snijkant

Snijkant is a Dutch term that refers to the cutting edge of a blade or other cutting tool. In blade technology, the snijkant describes the sharpened boundary that engages the material being cut and concentrates stress to initiate material separation. The snijkant is defined by its geometry: the edge angle (the angle formed by the blade faces around the edge), the bevel or secondary bevel, and the cross‑section profile. Variations in these features influence cutting performance, ease of sharpening, and edge durability.

Manufacture and maintenance: The snijkant is produced by grinding and honing the blade to a fine, acute line. Common approaches include a primary bevel with a secondary micro‑bevel, or a hollow grind that preserves a thin central edge. Materials such as different steel alloys affect wear resistance and corrosion. Regular sharpening removes material to restore a true edge; stropping or honing on a leather, cloth, or ceramic surface refines the apex. Protective coatings can reduce corrosion but may alter feel or sharpness.

Measurement and testing: Sharpness is evaluated by performance on the intended material rather than a fixed value. Practical tests include cutting through paper or fabric, while more precise evaluations use optical inspection of the edge radius or microscopic imaging. Edge retention depends on alloy composition, tempering, edge geometry, and maintenance practices.

Applications: The concept of the snijkant applies across culinary knives, woodworking chisels, surgical blades, and industrial cutting tools. In each context the snijkant is optimized for the task, balancing initial sharpness, durability, and ease of upkeep. The term is commonly used in Dutch-language discussions of blades and tool design.