What is the difference between a clip and a drop point?

[OilMan]

I've often wondered what the difference is between the two. To my thinking a drop point goes straight from the top (spine) of the blade to the point and a clip is the same thing except it has a downward curve to it. Am I close? Some points almost look like they could be both.

mee dum,

oil

 

[Bob W]

It's the blade shape, but you knew that. The Buck 119 Special is a good example of a clip point, while a Loveless drop point hunter is a perfect Drop Point example.

Yep, there are lots of knives that are somewhere in-between and difficult to classify.

-Bob

 

[DGG]

I think the clip has a bit longer false edge. They seem very similar to me.

See the attached for pictures and definitions.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knife

 

[bquinlan]

If the curvature of the top edge of the blade is outward it's a drop-point. If the curvature is inward it's a clip-point. Things get tricky with compound shapes and straight drops, though.

--Bob Q

 

[TorzJohnson]

I once read that "clip point" describes the appearance that the forward top portion of the blade appears to have an arc of steel "clipped" out of it. Sounds like a good description to me.

AG Russel's site uses this pic of their featherweight folder to illustrate it.

 

[dantzk8]

Joe Talmadge explains the difference and many things else at this link.

 

[dantzk8]

www.edcknives.com/pdf-files/blade geometry.pdf

 

[Walking Man]

Here's my definition, and it usually fits the bill.
IF the knife curves and there is a false edge back OR if the false edge is straight, the knife is usually considered a clip point. IF the back edge is curved forward, it is a spear point.