Karambit, Tanto, or a Spear point? Confused? Let Alpha Outpost show you an overview of everyday carry knives. In this guide, we will talk about strengths and weaknesses of each. Since knife shapes are intended for specific purposes, it is good to familiarize yourself with the following knife types to better prepare yourself for outdoor adventures, everyday applications, and survival situations.
Karambit Knife
The Karambit Knife is a curved multi-use knife designed for protection, preciseness, and efficiency. It has a curved blade, comfortable handle, and usually, includes at least one safety ring.
Strengths: Precision, Control, Stability, Leverage
Weaknesses: Maneuverability, Reach
Tanto Knife
A Tanto knife has a chisel point that is thick towards the point which makes it quite strong. This design is very similar to the points on most Japanese swords. (wakizashi and katana).
Strengths: Strong Point, Great for piercing, and stabbing.
Weaknesses: No cutting edge belly, (belly increases the knife's ability to both slice and slash), Hard control point.
Spear Point
A spear point is a symmetrically pointed blade with a point that is in line with the center line of the blade's long axis. Both edges of the knife rise and fall equally to create a point that lines up exactly with the equator of the blade. They can be single or double edged, although most forms of the spear point knife come with a double-edged design.
Strengths: Strong symmetrical point, Sharp on both sides (if doubled edge), Precise, good control
Weaknesses: Small cutting, not well suited for slicing and slashing
Drop Point
A drop point knife has a curved blade and an unsharpened back. The back of the knife tracks to the point in a slow curved style, slightly resembling a spear point knife. Mostly used by hunters because of large belly blade.
Strengths: Control, Strong tip,
Weaknesses: Not as sharp point, Not suited for piercing
Clip Point
This blade is one of the most popular blade shapes in use today. The back of the knife runs straight from the handle and stops about halfway through the knife. Then, it continues down towards the point of the knife. This area can be straight or curved, and is referred to as the "clip". Thus, the name Clip Point.
Strengths: Sharp and controllable point, Piercing strength, Plenty of cutting edge for slicing
Weaknesses: Weak and Narrow Point
Conclusion: Ultimately, you want a knife that's convenient, strong and which will hold a sharp edge. Start there and add features or fancy specs as your budget allows or you desire.
