Oneedged

Oneedged is an adjective used to describe blades that have only one sharpened edge, in contrast to double-edged or two-edged blades. The term is frequently found in discussions of historical weapons, knives, and tool design, and is often written as one-edged or single-edged in some sources.

Design and characteristics

A oneedged blade typically features a sharpened cutting edge on one side, while the opposite side may be flat, lightly beveled, or thickened into a spine. This configuration affects the blade’s weight distribution, balance, and cutting mechanics. In many examples, the edge runs along a curved profile, creating a characteristic slashing geometry. Some oneedged blades also incorporate a partial false edge near the tip, which can aid thrusting or back-cutting without exposing a second primary edge.

Cultural and historical usage

Oneedged blades have appeared in diverse regions and periods. Notable examples include the kukri of Nepal, the sabre and scimitar families of the Middle East and Central Asia, the katana and some other Japanese blades, and many South Asian swords such as certain talwar variants. Chinese dao blades are commonly described as single-edged, while the Chinese jian is typically double-edged. The form is also common in various farming and utility knives where a single sharpened edge suffices for the intended tasks.

Advantages and limitations

Oneedged blades are often praised for effective chopping power, strong tip geometry, and straightforward sharpening of the primary edge. The non-edged side can provide durability and a comfortable grip angle. Limitations include asymmetric wear patterns, potential difficulty in thrusting with a single-edge design, and more specialized maintenance requirements to maintain edge geometry.

See also

Single-edged sword, sabre, kukri, falchion, dao.