Wharncliffe Blade

V

valentin_84

Joined
Jul 12, 2009
Messages
57
Hey guys, I keep hearin people talk about wharncliffe blades and how they prefer them for a fighting or defense knife. Looking at it, I just can't figure out why! The tip isn't that pointy for stabbing and the belly is flat instead if curved for slashing. Can any of you guys shed some light on why these blades are so loved?
 
I dunno about the self defense aspects, but for EDC I like 'em. I like the way they slice open boxes/cut whatever really, and they're a breeze to sharpen
 
I know that Michael Janich found that the completely straight edge cut deeper than a curved one into realistic test media, which is why he designed the Ronin as he did (note that the Ronin also has a very sharp tip for thrusting). It appears to me that because the motion of the average cut is an arc, the wharncliffe leads with the point for the last half of this movement, aggressively cutting into the medium, whereas a curved edge would be pushing the target away, decreasing the effectiveness of the cut.
 
I find that I tend to use my Wharncliff blades more than my others. I use everything from a #11 Bard-Parker Scalpel to my Kershaw Needs Work. The "Pointy" points followed by straight (easy to sharpen) blades are useful for fine work, starting holes, and following straight edges (trimming photos, Mats, cutting out magazine articles, etc.). Would love to have some more wharncliffs Eg: Graham Bro. Wharncliffe or Stubby W'cliff. or Razel. Or a Bark River TUSK...or Ronin, or Spyderco Yojimbo...etc. etc.
 
Ok, I see why they work now! I was thinking of the blades with the real rounded fron ends. After looking up some of the models you guys have mentioned it all makes sence now! Thanks for the input!
 
I find these blades good for EDC/work/utility etc. and they are easy to sharpen as mentioned. Kind-of a nice sheeple blade too. I am speaking of the traditional wharncliff blade on slippies and etc. Some new designs are more aggresive in their design though.
 
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They are fantastic for box cutting. I have a modified wharncliff on one of my favorite knives.
 
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