Basic Knife Anatomy

Every quality knife is the result of thoughtful design and functional details. Most people know that a classic fixed-blade knife consists of two main parts – the blade and the handle. However, it's beneficial to know a bit more about knives, not only for knife enthusiasts but also for regular users. In this article, we’ll go over the individual parts of a knife and their purpose so you can better understand how a knife works.

Article Contents:

1. Explanation of the term Blade
2. Explanation of the term Main Grind/Bevel
3. Explanation of the term Secondary Bevel
4. Explanation of the term Spine
5. Explanation of the term False Grind
6. Explanation of the term Jimping
7. Explanation of the term Ricasso
8. Explanation of the term Choil
9. Explanation of the term Handle
10. Explanation of the term Guard
11. Explanation of the term Finger Groove
12. Explanation of the term Pommel
13. Explanation of the term Lanyard Hole

BLADE

The part of the knife used for cutting and piercing. It comes in various designs, made from different types of steels and surface finishes. The blade includes several important elements: main grind, false grind, bevel, spine, ricasso, and safety features like choil and thumb grip. We explored blade types in more detail in our article: Most Commonly Used Blade Types.

MAIN GRIND/BEVEL

The grind is the part of the blade that forms the cutting surface. The type of grind is chosen based on the intended use and the blade's dimensions. Its shape and angle depend on whether you need excellent cutting ability or greater strength. Grinds are sometimes combined to increase versatility.

SECONDARY BEVEL

Created at the end of the grind, the bevel forms the blade’s cutting edge. Its shape and angle depend on the grind type and blade thickness. It also considers the area where the knife will be used. Bevels often include serrations for cutting tougher materials. The ratio of plain to serrated edge varies by knife type and use.

SPINE

This is the load-bearing part of the blade, typically kept at full thickness to ensure stability during flexing and impacts, such as when batoning wood. The spine often includes a false grind and a thumb grip.

FALSE GRIND

Located on the spine opposite the main grind. It improves tip penetration and allows the blade tip to be narrower when needed for finer and more precise cuts or stabs.

JIMPING

Used to rest the thumb for precision cuts and prevent slipping, especially on blades where a sharp grind replaces a false grind, as with daggers. It’s always enhanced with some form of texturing for effective grip.

RICASSO

The area between the blade and handle. It often includes safety features like a thumb rest on the spine or a choil on the blade’s underside.

CHOIL

A recess on the bottom of the blade between the handle and the grind. The shape varies depending on use. Larger choils allow a shortened grip for fine and controlled cuts. Smaller choils separate the grind from the ricasso and make sharpening easier.

HANDLE

The part we hold and use to control the knife. Handles are made from various materials and ergonomic designs depending on knife construction and intended use. They include safety features that prevent the hand from slipping onto the blade, such as guards or finger grooves. A key element is the pommel, which may also include a lanyard hole.

GUARD

Part of the handle designed to protect the user’s hand from slipping onto the cutting edge. Made from various materials and in different shapes. On knives with a hidden tang, the guard is integrated with the blade. On full tang knives, it is often formed by a projection at the bottom. It is often paired with a bolster as part of the handle.

FINGER GROOVE

This groove provides a more stable grip and better knife control during use. On knives without a guard, it helps prevent the hand from slipping onto the blade and causing injury.

POMMEL

The end of the handle, protecting against damage and serving as a safety feature to prevent the knife from slipping out of hand. On hidden tang knives, the pommel may have a thread to secure the handle. On full tang constructions, it’s usually an extension of the blade material beyond the scales. It protects the handle during drops and improves safety during chopping or use with wet hands. Some pommels feature a striking point for self-defense or emergency glass breaking and also include a lanyard hole.

LANYARD HOLE

Not all knives have this, but when they do, it’s an advantage. A lanyard helps prevent loss, drops, or slips during heavy use like chopping, prying, or stabbing. On small knives, a lanyard can extend the grip. For easier visibility in nature, it helps if the cord is brightly colored or decorated with stylish beads.

Knowing the parts of a knife isn't just for collectors or enthusiasts. It helps every user better understand their tool – whether choosing a knife for everyday carry, survival, hunting, or other specific uses. Every detail, from the blade shape to the lanyard hole, has a purpose. A well-designed and understood knife isn't just a piece of metal with a handle. It’s a reliable companion that makes tasks easier and increases safety and comfort.

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