Preferred Blade Height/Width?

FullFlatGrind · Mar 17, 2016

When buying a knife, the main concern, at least in regards to general specifications, seems to always be the blade length, and the second concern the blade thickness, as in what it measures at the spine. But one thing that seems to be of little concern with most buyers, and is barely ever listed on a makers site, is the blade's height/width, the distance from the edge to the spine.
Whether for hunting or bushcraft, food prep or whittling, skinning or batoning, what is your preferred blade height? What do feel are the advantages and disadvantages for the differences in width for different activities?

jakemex · Mar 17, 2016

I guess it doesn't matter to me usually, because I carry a slip joint of narrow width i.e. Case slimline trapper too.

sideways · Mar 17, 2016

edge to spine. narrow blades corner better. wide ones hold a line better.

peel an orange with what you have in the kitchen to see the difference.

bdmicarta · Mar 17, 2016

Height is important but I rely on the photos to determine the height. Another important measurement is the thickness behind the edge, and that is hard to tell from photos. I have bought a few knives where I was disappointed with the thickness of the blade behind the edge.

EChoil · Mar 17, 2016

I prefer 3.75-4" blade length minimum. I like slimmer blades, more toward the stiletto and many of the spear points. Basically, not a 'fatty' blade nor a 'frail' blade. Some exceptions of course.

I prefer a height that is commensurate with the blade design and length making it eye appealing. I do not tend toward leaf-shaped or overly wide or massive blades. There is a line, however, where a blade can become too thin or dainty.

Some of the OTF's, e.g. Microtech, not only have too much blade play when locked, they have great looking blades until you get down to the thin skirt at the handle--looks like it would easily*snap under load. Tapering or thinning at the handle is a turn-off for me.

Example: For me, an Emerson Commander is a bit too much steel--nice blade but too much mass. However, scaled down to the micro-Commander size 2.9" length, it makes a perfect "pocket knife" that defies it's shorter length.

kniferbro · Mar 17, 2016

Slimmer blades are handier imo. They can fit in tighter spots and turn in media easier. The low height though usually means poorer cutting geometry due to the relatively shorter grind. Given the same thickness and grind, a "taller" blade will be thinner behind the edge.

jpm2 · Mar 17, 2016

Different specs for different tasks, but...

For my one and only knife to carry forever and do it all, not only do I have a preference for blade length, thickness, and height, but also grind, alloy, handle lenght, handle height/width, contour, overall angle, materials, lock, construction, and carry options.
I might have missed something, but other than that, I'm not picky.

Edge type, angle, and thickness behind are no concern as I can easily vary those on any knife to suit.

Insipid Moniker · Mar 17, 2016

I mostly cut cardboard in straight lines so I generally prefer a nice, broad blade. Gives the opportunity for a higher grind and better slicing geometry all other things being equal.