Spyderco Wins: Leaf Shaped Blades Most Efficient

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Google AI says:

Leaf-shaped blade is considered very efficient for cutting due to its design that combines a strong tip for piercing with a pronounced "belly" that allows for smooth slicing actions, making it versatile for a variety of cutting tasks and considered a good choice for general utility use; it is often found in pocket knives and kitchen knives.

The original daggers and knives were leaf shaped. I do like the scimitar shape and some straight narrow shapes but as for strength and cutting efficiency the leaf blade is best.

[vivi]

One thing I appreciate is the predictability of the cut.

Most knives are made with a long straight edge section, then a pronounced belly.

I prefer the Spyderco style of a gradual, mellow curve throughout the full blade.

Consider these two similar sized folders, a CS Recon 1 with a Spyderco Native Chief on top:



When slicing cardboard I prefer the Chiefs blade shape. Material cuts in a more predictable manner.

With the more commonly seen Recon style blade shape, materials are more likely to slip off the edge of the knife once they encounter the belly.

Spydercos have a lot of thought put into them.

[Coastal]

No doubt the leaf-shaped blade is an efficient cutter, but most of my favorite knives tend not to be leaves: Military, Police, Stretch 2 XL, Pacific, Schempp Bowie, etc.

[Scotty63]

My edc is mostly a PM2 or Manix2. The Manix2 has a leaf blade. I can't say witch one is more efficient. They are both very efficient shapes.

[benben]

Carried so far this week…Manix, LeafJumper, and Lil’ Temperance, so yeah, I agree!

[Synov]

Wharncliffe has been shown to be the most effective blade shape in cutting experiments and competitions, likely due to constant pressure throughout the cut and consistency of edge placement. But it hardly matters for most applications.

[mark greenman]

What matters more to me is blade shape / handle interface and how that impacts how much cutting edge can be put into the material.

This is especially apparent on a flat surface.

Let's say you're cutting carpet off a flat floor. With a wharncliffe or hawbill, you could have a 1" blade or a 4" blade, you still will only be able to contact the material being cut with the very ~0.25" tip of the blade.

With the swept curve of the Military 'spyder shape' you can get about the first ~1.5" of blade to touch the carpet due to the blade curve + negative blade angle putting more edge in front of your knuckles.

If there was something like a folding Z-cut you could potentially be cutting with the whole length of the blade pressed into the carpet.

[PaloArt]

What matters more to me is blade shape / handle interface and how that impacts how much cutting edge can be put into the material.

THIS... Not even all leaf shaped blades are made same. Overall design including handle and how you position your hand during cutting is important. Small example, Manix vs Sage - Sage is more comfortable for me during cutting even though I love my Manix. Native vs Chaparral - I prefer chaparral as somehow it allows me to use longer section of blade on flat surface. Urban is fantastic example of grat leaf shaped blade with good handle design and angle that blade has against the handle. I am looking forward to receive UK PK as it seems to be sweet spot as Urban but with longer blade.

[elena86]

In my opinion, when it comes to edge shape, the most effective is the modified wharncliffe with a slightly curved edge. Good for utility cuts but also for daily chores. Watu and Smock are good examples. If we combined this edge shape with a broader high hollow ground blade surface we have a winner in my book. I have high expectations from the high performance Delica since it might be the embodiment of this concept.