Views: 220 Author: svegaoutdoor Publish Time: 2025-08-11 Origin: Site
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● Common Types of Fixed Blade Knife Edge Grinds
>> 1. Flat Grind (Full Flat Grind)
>>> Description
>>> Characteristics
>>> Uses
>>> Pros and Cons
>> 2. Convex Grind (Moran Grind)
>>> Description
>>> Characteristics
>>> Uses
>>> Pros and Cons
>>> Description
>>> Characteristics
>>> Uses
>>> Pros and Cons
>> 4. Scandi Grind (Scandinavian Grind)
>>> Description
>>> Characteristics
>>> Uses
>>> Pros and Cons
>>> Description
>>> Characteristics
>>> Uses
>>> Pros and Cons
● Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fixed Blade Grind
>> Blade Strength vs. Sharpness
>> Intended Use
● Maintaining Fixed Blade Edge Grinds
>> Edge Angles
● Summary Table of Fixed Blade Edge Grinds
When it comes to fixed blade knives, the edge grind—the way the blade is shaped and tapered near the cutting edge—is a critical factor that influences the knife's performance, sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. Understanding the different types of edge grinds allows you to select the right fixed blade for your specific needs, whether for outdoor survival, hunting, bushcraft, culinary tasks, or tactical applications. This article will comprehensively explain the most common fixed blade knife edge grinds, their characteristics, pros and cons, and suitable uses.
A knife edge grind refers to the cross-sectional shape of the blade near its cutting edge after it has been ground or shaped. It determines how the blade tapers from the thicker spine down to a thin, sharp edge. This geometry affects how the knife cuts, how strong the edge is, and how easy the blade is to sharpen.
Edge grinds can be broadly categorized by how material is removed along the blade's face and how steep or convex the taper is toward the edge. Different grinding techniques result in distinctive blade profiles and cut performance.
A flat grind features a straight, flat bevel that tapers uniformly from just below the spine of the blade to the cutting edge, forming a symmetrical "V" shape (also called a full flat grind or FFG when the bevel extends fully to the spine).
- Balanced sharpness and strength.
- Produces a very thin, keen edge good for slicing.
- The blade thickens steadily behind the edge, providing good structural support.
- Easier to sharpen compared to convex grinds.
- Ideal for general-purpose fixed blades.
- Popular in kitchen knives, hunting knives, and many bushcraft knives.
- Great for chopping, slicing, woodworking, and everyday tasks.
- Pros: Versatile, sharp, easy to maintain.
- Cons: Edge durability may be less than convex or sabre grinds under heavy chopping.
The convex grind features a blade profile that curves outward between the spine and the edge, forming a rounded bevel instead of flat or concave bevels. The blade has the maximum amount of steel behind the edge.
- Very durable and strong edge due to thick steel support.
- The edge itself is slightly rounded, offering resistance to chipping.
- More difficult to sharpen due to the continuous curve.
- Excellent for heavy-duty work.
- Suited for chopping tools like machetes and axes.
- Preferred in outdoor fixed blades for durability.
- Good for users who need a hard-wearing edge for high-impact cutting.
- Pros: Extremely tough and durable, good for batoning and heavy tasks.
- Cons: Sharpening requires more skill and time, edge is less razor-thin.
The sabre grind starts about halfway down the blade with a flat bevel that runs straight to the edge. The upper half of the blade remains flat and unground, giving it a strong backbone.
- Strong edge with a thick bevel.
- Easier to sharpen than convex grinds.
- Edge geometry increases blade robustness.
- Usually leaves more steel behind the edge for strength.
- Very popular in tactical and military knives.
- Useful for survival knives and heavy-duty cutting.
- Good for slicing and chopping where edge retention and strength matter.
- Pros: Durable edge, easy to sharpen.
- Cons: Less slicing finesse compared to flat or hollow grinds.
