Field Reference
A working glossary of the parts, grinds, and construction terms used to describe fixed-blade knives — from edge geometry to tang style.
Primary anatomy of a fixed-blade knife, drop-point pattern
The primary metal component of the knife used for cutting, extending from the tip to the ricasso or guard.
The forward-most point of the blade where the spine and cutting edge converge.
The unsharpened top edge of the blade, opposite the cutting edge, often thicker for strength.
The sharpened portion of the blade that runs from the heel to the tip, used for cutting.
The rear-most portion of the cutting edge, located closest to the handle.
The flat, unsharpened section of the blade just above the guard or handle, often used for the maker's mark.
A groove or channel ground into the side of the blade to reduce weight while maintaining strength; often mistaken for a "blood groove."
A small, rounded notch cut into the blade just forward of the ricasso, often used to ease sharpening of the full edge.
The angled surface ground into the blade to create the cutting edge.
The point where the grind of the blade's edge bevel begins, forming a distinct notch or transition near the ricasso.
A blade grind featuring a concave bevel, producing a thin, sharp edge often seen on skinning knives.
A blade grind with a gently curved, outward-bulging bevel that tapers smoothly to the edge, prized for strength and durability.
An unsharpened, false-edge-like bevel ground into the spine near the tip to reduce weight and improve penetration without adding a functional edge.
A sharpened or edge-like bevel on the spine near the tip that resembles a second cutting edge, sometimes actually sharpened.
A crosspiece situated between the blade and the handle that protects the user's hand from sliding onto the edge.
A finger guard or extension, often part of the guard, that curves toward the blade to protect the hand or assist in retention.
The part of the knife gripped by the hand, typically covering or attached to the tang.
The two panels of material (wood, bone, G10, etc.) attached to either side of the tang to form the handle.
The rear extension of the blade steel that runs into the handle, providing structural support and a base for attachment.
A tang that extends the entire length and width of the handle, typically visible along the edges of the handle scales.
A tang that is narrower than the handle and fully enclosed within it, not visible from the outside.
A tang that extends completely through the handle, often visible or peened at the butt end.
A cap or plate fixed to the rear end (butt) of the handle, protecting the tang end and often used for added durability or striking.