What kind of blade shape is the BEST in what situation? why?

[OrangeBlueOrangeBlue]

Does a drop point become a spear point when it reaches the centerline, or is it still a drop point unless a swedge is ground? Is the Skyline a Spear or Drop point? Is the Native 5 a Spear or Drop point? Is a Mora a clip point or a drop point? Is the Delica a modified Wharncliffe or a modified drop point? The lines are so blurry on modern knives.

I think my favorite general purpose knives are drop/spear points and wharncliffe type variants.

It depends on who's doing the classification. Under a lot of definitions I've seen, a spear point is symmetrical in shape (although might be sharpened on one side only), where a drop point doesn't need to be symmetrical (even if the point is at the centerline). However, some people will call it a spear point even if the blade isn't symmetrical at all.

For example, BladeHQ considers this a spear point (and the Native 5 a drop point):

Generally, a drop point is a convex curve to the tip, while a clip point is straight or concave (toward the center of the blade). The typical Moras are all clip points.

When you start adding "modified" to things, the rules go out the window. A wharncliffe and a sheepsfoot should both have a straight edge from heel to tip; the distinction is where the curve from the spine down to the the edge starts. If you're "modifying" the definition to throw out one of the defining characteristics (e.g. it'd be a wharncliffe if it didn't have a curved edge), doesn't the definition lose its meaning?

To pick on BHQ again, they classify this blade as a wharncliffe.

Except it doesn't have a straight edge, which would typically make it a drop point (like the Delica)

 

[Shorttime]

.......How would a convex edge help in normal EDC cutting tasks?

A convex edge would be easier to make long cuts on things like cardboard and cheese, if you're one of those fellas who occasionally decides to use his pocket knife in the kitchen.

I can't sharpen for anything, so a convex zero bevel would make it easier for me.

It's a relatively more robust edge. Yes, I know better, but I'm still the guy who is sometimes too lazy to hunt up the right tool.

 

[22-rimfire]

....To pick on BHQ again, they classify this blade as a wharncliffe.

Except it doesn't have a straight edge, which would typically make it a drop point (like the Delica)

This is essentially the blade shape that works best for me overall regardless of use. I do like a wharncliffe type blade for cutting on a flat surface such as the kitchen or working with leather or vinyl. I am generally not really that picky about things and can adapt to most any "normal" blade shape when using a knife.

 

[OrangeBlueOrangeBlue]

A convex edge would be easier to make long cuts on things like cardboard and cheese, if you're one of those fellas who occasionally decides to use his pocket knife in the kitchen.

I can't sharpen for anything, so a convex zero bevel would make it easier for me.

It's a relatively more robust edge. Yes, I know better, but I'm still the guy who is sometimes too lazy to hunt up the right tool.

Kitchen knives are flat or hollow grinds, pretty much the opposite of a convex grind (which is most commonly used on axes and heavy-duty outdoor knives). Or were you talking about an actual convex curve of the edge (i.e. belly)?\


Anyway, I thought of a good example of a blade shape being optimized for a particular task: blunt edges for rescue and marine use. Having a blunt edge makes it harder to accidentally cut something you don't want cut (e.g. person, buoyancy compensator, inflatable raft).

 

[Lesknife]

This is one reason why I like the stockman pattern with three different blades. A good stockman can cover a lot of tasks and 3x edge use. Otherwise I prefer a clip point on a single blade for general utility. A drop point can be except the times when I need to get in a small tight spot.

 

[Kizer Cutlery]

This is one reason why I like the stockman pattern with three different blades. A good stockman can cover a lot of tasks and 3x edge use. Otherwise I prefer a clip point on a single blade for general utility. A drop point can be except the times when I need to get in a small tight spot.

Nice~