Bladtypes

Bladtypes refers to the range of blade designs used in edged tools and instruments. The category encompasses variations in blade shape, edge geometry, material composition, surface coatings, and how the blade is mounted or replaced. In practice, bladtypes are discussed in contexts such as kitchen knives, outdoor and survival blades, woodworking and metalworking tools, surgical blades, razor blades, and saw blades.

Materials and coatings. Blade materials influence hardness, edge retention, toughness and corrosion resistance. Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, tool steels, and ceramic. Carbon steel sharpens easily but can rust; stainless provides corrosion resistance; tool steels offer high toughness for demanding tasks; ceramics are very hard and wear-resistant but brittle. Coatings such as titanium nitride or diamond-like carbon reduce wear and sticking, and can alter friction and appearance.

Edge geometry and blade profiles. Grinding methods create different edge geometries: flat grind, hollow grind, convex grind, and chisel grind, each affecting cutting performance and sharpening difficulty. Knife blade profiles describe tip shapes, such as drop point, clip point, spear, tanto, and sheepsfoot, influencing piercing capability and control. For cutting tools like saws, blade design includes tooth geometry and set patterns (rip, crosscut).

Mounting and maintenance. Blades may be fixed, folding, or replaceable. Replacement blades are common in utility knives and razors, whereas other tools use permanently attached blades. Maintenance includes regular sharpening or honing, cleaning, and proper storage to prevent corrosion and damage. Safety practices and manufacturer guidelines should guide use and disposal of worn blades.