Knife Terminology

Hunters, bowies, fighters, skinners - most knives share the same terms for their parts. These illustrations name them.

Most of us are familiar with the blade, guard and handle of a knife. The illustrations below - on three of Dave's own knives - identify the other parts.

Fixed-blade hunter

Labeled diagram of knife parts on a fixed-blade hunter by Dave Ellis

Fixed-blade bowie

Labeled diagram of knife parts on a fixed-blade bowie by Dave Ellis

Fighter

Labeled diagram of knife parts on a Damascus fighter by Dave Ellis

Of course this does not cover every possible combination - but you get the idea. See the terms in the steel in the gallery.

← All articles · Written by Dave Ellis, ABS Mastersmith. Looking for knives? Visit Exquisite Knives.