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Knives have been around for a long time, and there's probably not an individual who knows exactly when they first appeared. It is likely that the knife came into being as part of ancient human cultures like Australopithecus did - but regardless it seems reasonable to guess at least two million years old based on how widespread these items seem today in our subconscious memories from early childhood lessons about proper usage.
The Origins of the Wharncliffe
The first Lord of Wharncliffe — James Archibald Stuart-Wortley Mackenzie— had dinner with his relative, the Rev. A Corbett in Great Britain in 1878.
Lord Wharncliffe, the most important figure in Sheffield's renowned cutlery industry and one of England’s greatest patrons for arms & armor gave this pattern to Joseph Rodgers's son. The blade was created and called the Wharncliffe after Lord ladder himself a few years later.
In the Viking era (before the 11th century) was an extremely violent time when knives were used not only for fighting but also in everyday life. One type of blade that they most likely utilized is called Sax blades or Seax, which had a straight edge and tapering towards the point - just like modern-day interpretations by Michael Janich, Alan Folts, Chad Los Banos, and Jesse Jarosz.
What Defines A Wharncliffe Blade
Named for its designer, Lord Wharncliffe's sought-after knife has an iconic blade shape. The original design featured a round spine that tapered gradually towards the point and had a straight full flat ground edge
The name "Wharncliffe" is derived from this man who wanted his knives to be tough yet sleek in appearance with just enough weight behind them so they would cut through anything without feeling like it was too much effort.
The standard definition of a "Wharncliffe" has since broadened to include any blade with a straight edge and tapering towards the point.
The Wharncliffe slopes gradually with a specific geometry and is often mixed up and confused as either sheepsfoot or lamb's foot blades.
The Sheepsfoot Blade
The sheepsfoot blade is unlike the Wharncliffe in that its spine gradually tapers to a point while holding its edge. The result of this design means there isn't any piercing on these knives, which makes them perfect for tasks where sharpness isn’t necessary but simplicity matters more like chopping vegetables or opening cans, rocking, or making pulling cuts work best with the sheepsfoot blade. The sheepsfoot blades' spine and edge and spine run parallel longer than the Wharncliffe and then take a sharp curve to the edge.
The Lambsfoot Blade
The lambsfoot has an edge and spine that start gently tapering toward one another. It's between a sheepsfoot knife with its point somewhere in the middle, or closer to what is commonly called "Wharncliffe." This makes it rarer than either type but still very much alive.
The Coping Blade
The coping blade is a unique type of chisel-like tool that has an outward taper. This design makes it perfect for cutting against the grain and in some situations, can even be used like lambsfoot tools to start cuts deeper than your average pocket knife would go. It's not clear whether these were intended as cut-off pens or something else entirely but either way, they're definitely worth checking out.
Take a look at the best of the best and order yours today!
Wharncliffe Knives: 2022 Top 20
Wharncliffe Knives, Best Overall
Spyderco Canis Folding Knife with 3.43" CPM S30V Stainless Steel Blade and Carbon Fiber G-10 Laminate Handle - Plainedge
- Iconic Design - The Canis is a no-nonsense folding knife optimized for personal protection. Designed by Kelly McCann, one of the world's leading experts in counterterrorism and antiterrorism.
- Precise And Reliable - Its dramatic CPM S30V stainless blade combines a straight, Wharncliffe-style edge with narrow bevels, a reinforced tip, and a weight-saving mid-blade swedge to maximize strength and cutting power
- Superior Quality - The Ergonomic handle features peel-ply-textured carbon fiber/G-10 laminate scales and nested stainless steel liners
- Pocket-Friendly - The Canis offers a versatile four-position clip that supports all possible carry options. choice of tip-up or tip-down carries on both sides of the body.
- The New EDC - While it was unapologetically designed to excel as a personal-protection tool, it is equally at home as a utilitarian, everyday-carry folder
Wharncliffe Knives, Honorable Mention
Spyderco Yojimbo 2 Specialty Tactical Knife with 3.2" CPM S30V Steel Black Wharncliffe Blade and Durable Black G-10 Handle - PlainEdge
- Superior Quality - The Yojimbo 2 is an evolved expression of its original Spyderco Yojimbo design. The refined Ergonomics of the Yojimbo 2 complement the natural contours of the hand, ensuring maximum surface contact and positive control.
