The clip point --simple formula, endless variety

R

rune1279

Joined
Nov 27, 2012
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214
I was looking through my collection the other day, and it struck me how much I like the clip point. It's easily my favorite main-blade shape, and it's kind of amazing how much variety such a simple shape can provide:


When you think about it, there's really only a handful of variables at work here:
1) Ratio of spine-length to clip-length
2) Angle of clip relative to spine
3) Angle of blade to spine (how much the blade seems to be 'reaching down' from the spine)
4) Size of the 'belly' of the blade (physical size and the degree to which it's curved)
5) The angle at which the clip and the edge meet

It might be silly to put so much thought into the aesthetics of the blade's shape, but it's interesting to me, how much these factors can change my perception of the knife. The trapper and peanut seem fragile and needle-like (muskrat and toothpick blades even more so, but I don't have any of those), where the Buck on the right seems almost comically blunt even though, if you look carefully, it's got a narrower point than a lot of the blades in the middle of the picture.

My favorite changes (that's half the fun of having a collection, right?) but with them all laid out side-by-side like this, I'm struck by how much I like the GEC and the Kabar -- they balance out rather well, I think. How about you? Do you have a favorite clip point whose lines are just-so, or do you tend to pick your favorites more from the handle end of things and leave the blade to distinguish itself only by how well it does its job?

--Mark
 
I also think the clip is the most useful blade for an EDC, and I tend to prefer the slimmer ones. From left to right on your pic my favorites would be 1, 2, and 4. Besides slender, I would say I like more clip than spine and a larger radius (more gradual) curve to the belly of the blade. The spey blade on a trapper or stockman works well for a tigher radiused edge belly.

Slender clip mains, GEC's muskrat clip
elktintype.jpg:original
 
I'm going to follow this a while as it will surely bring some good discussion. I will say now that I am like Jeff and like a longer "muskrat" style clip, but you have to have enough knife for it. The clip on my Pemberton looks just right for the knife.

EbonyPemberton001_zpsa69a1063.jpg


However, in general, the GEC clips are too wide for my tastes.

The clip on this Case Texas jack is more to my liking:

StagRancherMiniTrapper002.jpg


Ed J
 
I prefer the clip such as the one in the GEC.
Just seems more traditional and gives "more blade for the money".
However, the long, slim California clips give a smaller profile in your pocket, and are definitely better if you need to core an apple. :)
 
I find the very pointy clip on this old Case is very useful. I did not know if I liked it at first, now I carry it a lot due to its usefulness.

 
I'm a spear blade kinda guy but I love this old Russell clip.

Best regards
Robin
8248496508_5643e5fb2d.jpg
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The clip points that I like best have a curved clip (or at least the optical illusion of a curve), like the Russell in that canoe that Robin posted.
 
While I like the looks of a clip point, I find they are most useful on game where the possibility of skinning and cutting withouth opening up the intestines etc. The "belly" at the end of the clip affords this and I believe that was the original purpose. For utilitarian use however the Wharncliffe and sheepsfoot are far more useful howeverl less attractive.
 
Properly done, the clip point blade is a thing of beauty and my favorite blade shape. I don't have many slips with clip point blades though because most iterations leave me feeling "meh." But when the proportions are spot on and the grinds done right, nothing compares IMO.

Something along the lines of the top knife.

WTComparo2.jpg

Image by waynorth

- Christian
 
kamagong said:
Properly done, the clip point blade is a thing of beauty and my favorite blade shape. I don't have many slips with clip point blades though because most iterations leave me feeling "meh." But when the proportions are spot on and the grinds done right, nothing compares IMO.

Something along the lines of the top knife.

WTComparo2.jpg

Image by waynorth

- Christian
Click to expand...

To me, the 2012 BF knife is the perfect storm! My favorite for the most part.
 
I'd have to say that he clip is my avorite, too, but I prefer the long clip (California clip? Turkish ?) on this old Uncle Henry.
Knives7-28-12001.jpg
 
Gevonovich said:
I find the very pointy clip on this old Case is very useful. I did not know if I liked it at first, now I carry it a lot due to its usefulness.

Click to expand...

Wow, hardly any belly left on that one at all. That's a well-loved knife.

It's funny, I kicked off the thread, but so far I'm the only one who likes the chunky clips! Well, even if I'm outnumbered, it's an interesting conversation. I am coming around on the trapper, with all these photos (the one I have in my photo is so new-to-me I've never carried it)

--Mark
 
I too admire the clip blade most of all. I especially like it when its paired with a long pull. Even if you neglected to mention how functional it is, you could get away with admiring how beautiful it is:
 
for use I like less belly, a shallower curve if you will.

for appearance the 2012 forum knife is pretty tops.

I'll take a straight edge for Edc any day.
 
I really like the first 4 from the left and the 2nd from the right. I generally like the thinner clip blades.
























 
I like the clip blade a lot as well. I like them thin, with lots of belly, with long pulls and nail nicks. It's a great
blade that can be used a lot. My favorite combo is the clip and wharncliffe.

Jason









 
My favorite blade style is clip point too. I like the straight clip point, found on the CRK mountaineer and Randall 14.

ETA: I like the deep bowie style clip point too, I don't find it very useful, but it looks great.

randalls.jpg
 
Trand
Can you tell us more about that A. G. Russel Wharncliffe Trapper? Is it still available? It is sweet!!
 
rune1279 said:
I was looking through my collection the other day, and it struck me how much I like the clip point. It's easily my favorite main-blade shape, and it's kind of amazing how much variety such a simple shape can provide:


When you think about it, there's really only a handful of variables at work here:
1) Ratio of spine-length to clip-length
2) Angle of clip relative to spine
3) Angle of blade to spine (how much the blade seems to be 'reaching down' from the spine)
4) Size of the 'belly' of the blade (physical size and the degree to which it's curved)
5) The angle at which the clip and the edge meet

It might be silly to put so much thought into the aesthetics of the blade's shape, but it's interesting to me, how much these factors can change my perception of the knife.

--Mark
Click to expand...

Its great that you actually noticed and appreciate the varieties in the clip point & ya there are many different ways yo go about them

for me either a clip point of a drop point blade is the best, for my uses that is
 
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