What's Best Point Type?

[Pointy!]

Guys, I was wondering what the best point on a knife was for survival duties, camp chores etc. Would it be a bowie style or a straight top and the edge runs up to it at a slight curve, I don't know the name for this. I am wondering what type of knife to order, maybe it doesn't matter does it?

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You are the weakest link!!

GOODBYE!!

 

[Andrew Lynch]

Well, I personally love the extreme drop point, which is basically where the top edge doesn't ever drop, and the edge curve's up about two or so inches before the tip to meet it. Very strong, like a tanto, while still having lots of belly for skinning, etc. A spear point is also very good. A clip is ok, but the tip is significantly weaker, usually. Good luck in your choosing.

BTW, and absolutely no offense intended, I think that one reason your not getting many replies on what usually is a pretty healthy topic is your signature. I may be wrong, but I think it's a little abbrasive. If I am wrong, I apologise.

 

[rdangerer]

Andrew, the "weakest link" salutation is a quote/schtick from an abrasive, obnoxious evening game show host (show called "The Weakest Link") that just showed up on American TV a couple weeks ago but has been in Europe for a while.

Here are links to my two favorite blade styles for outdoors knives... very similar to what Andrew is describing I believe:

Reeve Project I (couple of the pics aren't so hot... but the Spear Point grind is a smart one in my book):

http://www.chrisreeve.com/project.html

http://onestopknifeshop.com/images/chrisreeve/cr-project.jpg

The other, a Steve Mullin Camp knife....simple straight back, lots of belly, flat ground, stock thickness left that way to out near the tip... simple and totally useful:

http://www.mullin-custom-knives.com/images/camp.jpg


The traditional "Bowie" grind looks cool, but for me you give up the belly for looks, and if not ground carefully, the tip gets overly delicate and for no good reason. This is what I think of as the "Bowie" grind ...

http://www.sogknives.com/bowie_series.htm

... but sheesh, there are a dozen grinds I've seen on big knives that could lay claim to being "Bowie's":

http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/fiskbowie.htm


[This message has been edited by rdangerer (edited 04-26-2001).]

 

[allenC]

I own and use alot of knives with different styles of tips, and over the years I have decided there are two blade-tips that work best for me: the modified drop-point (kinda like a mix between a drop-point and a spear-point) and the sheepsfoot.
I especially like the sheepsfoot design. It is very strong and useful and is good for almost any task except stabbing something.
Back when I carried a stockman pocket-knife I noticed that I used the sheepsfoot more than the other blades.
Alot of work-knives (for electricians, mechanics, carpenters, plumbers, ect) use the sheepsfoot design. Maybe because it's very hard to stab yourself or others with that design.
It would not be my first choice for self-defense though.