Knife Glossary: Terms & Definitions
Welcome to the ultimate knife glossary. Whether you’re a collector, martial artist, or everyday carrier, this guide explains common knife terms in clear, simple language. Click a letter below to jump to that section.
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Assisted Opening
Assisted opening knives use a spring mechanism that helps deploy the blade once the user starts opening it. Faster than manual knives but different from automatics. Shop Assisted Opening Knives.
Balisong (Butterfly Knife)
A balisong, or butterfly knife, has two handles that rotate around the tang, hiding the blade inside. Popular for flipping tricks and martial arts. View Balisong Knives.
Bayonet
A bayonet is a blade designed to attach to the muzzle of a rifle. Modern bayonets are collected for their history and also used as survival knives. View Bayonets.
Bowie Knife
A Bowie knife is a large sheath knife with a clipped point, named after James Bowie. Popular for hunting and survival. Browse Bowies.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel blades are strong and easy to sharpen but more prone to rust without proper care. Favored for toughness and edge retention. Shop Carbon Steel Knives.
Drop Point
A drop point blade has a convex curve on the spine leading to the tip, offering strength and control. Common in hunting and everyday carry knives. View Drop Point Knives.
EDC (Everyday Carry)
EDC refers to knives designed for daily use. Compact, reliable, and versatile, EDC knives are carried for utility and preparedness. Browse EDC Knives.
Fixed Blade
A fixed blade knife has a solid, non-folding design. Stronger than folding knives and often used for hunting, survival, and tactical purposes. Shop Fixed Blade Knives.
Folding Knife
A folding knife has a blade that folds into the handle, making it safe and compact for pocket carry. Popular for everyday use. View Folding Knives.
Gut Hook
A gut hook is a blade with a sharpened hook near the tip, used by hunters for field dressing game. See Hunting Knives.
Karambit
A karambit is a curved blade knife from Southeast Asia with a finger ring for grip security. Known for its unique look and martial arts applications. View Karambits.
Kitchen Knife
Kitchen knives are designed for food preparation. Categories include chef’s knives, cleavers, utility knives, and bread knives. Browse Kitchen Knives.
Kukri
The kukri is a forward-curved Nepalese knife used for chopping, clearing brush, and combat. Browse Kukris.
Liner Lock
A liner lock is a folding knife mechanism where a spring-loaded liner holds the blade open. The user pushes the liner aside to close the blade. Browse Folding Knives.
Machete
A machete is a long, broad blade used for chopping vegetation and survival use. View Machetes.
Neck Knife
A neck knife is a small knife carried in a sheath on a cord around the neck. Compact and practical for everyday carry and survival. Shop Neck Knives.
Pocket Knife
A pocket knife folds compactly into the handle, making it easy to carry. Ideal for everyday cutting tasks. View Pocket Knives.
Serrated Edge
A serrated edge has saw-like teeth for cutting through tough materials like rope, fabric, or bread. Offers aggressive cutting action. Shop Serrated Knives.
Sheath
A sheath is a protective cover for a knife blade, often made of leather, nylon, or Kydex. Used for safe carrying and storage. See Knives with Sheaths.
Tactical Knife
A tactical knife is designed for military, law enforcement, and survival use, combining durability with practical features. Browse Tactical Knives.
Tanto Blade
A tanto blade has an angled, reinforced tip for piercing strength. Inspired by Japanese swords, it is popular in tactical and survival knives. View Tanto Knives.
Training Knife
A training knife is a safe practice tool, often dulled or made of rubber/plastic, designed for martial arts and defense training. See Training Knives.
V-Grind
A V-grind blade has symmetrical bevels forming a “V” shape. Common for general-purpose knives, balancing strength and sharpness. See V-Grind Knives.
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