Question about knife's blade shape

[Medusa]

Usually a knife has a rounded/curved edge, so how come some have clipped blade (as on the included picture - Kampfmeisser 2000). Is it better to thrust with such a design? Please explain to the ignorant one (me, namely ) the differences and appliances of 2 such designs. Thanks.

 

[Valkman]

I don't know that much, but that looks like a tanto blade which keeps alot of thickness out to the edge. It's a very strong design and if you need a knife to do things like prying it's one of the best - depending on grade of steel and heat treat, of course.

 

[ecos]

yup its a modern day tanto version. the old tantos ive seen didnt have quite so abrupt a transition going from edge to tip. as valkman said they are made because they offer greater strength in the tip. in stabbing through materials such as hard armor it takes more force to get the tip itself through (due to a steeper/thick angle) but once it is through there is very little drag. a design like a drop point will start to penetrate easier but due to the longer taper it drags more. i would only buy the tanto design if i planned on heavy stabbing or prying with the tip. they do sell well though and most people buy them because they "look so cool". a design like a drop point, is better suited to everyday chores (in my opinion).

 

[middy]

They used to look cool back in the 1980's.

They are easier to make.

That's all.

 

[Skofnung]

Why? because they sell.
I find the "Tanto" style blade to be of very limited utility. They far from useless, I have a CS Oyabun that I used to skin a wild hog without too much trouble, but i will probably never purchace another one.

A good dagger will stab better (in soft targets, not car doors) and a blade with some "belly" will cut far better.

YMMV

 

[hso]

The modern "tanto" blade design with the angular transition from cutting edge to point is a recent (compared to tantos dating back to the 1300s) affectation from the late 1970s. It is intended to give a strong penetrating point without the tip rolling over or breaking off when thrust into something hard (like car doors).

 

[Baba Louie]

Ah. The chisel angled pointy sharp thick spined pry bar, craftily disguised and marketed as a knife of Japanese ancestry.

What Bob Lum started (was it Lum?) and what'sisname took to stabbing through car doors and 55 gal drums (just in case you ever need to kill a car door or wound a 55 gal drum) is now an accepted tool manufactured by just about any and everyone.

If they float yer boat and are priced right, made out of a good enough steel, hold an edge and cut... why not add one or three to your collection?

I've got several.

I don't use them, but I've got them. Guess I'm still waiting on the attack of the zombie car doors made from 55 gal drum steel

 

[garrettwc]

Read here Mysterious World of Knives for some more detailed information.