fine but still strong point to work with.
 
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