why do they put swedges on knives?

[Legenda]

why do they put swedges on the back of knives? is it so you can sharpen the swedge?

 

[CubistHamster]

Just my $.02, but I think it usually has more to do with reducing weight and maybe increasing ease of penetration. Heck, some people just like the way it looks.

 

[Hawk45]

What he said ^^^

 

[Noctis3880]

Just my $.02, but I think it usually has more to do with reducing weight and maybe increasing ease of penetration. Heck, some people just like the way it looks.

Weight reduction for sure. Not sure about penetration unless the grind would be FFG without the swedge. For saber or hollow, the material above the swedge area wouldn't be any thicker, so ease of penetration is questionable in that regard.

 

[PayetteRucker]

Some swedges can be pretty practical if applied correctly on the correct design. Swedged clip point blades can have really fantastic utility when it comes to bolting, boring etc. Acts as an awl/reamer and you can drill through wood by rotating the handle. They can also be used as a convenient firesteel striker, scraper, etc.