Reverse tanto vs other blade shapes

[Knicked Digits]

This is a question that’s been noodling around in my mind lately. How is the reverse tanto blade shape (ie: Benchmade 810 or 940) stronger than say a drop point or a wharncliff. Does it have to do with how all the angles on the blade meet in a more obtuse tip? Or does it have more to do with the blade steel used? Perhaps there's an explanation I haven’t even thought of yet I just don’t know. Until recently I’ve just chalked it up to wizardry and left it at that. But, of course, the planets aligned or the wind changed direction and now it’s a question stuck in my head.

“Help me, Obi-wan Kenobi! You’re my only hope!”

 

[NJBillK]

This "Reverse Tanto" is just an old school Spey blade. They just wanted a modern name to go with the design to make it seem more tactical/edgy.

The blade on the left is a Reverse Tanto, wait... no, it is a spey. Looks the same though...


The only reason that the tip would be stronger is due to their being more stock behind the edge. The blade shape is not distal tapered, so it is full width, aside from the bevels, and the swedge behind the peak. Once passed that peak, it is full width again, and it is only a short distance to the tip. This thick stock makes for a stout tip but not that great of a slicer.

I love the hand feel and how a 940 carries, but it doesn't slice like a Spyderco Mantra or HAP40 Delica... I use a knife for knife things (mostly). If I want to pry, I will get a cats paw or, if I must, I will use my daily carry Busse. Not my folder...

Edited for grammatical reasonings.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

This "Reverse Tanto" is just an old school Spey blade. They just wanted a modern name to go with the design to make it seem more tactical/edgy.

The blade on the left is a Reverse Tanto, wait... no, it is a spey. Looks the same though...
View attachment 887662

The only reason that the tip would be stronger is due to their being more stock behind the edge. The blade shape is not distal tapered, so it is full width, aside from the bevels, and the swedge behind the peak. Once passed that peak, it is full width again, and it is only a short distance to the tip. This thick stock makes for a stout tip but not that great of a slicer.

I live the hand feel and how a 940 carries, but it doesn't slice like a Spyderco Mantra or HAP40 Delica... I use a knife for knife things (mostly). If I want to pry, I will get a cats paw or, if I must, I will use my daily carry Busse. Not my folder...

What he said! ^^^ There are no magically strong blade tips! It’s sectional density ... I also like knives that cut! Full Flat Grinds do that the best...If you want to stab something , get a Dagger! Why? Join the Military and maybe you’ll find out??

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

^I'll third what these two guys said.

It's a renamed modern take on a spey blade, and it's not inherently stronger or weaker than another tip style. It just does usually have a fairly broad angle to the junction of the edge and spine, but it may be made broader or narrower, thicker or thinner.

 

[Lapedog]

I find when looking for a strong tip the width of the blade stock seems to be more important than the amount of steel from edge to spine.

For example let’s look at the CRK drop point vs the insingo.

The insingo looks like the drop point flipped upside down almost. However the tip on the drop point is considerably thicker since it is up by the spine. On the insingo the tip is by the edge where the blade has become very thin.

 

[sXePhenomenal]

BladeHQ has a tip strength video test but imo the strongest tips would be Tantos, Hinderer Spantos, spear and drop points no proof just how I feel it would be. And steels idk Elmax is a good choice for strength and impact resistance