Knives Terminology

The language Knives Talks uses to talk about knives heavily relies on Knife Terms. Basically it's a list of specialized words or terms that bear specific knife related meanings. Using knife terms one can easy describe a knife design or discuss its features. Once you know that language the whole new world of information about knives becomes available including books, blogs, videos, etc.

This article aims to list and explain most commonly used knife terms. It will be continuously updated so when reading about a knife should you come across an unfamiliar word don't hesitate to read this article again or post a comment if did not find an explanation.

Terminology

There are two main terms that should be well known by every knife user: blade and handle. Blade is obviously a cutting part of a knife and handle is a holding part. Now that we are clear on that let's dig into more details.

We divide all type of knives into two large categories: fixed knives and folding knives. Fixed knives do not change their geometry as opposed to folding knives that can be folded when not used. Fixed knives design is slightly simpler comparing to folding knives because fixed knives do not have parts related to folding and locking mechanisms.

Fixed Knives Terminology

Blade related terms

Edge: a sharp and thin part of a blade that is used for cutting; a knife may have more than a single edge;
Spine: a dull and thick top part of a blade; double-edged blades may not have a spine;
Tip: a pointed and thinner part of blade geometry that is the furtherest from the handle;
Tang: a tailing part of the blade that also works as a part of a handle;
Thumb ramp: a bumped-up curvature of blade geometry normally adjacent to a handle and used to provide thumb support for increased control;

Coming up soon

Jimping
Swedge
Belly
Choil
Grind
Bevel
Micro-bevel

Handle related terms

Scales: parts of a handle that are attached to the handle sides to provide better grip and appearance;
Lanyard hole: a hole on the back of  handle to attach a lanyard to; useful but optional;

Coming up soon

Bolster
Pommel
Guard
Finger grooves

Coming up soon: Folding Knives Terminology