Knife collecting is a pretty interesting hobby to have. Collecting various designs and styles of knives can be very rewarding and in some cases can be a great investment, too.  But as far from just collecting knives, a good collector must have an ample amount of understanding and knowledge about the knives themselves. If you want to speak knowledgeably about your knife collection, it’s best to start with the basics.

Knives 101

If you’re going to get into knife collecting, it’s a good idea to study up and know your basics. As a musician can name the parts of their instrument,  you should be able to identify the most common features of a knife.

• Let’s start off with the knife’s Edge. It is the most common part of the knife and where all the cutting action happens. The blade, especially the edge, takes a lot of talent and craftsmanship to create.
• The Belly is the curve of the edge. Every knife has its own unique curve depending on the size and shape.
• The Spine is basically the back of the edge or blade. Its role is to give support and strength to the edge as you cut.
• The Point is literally the point of the blade. This part takes care of the poking or stabbing ability of each knife.
• The Guard or Hilt is the piece in between the blade and the handle or grip of the knife.
• The Choil is the non-sharpened space between the Edge and the Hilt.
• The Bevel is considered to be the cutting angle of the Edge and usually has 22-30 degrees in its angle.

With this basic knowledge of the anatomy of a knife, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an expert knife collector.