Complete Knife Terminology Guide: Blade Anatomy, Parts & Essential Terms Explained

Master the language of knife anatomy with this comprehensive guide to knife parts, blade terminology, and essential knife terms. Whether you're shopping for your first EDC knife, learning about kitchen knife construction, or exploring tactical knife features, understanding proper knife nomenclature helps you make informed decisions and communicate effectively with knife enthusiasts and professionals.

Quick Start: Essential Knife Anatomy

Every knife consists of two main components: the blade and the handle. However, each section contains numerous specialized parts that affect knife performance, durability, and functionality. Learning these knife terms helps you understand blade design, construction quality, and intended applications.

Blade Anatomy: The Business End

Primary Blade Components

Edge - The Sharp Foundation The cutting edge is the sharpened portion of the blade that performs all cutting tasks. This is the most critical part of any knife, extending from the point to the heel. Edge geometry and sharpening angle significantly impact cutting performance.

Spine - The Structural Backbone The knife spine is the thick, unsharpened back of the blade opposite the edge. The spine thickness determines blade strength and rigidity. Thicker spines provide more durability for heavy-duty knives, while thinner spines allow for more precise cutting in kitchen knives.

Point/Tip - Precision Control The knife point is where the edge and spine converge at the forward end of the blade. The tip design varies significantly between knife types - drop point for general use, tanto point for piercing, clip point for detail work.

Belly - The Curved Advantage The belly refers to the curved section of the edge that excels at slicing motions. A pronounced belly enhances cutting efficiency for kitchen knives and hunting knives, while tactical knives often feature minimal belly for penetration.

Specialized Blade Areas

Ricasso - The Safe Zone The ricasso is the unsharpened section of the blade immediately adjacent to the handle. This area provides a finger rest for precise control and can include thumb jimping for enhanced grip during detail work.

Choil - The Transition Point The choil is an unsharpened indent where the blade meets the handle or guard. This feature allows for close cutting control and provides a natural finger placement for precise tasks.

Heel - Maximum Leverage The heel is the rear portion of the cutting edge closest to the handle. This area provides maximum cutting force and is ideal for heavy cutting tasks in kitchen knives and chopping applications.

Plunge Line - The Grind Boundary The plunge line marks where the blade grind stops and meets the ricasso. A clean, straight plunge line indicates quality knife manufacturing and affects both aesthetics and functionality.

Handle Construction: The Foundation

Handle Components

Tang - The Hidden Strength The tang is the extension of the blade that runs into the handle. This is arguably the most important structural element of any fixed blade knife.

Full Tang - Maximum Strength A full tang extends the complete length and width of the handle, providing maximum structural integrity. Full tang knives are preferred for heavy-duty applications, survival knives, and professional use.

Partial Tang - Weight Savings A partial tang extends only partway into the handle, reducing weight and material costs. While adequate for light-duty knives, partial tangs are less durable under stress.

Scales - The Grip Surface Handle scales are the pieces of material attached to either side of the tang to create the handle. Scale materials range from synthetic materials like G-10 and Micarta to natural options like wood and bone.

Rivets - The Binding Force Rivets are metal pins that secure the scales to the tang, creating a solid handle construction. Quality rivets should be flush with the handle surface and properly sized for the application.

Handle Features

Guard - Hand Protection The guard (also called hilt) is the barrier between the blade and handle that prevents the hand from sliding onto the cutting edge. Guards vary from minimal finger grooves to prominent crossguards on tactical knives.

Quillons - Extended Protection Quillons are the horizontal extensions of a guard that provide additional hand protection. Traditional swords featured prominent quillons, while modern knives may have subtle versions for tactical applications.

Pommel - The End Cap The pommel is the end piece of the handle, often serving as a striking surface or glass breaker on tactical knives. Pommels can be integral to the tang or separate components.

Lanyard Hole - Retention Security A lanyard hole in the pommel or handle allows attachment of retention cords to prevent knife loss during use. This feature is standard on military knives and survival knives.

Blade Geometry & Grinds

Primary Grind Types

Flat Grind - Versatile Performance The flat grind features straight bevels from the spine toward the edge, creating excellent cutting geometry for most applications. This is the most common grind type for EDC knives and kitchen knives.

Hollow Grind - Razor Sharp A hollow grind creates concave bevels that produce extremely sharp edges ideal for precision cutting. Straight razors and fillet knives often feature hollow grinds for maximum sharpness.

Convex Grind - Maximum Strength The convex grind (also called appleseed grind) features outward-curving bevels that provide exceptional edge strength. This grind type is favored for heavy-duty knives, axes, and survival blades.

Scandinavian Grind - Woodworking Specialist The Scandi grind features a single bevel that extends from the spine to the edge without a secondary bevel. This design excels at wood carving and is standard on Scandinavian knives.

Edge Configurations

Primary Bevel - The Main Angle The primary bevel is the main grinding angle that shapes the blade geometry. Most pocket knives feature 20-degree primary bevels, while Japanese knives often use 15-17 degrees.

Secondary Bevel - The Cutting Edge The secondary bevel (or edge bevel) is the final sharpening angle that creates the actual cutting edge. This smaller angle provides sharpness while the primary bevel provides strength.