The Scandi grind features a single wide bevel that tapers straight to the edge without a secondary bevel. Usually, the blade's upper half remains flat and unground until the bevel starts abruptly partway down.
- Produces a razor-sharp and thin edge.
- No secondary bevel means sharpening is straightforward.
- Edge is relatively fragile and can chip if misused.
- Excellent for precise woodworking and whittling.
- Popular in bushcraft knives designed for wood carving.
- Favored by Scandinavian knife makers.
- Less suitable for food prep or slicing due to fragility.
- Pros: Sharp, easy to sharpen.
- Cons: Edge less durable, not ideal for heavy chopping.
A hollow grind features a concave bevel that curves inward, thinning the blade as it approaches the edge. The edge is very thin and sharp but supported by less steel behind it.
- Very sharp and ideal for slicing.
- Edge can be fragile and prone to dulling quickly.
- Sharpening requires creating a new edge bevel periodically.
- Not as robust as flat or convex grinds.
- Favored in straight razors and some kitchen knives.
- Good for fine slicing tasks.
- Pros: Razor-sharp edge.
- Cons: Less durable, requires frequent maintenance.
Typically, sharper edges are thinner and hence more fragile, while thicker edges have more durability but less slicing finesse. Convex and sabre grinds lean toward durability; flat and hollow grinds offer greater sharpness.
Flat and sabre grinds are generally easier to sharpen by hand. Convex grinds require more skill or specialized equipment.
- For heavy chopping or batonning: Convex and sabre grinds excel.
- For fine slicing and general-purpose use: Flat or hollow grinds.
- For woodworking and bushcraft carving: Scandi grind shines.
The blade steel's hardness and flexibility affect which grind works best. Thicker steels do well with sabre or convex grinds, while thinner, harder steels benefit from flat or hollow grinds.
***
- Use stones or guided sharpening systems that accommodate the angle and shape of your particular grind.
- Flat and sabre grinds can be sharpened on flat stones or guided sharpeners.
- Convex edges might require stropping or specialized grinding.
- Scandi grinds require sharpening the single bevel flatly without secondary bevel.
Typical fixed blade edge angles range from 15 to 25 degrees per side, affecting sharpness and durability. Tactical and survival knives trend toward higher angles for toughness, kitchen or precision knives toward lower angles for sharpness.
Frequent honing or stropping prolongs edge sharpness. Avoid prolonged chopping on hard materials with fragile grinds like hollow or Scandi to prevent chipping.
Grind Type | Edge Profile | Strength | Sharpness | Ease of Sharpening | Best Use Case |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flat (Full Flat) | Straight flat bevel | Moderate | High | Easy | Versatile/general use |
Convex | Rounded (convex) | Very high | Moderate | Moderate to hard | Heavy chopping, survival |
Sabre | Flat bevel mid blade | High | Moderate | Easy | Tactical, heavy use |
Scandi | Single wide bevel | Moderate to low | Very high | Very easy | Woodworking, bushcraft |
Hollow | Concave thin bevel | Low | Very high | Moderate | Precision slicing |
Q1: Which grind is best for a survival fixed blade knife?
A1: A convex or sabre grind is best as they offer strong, durable edges suitable for heavy-duty chopping and batoning.
Q2: Is a flat grind good for general camping knives?
A2: Yes, flat grinds provide a good balance of sharpness and strength, making them versatile for a variety of camping tasks.
Q3: Can I sharpen a convex grind at home?
A3: Convex edges can be sharpened at home but may require specialized tools or techniques like stropping with a leather strop to maintain the rounded edge.
Q4: Why is the Scandi grind popular in bushcraft knives?
A4: The Scandi grind's simplicity and ease of sharpening make it ideal for woodworking and controlled cuts common in bushcraft.
Q5: Are hollow grinds durable enough for outdoor fixed blade use?
A5: Hollow grinds are less durable and more prone to chipping, so they are not generally recommended for outdoor survival fixed blades.
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