Recurve on a "Chopper"

T

tka1

Joined
Mar 7, 2007
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I found a few threads talking about pros and cons of recurves but it was mostly related to small knives. What do you guys think about recurves on long blades? Does this type of blade put more weight forward and help with chopping? Are they harder to sharpen? Thanks in advance. :)
 
Any reason to not get a recurve? I'm thinking of getting a Ranger RD7 or RD9 with recurve.
 
Well, mabye not being able to sharpen it, it will take some getting used to.
 
The larger the recurve, the easier to sharpen. Tight little curves on a small blade are hard to get around on a benchstone. But a Sharpmaker will handle them with no trouble at all.
 
Recurve can seriously change the balance and make (especially larger knives) blade heavy, it is up to you wheter you find it as pro or con.
 
The recurve also changes the angle of attack. It helps you to apply greater leverage to a smaller target area.

n2s
 
In this case I don't think it's gonna made a huge difference to you either way. Go ahead and get it if you like it.

That said, curving the blade does not in itself make things "blade heavy". Take a look at a khanjar for example:

khanjar.jpg

I'm guessing that just correlates in people's minds because khukris are best known for their curve and heavy blade.

It does bring the weight closer to or below the centerline of the grip however. This would help for chopping further back on the blade- like halfway down. Because then the mass is actually ahead of the area cutting, and will help keep things straight. However, if you want to chop more towards the tip, then the opposite effect will happen, and you'd be better off with a slightly upswept tip. This can cause the blade to twist in your grip while cutting, which for example when clearing brush, could mean the blade jumps/twists out of the cut and straight back at your leg. Just somethin' to keep in mind.
 
Recurves have cutting advantages because the cutting edge is longer- hence the recurve. This gives better cutting efficiency if the knife is made right.

Balance is important for any knife to function, but for a recurve to work well, balance is very important. This type of knife works well with a bit more weight towards the tip. This will make it a good chopper, and a great slicer aswell. Slicing ability is improved by both the longer cutting surface, plus the shape of the curve.

A properly designed and sharpened recurve makes for a wicked cutting tool.
 
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