Micro Bevel - Durability Enhancement A micro bevel is a tiny secondary bevel applied to increase edge durability without significantly affecting cutting performance. This technique is common in professional sharpening.

Specialized Knife Features

Tactical & Combat Features

Serrations - Aggressive Cutting Serrated edges feature saw-like teeth that excel at cutting fibrous materials and rope. Partially serrated knives combine plain edge and serrated sections for versatility.

Thumb Jimping - Enhanced Grip Jimping consists of small grooves or notches that provide textured grip surfaces. Thumb jimping on the spine allows precise pressure application during detail work.

Glass Breaker - Emergency Tool A glass breaker is a hardened point designed to shatter automotive glass in emergencies. This feature is common on rescue knives and tactical folders.

Clip Point - Precision Tip The clip point blade shape features a "clipped" or cut-away section near the tip, creating a fine point for detail work while maintaining a useful belly for general cutting.

Folding Knife Components

Pivot - The Hinge Point The pivot is the mechanism that allows a folding knife blade to rotate into and out of the handle. Quality pivots use ball bearings or washers for smooth operation.

Lock - Safety Mechanism The lock secures the blade in the open position to prevent accidental closure during use. Common types include liner locks, frame locks, and back locks.

Pocket Clip - Carry Solution A pocket clip attached to the handle allows secure pocket carry of folding knives. Clip position and retention strength vary based on carry preferences.

Blade Stop - Protection Feature The blade stop prevents the blade from over-rotating and damaging the lock mechanism or handle. This feature is essential for folding knife safety and longevity.

Steel Types & Construction

Common Blade Steels

Carbon Steel - Traditional Performance Carbon steel blades offer excellent edge retention and ease of sharpening but require more maintenance to prevent corrosion. Popular carbon steels include 1084, 1095, and 5160.

Stainless Steel - Low Maintenance Stainless steel contains chromium for corrosion resistance, making it ideal for kitchen knives and marine applications. Common grades include 440C, S30V, and VG-10.

Tool Steel - Professional Grade Tool steels like D2 and A2 offer excellent wear resistance and toughness for heavy-duty applications. These steels balance performance with workability.

Damascus Steel - Artistic Excellence Damascus steel features distinctive patterns created by folding and welding different steel types. Modern Damascus combines aesthetics with performance.

Knife Types & Applications

Kitchen Knives

Chef's Knife - The Versatile Workhorse The chef's knife features a curved belly and pointed tip ideal for chopping, slicing, and dicing. Blade lengths typically range from 6-12 inches.

Paring Knife - Precision Tool Paring knives feature short blades (2-4 inches) with fine points for detail work, peeling, and intricate cutting tasks.

Santoku - Japanese Efficiency The Santoku knife features a sheepsfoot blade shape optimized for chopping, dicing, and slicing vegetables with a straight-down cutting motion.

Outdoor & Tactical Knives

Survival Knife - Ultimate Reliability Survival knives prioritize durability and versatility with full tang construction, thick spines, and multi-purpose designs for wilderness applications.

Hunting Knife - Field Processing Hunting knives feature drop point or clip point blades optimized for game processing, skinning, and field dressing tasks.

Tactical Knife - Professional Tool Tactical knives emphasize quick deployment, retention features, and defensive capabilities for military, law enforcement, and civilian protection.

Everyday Carry (EDC)

EDC Folder - Daily Companion EDC folding knives balance portability, functionality, and legal compliance for everyday tasks and utility cutting.

Multi-Tool - Comprehensive Solution Multi-tools combine knife blades with pliers, screwdrivers, and other tools in a compact package for versatile problem-solving.

Maintenance & Care Terms

Sharpening Terminology

Sharpening Angle - Edge Geometry The sharpening angle determines edge sharpness versus durability. Acute angles (15-17°) provide razor sharpness, while obtuse angles (25-30°) offer durability.

Honing - Edge Maintenance Honing realigns the cutting edge without removing significant steel. Regular honing extends time between sharpening sessions.

Stropping - Final Polish Stropping on leather or compound provides the final polish to achieve maximum sharpness and edge refinement.

Care & Storage

Patina - Natural Protection Patina is the natural oxidation layer that forms on carbon steel blades, providing corrosion protection while maintaining cutting performance.

Blade Oil - Corrosion Prevention Blade oil protects knife steel from moisture and corrosion during storage and transport.

Sheath - Protection & Carry A sheath protects the blade and user during carry and storage. Sheath materials include leather, Kydex, and nylon.

Conclusion: Mastering Knife Knowledge

Understanding knife terminology empowers informed decisions when selecting, using, and maintaining knives for any application. Whether you're choosing your first EDC knife, upgrading kitchen cutlery, or exploring tactical options, this knife anatomy knowledge helps you communicate effectively and make choices based on construction quality and design features.

Essential Takeaways:

• Tang construction determines structural strength

• Blade geometry affects cutting performance

• Steel type impacts maintenance requirements

• Handle design influences comfort and control

Ready to find your perfect knife? Browse our complete selection of EDC knives, kitchen cutlery, tactical blades, and outdoor knives to discover quality knife construction that meets your specific needs and preferences.

From everyday utility to specialized applications, understanding these knife fundamentals ensures you choose knife designs that deliver the performance, reliability, and satisfaction you expect from quality blades.