Sheepsfoot or drop point?

M

Mad1

Joined
Sep 4, 2006
Messages
3
Hi all.

I wasn't sure where to put this, so I hope it's OK here.

I'm thinking about getting a Benchmade Mini Griptillian, but I'm unsure of wether to get a drop point or a sheepsfoot blade.

Could some kind soul please tell me the advantages/disadvantages of each type.

Thanks.
 
sheepsfoot is good because it has no fragile point to break off, and the edge is all flat, and i imagine a little easier to sharpen consistently.

the drop point has a point, and this point can be used for digging under your nails or digging the gunk out of the workings of your computer mouse, or digging a splinter out of your finger, or picking your teeth.

it really depends on whether or not you want to have a point or not.
 
Thanks siguy, that was just the sort of info I was looking for.

Possibly going to go for a drop point, not sure that I will be picking my teeth with it though. ;)
 
I've had both. The sheepsfoot was a fantastic cutter but I never carried it because the thumbstuds on the drop point made the knife so much easier to open. I finally sold it. How about going for the "big time" and getting a Doug Ritter Griptilian? One of the top 10 knives out there.
 
Man I love sheepsfoot blades for the stout nature of the design, but there just aren't that many out there. I'd vote sheepsfoot.
 
Also take into consideration that the drop point uses a thumbstud and the modified sheepsfoot has an oval hole. It may be a moot point if you don't have a preference, and also both can be flicked open using the Axis lock.

I'd say sheepsfoot if you want to want to sacrifice a pointy tip for cutting ability. The mild upsweep of the sheepsfoot blade makes for an awesome cutter. I find myself cutting more than stabbing things.
 
Agreed - the sheepsfoot is not that easy to come by and it is a great cutter. As mentioned, it has excellent tip strength. I have the Mini Grip in the drop point and a Griptillian (larger one) in the sheepsfoot, both PE. I work in the IT world and found that the drop point and related shapes, has just been handier for what I do. The 3" blade keeps it discreet and friendly. Where I find the sheepsfoot handy is when I'm outdoors (for me that's yardwork:) ). I don't have a Mini-Grip, though in the sheepsfoot so I can comment there on it's use. Closest I have in that blade style and size, is a CRKT/Lake P.A.L. and I didn't really have an issue with it while I used it. Just a little more concerted effort when I had to "poke" something:) Now that's an interesting thought - I don't have a Mini-Grip in the new 154CM in the sheepsfoot - I just might have to do a little snooping to see if they are up here yet:)

- gord
 
I've had both types of Mini Grip, but found that the 556 drop point is easier to open.

I sold my 555 (oval hole, sheepsfoot) but have since bought LOTS of thumbstudded Benchmades.
 
I vote sheepsfoot, it is such an awsome design, I wish you could get that blade shape as an option for all knives.
 
I know that they call this a "Wharncliffe", but wouldn't this knife from the Graham Brothers qualify as a "sheepsfoot" shape?

wharnclifffe_with_carbon_fiber.jpg


I'd say that would work quite nicely for picking nails and/or teeth. :D
 
Back in the days when all I had was a 3 bladed stockman knife the blade I used the most was the sheepfoot blade. The blade is very usefull and that is probably the reasson I like the BM 555 Mini Grip so much. There is also the larger version, the 550. I like the oval hole opener on both models.
 
as far as a sheepsfoot being the same as a wharncliff...as far as i can tell, the difference is that a wharnie will have a longer slope and possibly a very sharp point, versus a sheepsfoot that has a more rectangular shape and a rather sudden drop from spine to blade edge, more like the profile veiw of a sheep's foot.

according to this dictionary:
http://www.casexx.com/new_page_2.htm

the difference:
Sheepfoot or Coping Blade
Generally, a secondary blade designed with more strength at the point of the blade making it a good tool for carving chews out of tobacco plugs, electrical blade and general purpose. It has keen point for close work.

Wharncliff Blade
A blade similar in shape to a sheepfoot and is used a lot by seamstresses. The point is more delicate than the points on the Sheepfoot or Coping blades. Many consider the Wharncliff to be the handiest blade you can have in a knife.
 
Thank you all for your replys, I'm going to order the Drop Point one.

From the sounds of it, it will suit my needs best.

I'll probably get a sheepsfoot at a later date.
 
I'll probably get a sheepsfoot at a later date.
Click to expand...
Oh don't be ..patronizing!:D

Just stand yer ground and say, "I don't want no sheepsfoot cuz knifes is sposed ta have POINTS."

There. See how easy? :eek:
 
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