Knife terminology can be confusing; some of it sounds like engineering, and some sounds like medieval saw talk. If you’ve ever felt lost reading product descriptions, you’re not alone. Here’s a plain English guide to common knife terms:

Drop point: A popular blade shape where the spine slopes down to the tip. It’s strong, easy to control, and useful for everyday cutting.

Clip point: The top of the blade looks like it’s being clipped off. This shape gives you a sharper, fine point, good for detail work.

Full tang: The metal of the blade runs through the entire handle. It has strength and balance; if you’re doing anything heavy-duty, this matters.

Scandi grind: A simple flat grind that’s easy to sharpen. You’ll find it on a lot of outdoor knives, great for carving and bushcraft.

Liner lock: A type of folding knife lock. When you open a knife, a thin piece of metal holds it in place; you push it aside to close it.

Jimping: Small grooves on the spine of the blade. They give your thumb extra grip and control.

Choil: A small cutout near the base of the blade. Some help with sharpening; others are just for comfort or design.

Knife terminology doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you know the basics, it’s easier to find the right tool for the job.

Got a knife term you’d like explained in plain English? Let us know!