- Versatile - A unique attribute of the Yojimbo 2 is the thumb forward grip. It allows the 3.2" CPM S30V blade to feel like a natural extension of the hand.
- Ergonomic - The PlainEdge straight cutting edge of the hollow-ground blade offers an extreme cutting performance by transferring power all the way to the tip and ensures improved point strength.
- A Secure Grip - Our Yojimbo 2 features a textured G-10 handle and a four-position clip which allows a non-slip grip and rapid deployment from all carry positions.
- Durable - The Yojimbo 2 has nested stainless steel liners which provide structural strength and form the backbone of the knife's high-strength Compression Lock mechanism
DROP + Gavko Nurse Titanium Frame Lock Folding Knife, Modified Wharncliffe S35VN Blade
- A Folder Born on the Ocean Floor: Our latest collaboration with the renowned designer is a titanium frame lock based on the Nurse shark. Modified Wharncliffe S35VN Blade, Flat Grind, with 6AL4V Titanium Handle, Anodized Titanium Hardware.
- 2.9 Inch S35VN Blade: Developed by Crucible Industries S35VN is perhaps the most balanced blade steel ever created in terms of all-around performance. The CPM process produces steel characterized by superior stability, grind ability, and toughness
- Titanium Frame Lock: Nurse opens fast with the flipper or thumb hole. The titanium frame is built for reliable lockup. There are holes throughout the body that resemble the shark’s spotted exterior, plus a titanium clip for-right handed tip-up carry
- About Gavko Knives: Owned by Slovakian knifemaker Michal Gavac, Gavko specializes in titanium frame locks that are built to withstand the test of time.
- Manufactured by WE Knife: Since its founding in 2000, WE Knife has set a new standard for manufacturing. With a professional research and development team, the company produces a wide range of cutlery manufactured to highest tolerances
Hogue 34569 X5 3.5" Folder CPM154 Wharncliffe Blade Black Finish - Black Aluminum Frame G-Mascus Black G10 Insert
- 3.5" Modified Wharncliffe blade crafted from CPM154 stainless steel
- Cryogenically heat treated to 57-59 RC
- High flat grind with hand-honed edge
- Revolutionary button lock built with Hogue’s blade retention device allowing one-handed opening & closing without placing a hand in the path of the blade
- Fast, reliable ambidextrous flipper deployment with button lock with manual safety
Hogue 24267 Deka 3.25" ABLE Lock Folder - Modified Wharncliffe Blade Black Finish - G-10 Frame - G-Mascus Dark Earth, Multi, One Size
- 3.25 inch Modified Wharncliffe blade crafted from CPM 20CV stainless
- Cryogenically heat treated to 59-61 RC
- Flat grind with hand-honed edge
- Hogue's ABLE Lock locking mechanism
- G10 Scales with Crosshatch Texture
Kubey Barracuda KU299 Pocket Folding Knife, Front Flipper Titanium Folder with 3.38" Swedged Wharncliffe S30V Blade Ideal for EDC Outdoor Hunting and Camping
- Folding knife with swedged Wharncliffe shape designed Parsons Bladeworks, the small knife features a razor-sharp well-built centered 3.38" S30V blade, smooth action, and nice edge retention
- Durable titanium scales make this folding camping knife slim and solid in hand, comfortable enough that brings you a nice hunting and outdoor utility knife during use
- Safety and easy-to-open EDC knife, a tiny front flipper, and ball bearing pivot offer quick blade deployment, knife art to your collection or as a gift to husband, dad, or friends
- Weight 2.82 oz with easy carry in your pocket or backpack, outdoor hiking knife for men and women, comes with a titanium clip for easy and safe carry
- Knife sharpens up great and takes a very fine edge. A nice slicer, an ideal outdoor everyday carry knife that capable of countless tasks in the field
Hogue, X1 Microflip Knife, 2.75" Folder Wharncliffe Blade, Tumble Finish Alum Frame
- 2. 75" Folder Wharncliffe Blade Tumble Finish
- Handle Material (Frame): 6061-T6 Anodized Aluminum - Handle Color: Matte Gray
- Blade Material: CPM154 Stainless Steel
- Blade Hardness: RC 57-59
- Blade Hardness: RC 57-59 - Blade Treatment: Cryogenically Treated
Wharncliffe Knives, Best Under $125
Spyderco Delica 4 Wharncliffe Lightweight Folding Pocket Knife with 2.87" K390 Premium Steel Blade and High-Strength Blue FRN Handle - Everyday Carry, PlainEdge
- Reliable High Performance - The Endura 4 sets the standard as one of the best-selling folding knives ever made. All members of the Endura 4 family include a four-position clip, a high-strength back lock mechanism, and Trademark Round Hole.
