A knife's blade is the most important part of the tool, and it is made up of several parts, each with its own function. In this lesson, we will provide an overview of the different parts of the blade: tip, edge, spine, and tang, and explain their significance.
- Tip: The tip is the pointed end of the blade and is used for piercing and detail work. The shape and sharpness of the tip vary depending on the design of the blade.
- Edge: The edge is the sharpened side of the blade that is used for cutting. The sharpness, curvature, and shape of the edge vary depending on the design of the blade and its intended use.
- Spine: The spine is the opposite side of the edge and is used for reinforcing the blade and providing balance. It is typically thicker and less sharp than the edge.
- Tang: The tang is the part of the blade that extends into the handle. It provides balance and strength to the blade, it also determines how well the handle and the blade are joined together. There are different types of tang, the full tang is the most desirable as it provides the most strength and balance to the blade.
Understanding the different parts of the blade and their functions is essential for proper use, handling and maintenance of the knife. By being familiar with the tip, edge, spine, and tang, you will be able to make informed decisions about the knives you use and handle them with more confidence and safety. Additionally, it will help you to choose the right knife for the task and sharpen, hone and maintain it properly.