A Guide to Knife Types and Their Uses

Embark on a journey through the world of knives, where each blade is designed with purpose and precision. From the rugged outdoors to the culinary arts, knives play an essential role in our daily tasks and adventures.

This guide introduces you to the diverse types of knives available, each tailored for specific uses. Whether you’re a chef seeking the perfect cut, a hunter preparing for the field, an enthusiast collecting EDCs, or someone navigating the vast choices for your first knife, understanding these distinctions will help you find the ideal match for your needs and lifestyle.

Dive into our guide to discover the perfect knife that not only fits your needs but also enhances your daily routine or outdoor adventures. Let’s explore the art and functionality behind each type, helping you make an informed decision on your next knife purchase.

EDC Knives

Everyday Carry Knives: Compact and versatile, these knives are designed for daily tasks such as opening packages, cutting cord, and general utility work. They are typically small enough to carry in your pocket or on a keychain.

Hunting Knives

These are designed for processing game in the field, including skinning, gutting, and butchering. Hunting knives often have sturdy, sharp blades and are designed for durability and precision.

Combat Knives

Also known as tactical knives, these are designed for self-defense and military use. They are typically robust, with a design focused on durability and effectiveness in combat situations.

Survival Knives

Designed for outdoor survival situations, these knives are versatile tools that can be used for building shelters, preparing food, making firewood, and self-protection in the wilderness.

Pocket Knives

A subset of EDC knives, pocket knives feature a folding design making them safe and convenient to carry. They often include multiple blades or tools for various tasks.

Utility Knives

Also known as box cutters, these knives are designed for general utility work such as opening boxes and cutting through heavy materials. They often feature replaceable blades.

Boning & Fillet

Specifically designed for separating meat from bone and filleting fish, these knives have flexible, thin blades that allow for precise cuts.

Dive Knives

Used by scuba divers for underwater tasks, these knives are made from corrosion-resistant materials and often have a serrated edge for cutting through ropes and nets.

Butterfly Knives

Balisongs or Butterfly Knives are known for their unique flipping action, these folding pocket knives are as much a tool as they are a form of art and skill in manipulation.

Switchblade

These knives feature a spring-loaded blade that opens automatically when a button or lever on the handle is activated.

Kitchen Knives

This category includes a variety of blades designed for food preparation, such as chef’s knives, paring knives, bread knives, and cleavers. Each type is tailored to specific tasks like chopping vegetables, slicing bread, or cutting meat.

Chef’s Knives

The quintessential kitchen tool, chef’s knives are versatile, allowing for slicing, dicing, and chopping with their broad and sharp blades.

Explore Common Knife Types by Use

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman, a culinary enthusiast, or someone who appreciates the practicality of a well-crafted knife, understanding the different types of knives and their intended uses is essential.

At Rothman Knives, we specialize in creating high-quality knives designed for a variety of tasks. From the everyday convenience of everyday carry knives to the specialized precision of hunting, and combat knives, our collection offers something for everyone.

pocket knives

Everyday Carry

hunting knives

Hunting

combat knives

Combat

kitchen knives

Kitchen

Everyday Carry Knives

Designed for everyday convenience, EDC and pocket knives are compact, versatile tools that fit seamlessly into your daily life. Ideal for a range of tasks, from opening packages to cutting twine.

For the EDC/pocket knife enthusiast, the variety is nearly endless, encompassing a range of designs tailored to fit every preference and purpose. At Rothman Knives, we pride ourselves on our diverse selection of EDC and pocket knives, each crafted with precision and care.

From sleek and simple designs for the minimalist to feature-rich tools for the preparedness-minded, our collection showcases the breadth of possibilities within this category.

Explore our range to discover the perfect EDC or pocket knife that aligns with your lifestyle and meets your highest standards.

EDC Knife - Large Trapper in Ironwood

Large Trapper in Ironwood

EDC Knife - Slimline Trapper

Slimline Trapper

EDC Knife - Large Trapper Clip Pont in Redwood Burl

Large Trapper Clip Point in Redwood Burl

EDC Knife - Large Saddlehorn Trapper in Moose Antler

Large Saddle Horn Trapper in Moose Antler

EDC Knife - Warncliffe Trapper

Wharncliffe Trapper

EDC Knife - Medium 2 Blade Trapper

Medium 2 Blade Trapper

EDC Knife - Medium Trapper

Medium Trapper

EDC Knife - Bent Gunstock in Gidgee

Bent Gunstock in Gidgee

EDC Knife - Gentleman's Trapper in Stag

Gentleman’s Trapper in Stag

EDC Knife - Medium Clip Point Trapper

Medium Clip Point Trapper

EDC Knife Panchetto Drop Point in Ironwood

Panchetto Drop Point in Ironwood

EDC Knife - Single Blade Saddlehorn in Stag

Single Blade Saddlehorn in Stag

EDC Knife - Sleeveboard in Mammoth

Sleeveboard in Mammoth

EDC Knife - Small Teardrop in Mammoth

Small Teardrop in Mammoth

EDC Knife - Stockman in Stag

Stockman in Stag

Hunting Knives

Hunting knives are crafted for the outdoorsman, offering precision in skinning, gutting, and processing game. Robust and reliable, they’re essential companions for any hunting expedition.

Hunting - Boning Knife

Boning Knife

Hunting - Butchering Knife

Butchering Knife

Hunting - Camp Knife

Camp Knife

Hunting - Caping Knife

Caping Knife

Hunting - Gutting Knife

Gutting Knife

Hunting - Skinning Knife

Skinning Knife

Combat Knives

Combat knives are built for durability and effectiveness in tactical situations. Whether for military use or personal defense, these knives are designed to perform under pressure.

Combat - Bowie Knife

Bowie

Combat - Dagger Knife

Dagger

Combat - Karambit Knife

Karambit

Combat - Kukri Knife

Kukri

Combat - Machete Knife

Machete

Combat - Modern Bowie Knife

Modern Bowie

Combat - Pressing Dagger Knife

Pressing Dagger

Combat - Tactical Knife

Tactical Knife

Combat - Throwing Knife

Throwing Knife

Kitchen Knives

Kitchen knives are culinary essentials, each specialized for tasks like chopping vegetables, slicing meat, and mincing herbs. From chef’s knives to paring knives, they ensure precision and ease in food preparation.

Bread Knife

Boning Knife

Carving Knife

Chef’s Knife

Cleaver

Fileting Knife

Paring Knife

Santoku

Slicer

Steak Knife

Utility Knife

Your Knife, Your Story: Begin the Creation