Clip Point Blades

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Advantages of the Clip Point
  • Very sharp and controllable point
  • Good for piercing
  • Plenty of cutting edge ("belly") for slicing
Disadvantages of the Clip Point
  • Point is narrow and weak

Clip Point Blade Images

clip point blade

If you're looking for a great all-purpose blade, then you've come to the right place. A clip point (along with a drop point) is one of the most popular blade shapes in use today. The most recognizable knife that features a clip point is the Bowie knife, but it is also popular on many pocket knives and fixed blade knives.

The back (unsharpened) edge of the knife runs straight from the handle and stops about halfway up the knife. Then, it turns and continues to the point of the knife. This "cut-out" area can be straight or curved, and is referred to as the "clip", which is how this shape got its name. Clip point knives look as if the part of the knife from the spine to the point has literally been clipped off.

The point that is created by this clip is lowered, which provides more control when using the knife. Because the tip is controllable, sharp and thinner at the spine, a clip point knife lends itself to quicker stabbing with less drag during insertion and faster withdrawal. In some cases, the back edge of the clip point is sharpened to make a second edge, which improves the function of the tip even more.

Clip point knives also feature a large "belly" area that is perfect for slicing.

The only real disadvantage of the clip point blade is it's relatively narrow tip. Because it is so sharp and narrow, it has a tendency to be weak and can break fairly easily.

By choosing a clip point, you will be among the hoards of knife lovers who own a great all-purpose blade that can be used in many situations, expected or unexpected.