straightblade

Straightblade is a term sometimes used to describe any blade with a straight cutting edge that runs parallel to the blade’s axis. It is not a standardized technical term in weapon or knife classification, and its meaning can vary by context. In general, a straightblade contrasts with curved or recurved blades, which bend along their length.

Design and geometry: A straightblade features a linear edge from the tip to the heel. Points and tip shapes vary (spear, drop-point, clip-point). The blade may be flat-ground, hollow-ground, or with other grind profiles. Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steels, with heat treatment determining hardness and edge retention. Handles are attached by a tang and can be wood, metal, or composite.

Applications: The straight edge is preferred for precision work and straight-line cuts, such as woodworking knives and straight-edged kitchen knives, or straight razors used in wet shaving. In weapons terminology, straight blades include various traditional daggers and swords, particularly those of earlier or medieval practice, as opposed to curved sabers or scimitars.

Maintenance and use: Straightblades require regular sharpening to maintain a true edge; the lack of curvature can make sharpening with a standard stone straightforward. Edge durability depends on steel type and bevel geometry, as well as proper cleaning and storage.

History and context: Throughout antiquity and the Middle Ages, many cultures produced straight-bladed tools and weapons. The term “straight blade” is descriptive rather than a fixed category, and it often appears in catalogs or product names to denote a blade with a non-curved edge.