What's the purpose of a swedge on the spine of a blade?

jakemex

jakemex

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 19, 2011
Messages
1,286
Simple question, simple answer of course. Is it to thin out the tip or other portion of the blade for slicing? It looks good too on certain blade shapes for sure.
 
well as it's used mostly on "fighting" blades, i assume its just to make the tip pointier and to give some kind of "edge" for a bit more damage if used correctly. but thats just my assumption ;)

Scott
 
I agree with OP . Also , swedge is good for penetration, preventing blade accidently closing in light tasks .
 
Last edited:
I do recall a knife with a swedge on the spine that was intended to be used for whacking bones to crack them open and get into the marrow. Pretty primitive, but I guess if you do that it's quite useful.
 
On multi-blade knives (like stock knives and double-ended patterns) the swedges were utilitarian (as well as cosmetically appealing). They helped the blades pass one another without rubbing or blocking. They also facilitated getting to the blade's nail nick in many instances as well.
 
Ditto, for making a better piercing tip on a blade. Makes a BIG difference on something like a spearpoint blade, which otherwise with a flat & wide spine, would tend to deflect downward (away from the spine) during a poking/piercing cut. On a slipjoint, that downward deflection might even try to close the blade on the user's hand.


David
 
It aids in penetration and allows for a back-cut, hence a bowie knife being able to 'cut both ways'. Past that, it can give you a finer tip, and it looks nifty to boot.
 
Thanks, there are always several utilitarian reasons for a feature on a blade or tool. Like chip breakers on milling cutters and drill bits etc. traditional knives are fascinating for this reason.
 
Crone said:
I do recall a knife with a swedge on the spine that was intended to be used for whacking bones to crack them open and get into the marrow. Pretty primitive, but I guess if you do that it's quite useful.
Click to expand...

This Puma "Sea-Hunter" has that feature for chopping bait, cracking shellfish etc. The front portion, near the tip, is left broad for "stunning".

orig.jpg
 
Symmetrical, Asymmetrical, Drawn, Cut or otherwise, usually for a purpose, but sometimes just because they look so Darn Cool!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top