Question about blade construction

[Folderguy]

I've heard of some blades being "crowned."

What does that mean? Is it something good?

Thanks,

Folderguy

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Might help if you clarified in what context you've heard of 'crowned blades'? I've seen this term used to describe a slightly curved or radiused edge on a plane blade for woodworking. Otherwise, not sure what you're specifically referring to (what types/brands of blades?).

 

[ibute21]

Pretty certain crowned blades means the spine has been rounded off, creating a smooth convex shape. I could be wrong.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Pretty certain crowned blades means the spine has been rounded off, creating a smooth convex shape. I could be wrong.

That makes sense too. I started Googling & such on the term, and even looked up the definition of 'crowned'. One use of the term is in reference to anything with with a convex shape. So, it might be used differently, depending on the application. In general, I'm assuming it's got something to do with curving/radiusing/convexing some part of the blade, whatever it might be...

Edited to add:

Found this reference to a "crowned spine" in an article at kramerknives.com (http://kramerknives.com/nyer-art.htm):

"These edges--the "heel," at the back of the blade, near the handle, and, more important, the "spine," along the top--are typically squared off, because that is how industrial machines stamp out a blade. But the harsh corners can irritate the hand. As petty as this point may seem, it matters greatly to professional cooks. The Japanese, for instance, control their knives by pressing their forefinger on the spine. Western cooks often go further, and "choke up" on a blade when they chop food; I've talked to some who showed me deep, cracked calluses at the base of their forefingers. Knowing this, Kramer, like many smiths, puts a "crowned" spine and a rounded heel on each of his custom knives..."

 

[Cynic2701]

Off the top of my head, the only two knives I've handled that are crowned are Sebenzas and the BM M390 710 version.

 

[Bill1170]

I've heard of some blades being "crowned."

What does that mean? Is it something good?

Thanks,

Folderguy

It can mean so many different things that it is, by itself, a meaningless statement. If you can give a specific instance we can be of more help.

 

[cutter17]

Pretty certain crowned blades means the spine has been rounded off, creating a smooth convex shape. I could be wrong.

I agree with what ibute21 has said.

 

[knivesandguns]

I agree with what ibute21 has said.

CRK and some BM's feature this, among them, the BM 31/51 and CRK Sebenzas

 

[Folderguy]

Might help if you clarified in what context you've heard of 'crowned blades'? I've seen this term used to describe a slightly curved or radiused edge on a plane blade for woodworking. Otherwise, not sure what you're specifically referring to (what types/brands of blades?).

This is from the Benchmade website:

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

This is from the Benchmade website:

I think that answers it. Looks like these blades have had the spine rounded off ('crowned'), as suggested by ibute21 earlier. The advantages are aesthetic in some regard (it looks quite nice) and there's also a 'comfort' factor in it. No hard edges on the spine to dig into your fingers/thumb as you cut.