Sports Realm

There are numerous different types of blades available for Bowie knives. Most of them will be traditional grinds, such as double bevels or chisel grinds. These are durable, sharp and easy-to-maintain edges. Another popular type of blade is called the flat grind. These grinds are very simple, consisting of a constant angle from flat to edge. Knives with these edge grinds span a wide range, from very expensive models to nearly disposable kitchen knives that are usually found in department stores.

A high-relief flat grind is one where the angle of the grind encompasses the entire blade, from spine to edge. For example, if a Bowie knife was provided with a high-relief flat grind at a 45 degree angle, then the entire blade surface would angle toward the edge at 45 degrees. This edge is one of the simplest to maintain. If you have a sensitive hand, you can use the edge of the blade as a guide when sharpening, which can make it much easier to get a very sharp cutting surface.

The high-relief blade does have its disadvantages. The edge tends to be a bit brittle, though it is very sharp. It is also directly linked to the rest of the blade, unlike Bowie knives with a double beveled edge. Conceivably, the edge of a double bevel grind could be broken off the blade without taking much blade metal with it. On a flat grind, there is no separation between the blade and the edge. This is not, however, a compromised edge in any way. It’s very good for certain applications.

Flat blade and high-relief knives are sometimes a bit more expensive than other Bowie knives. The more common grinds, such as double bevels, hollow grinds and saber grinds are a bit easier to create and, thus, flat grinds are harder to produce. The quality of the steel used in the knife, however, will still have more bearing on how much you sharpen the blade and how it performs. Your preference where the blade grind is concerned may change with different tasks.

A high-relief blade is also good for outdoors situations. These blades can be sharpened quickly and easily, almost as quickly and easily as can a chisel ground blade. They don’t have the edge-holding characteristics of double bevel grinds, but they definitely can hold their own with tough tasks. This blade grind has been used on most every type of edge.

Blake is a business consultant for an online bowie knife store featuring bowie knives for sale.