False Edges and Distal Tapers

[gables]

Is there a functional purpose for a false edge along the spine? Or is it usually decorative?

Can someone explain how distal tapers affect perormance? How does one decide the distal taper?

[kbaknife]

The false edge reduces the width/mass of the spine allowing for less resistance when stabbing your assailant as well as less drag when removing the blade.
Also, in regard to a "chute" knife, which was used to cut away tangled parachute lines, if the false edge was NOT false, and actually sharpened, as you were plummeting to your death in a tangled parachute, the trooper could slash away at the tangled lines and cut with the knife in any direction! Thus, getting rid of the tangled chute and then opening the reserve chute.
The distal taper reduces forward mass of the blade and places more weight in the center of the knife where it belongs.
Ever notice that many leaf springs are tapered in width and thickness from the center to the ends?
As more weight/stress is placed upon the spring at the shackles, it transfers to the heavier mass of the spring. Thus, there is no "weak" spot in a tapered piece of steel.
If it was all the same thickness and width, stress would "find" the weakest link in that chain and break the blade.
It's a physics thang.

[OconeeDan]

I'll add to Karl's excellent answer...
if you have a droppoint knife with a fairly blunt tip, the added false edge makes it much easier to start a cut in hide by poking, such as around the butthole . Harder to do with a large bellied droppoint.  So there IS a hunting application here.  Dan

[Lin Rhea]

Concerning the distal taper. Ever noticed a fishing pole's taper? That is so it will flex progressively the whole length of the pole, thus dividing the load more evenly throughout. The same with a blade, along with the balance, as Karl said. Lin

[gables]

Thanks for the info. I just started this journey and appreciate the help from the experts.

[kbaknife]

Originally posted by gables:
...........help from the experts.

Experts? Who you talkin' about?

[Lin Rhea]

TOOT! TOOT!    Lin

[Tom I.]

For the totally knife knowledge impaired, could someone show what is meant by distal taper and false edge?  A pic would really help....
Thanks,
Tom I.

[Lin Rhea]

Tom,
     This is not so great a shot of the distal taper. It would have been a better illustration if it was from the top view. Notice the way the blade gets smaller as it progresses toward the tip. In the photo, it is not so pronounced because of the perspective, but it's there.

   

This knife is a hunter and has not false or real edge on top. I'll try to find some pics of a knives with a clip.

All of this sounds more complicated than it is, but it is important to the funtion of a good knife. Lin

[Tom I.]

Thanks, Lin......I can definitely see the taper.
Why the term "distal"?  
Tom

[kbaknife]

You might try some online definitions:

Distal: The more (or most) distant of two (or more) things.
Transpose that into meaning the point of the blade in relation to the beginning of the taper which is at the beginning of the blade - the handle.

In other words tapered toward the distal end - the point.

[kbaknife]

Here's a fairly distinct "false edge" Lin.
The term "false" is loosely used because as a result of it being so blunt, it can hardly be sharpened enough to cut as nicely as the primary edge.
Of course, this depends on blade geometry, thickness, depth of false edge grind, flat or hollow, many factors.
 

[Tom I.]

Thanks for the vocabulary lesson.

[kbaknife]

Thank Wiki-pedia!

[Kevin Evans]

I can also tell you the more distal taper that you put in a test knife the more spring back you will get.Kinda goes along with what these guys are saying

[Lin Rhea]

Kevin,
       Your right. To put it another way, a knife with distal taper will flex better than one with parallel sides. It just naturally divides the flex, and in most cases, the bend, through out the whole length of the blade. It is quite concievable that one can be made that will flex the whole 90 degrees and not take set (bend). Lin