- Superior Blade Steel - The K390 blade is enriched with vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum, and cobalt, K390 is renowned for its toughness and edge-holding ability.
- Unmatched Cutting Power - This knife has all the same desired features as our popular Endura 4 Lightweights, joined with the extreme cutting power and versatility that the Wharncliffe blade has to offer.
- Ultra-Lightweight - Inside the handle are dual skeletonized stainless steel liners which strengthen the knife without additional weight and double as an anchor for external and internal components to attach generating more sturdiness.
- A Secure Grip - The full-flat-ground blade of this knife is paired with a Bi-Directional Textured FRN handle molded in the distinctive blue color of Spyderco's K390 family.
Spyderco Salt 2 Knife with Wharncliffe LC200N Steel Blade and Lightweight FRN Green Handle - PlainEdge
- The Salt 2 Wharncliffe provides unparalleled cutting power and precision of a hollow-ground blade profile. It is designed to take on any challenge on and off the water.
- Reliable High Performance - The Wharncliffe's perfectly straight cutting edge offers both extreme cutting power and scalpel-like precision
- Superior Blade Steel - One of the main features of the Salt 2 Wharncliffe is its LC200N blade. It is a state-of-the-art high-nitrogen alloyed tool steel specifically formulated to offer superior corrosion resistance and extreme toughness.
- Easy To Carry - It offers a four-position metal pocket clip which this knife's carry, deployment, and operation are completely ambidextrous
Spyderco Salt 2 Knife with Wharncliffe LC200N Steel Blade and Lightweight FRN Green Handle - SpyderEdge
- Made For The Outdoors - The Salt 2 Wharncliffe provides the unparalleled cutting power and precision of a hollow-ground blade profile. It is designed to take on any challenge on and off the water.
- Reliable High Performance - The Wharncliffe's perfectly straight cutting edge offers both extreme cutting power and scalpel-like precision.
- Superior Blade Steel - One of the main features of the Salt 2 Wharncliffe is its LC200N blade. It is a state-of-the-art high-nitrogen alloyed tool steel specifically formulated to offer superior corrosion resistance and extreme toughness.
- Easy To Carry - It offers a four-position metal pocket clip which this knife's carry, deployment, and operation are completely ambidextrous.
Spyderco Salt 2 Wharncliffe Knife with 2.9" H-1 Ultra-Corrosion Resistant Steel Blade and Lightweight Yellow FRN Handle - SpyderEdge
- SALT 2 - The Salt 2s handle components are molded from solid fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) with 100% rustproof properties of nitrogen-based H-1 steel. All other metal hardware on the Salt 2 is machined from special non-rusting alloys.
- WHARNCLIFFE BLADE - A blade shape in which the point of the knife tapers downward from the spine to meet a straight cutting edge at the tip.
- Back Lock - This locking system is positioned on the back of the handle that uses a rocker arm that pivots in the center. A lug on one end of the arm engages a notch in the blade's tang to lock the blade open.
- HOLLOW GRIND - It comes with bevels that are ground with a concave radius. The bevels may extend the full width of the blade (full hollow grind) or only a portion of its width.
- Specifications - Closed Length (Inches): 4.25, Overall Length (Inches): 7.14, Blade Length (Inches):2.89, Blade Steel: H-1, Grind: Hollow
Wharncliffe Knives Best Under $100
Spyderco Endela Wharncliffe Lightweight Knife with VG-10 Stainless Steel and FRN Handle - PlainEdge
- Iconic Design - Sized to perfectly split the difference between our iconic Delica 4 and Endura 4 models, the Endela is rapidly earning a reputation as the perfect compromise.
- Premium Quality Steel - The Endela features a saber-ground VG-10 blade, skeletonized stainless steel liners, and a sturdy back lock mechanism.
- The New EDC - A proud new addition to this breed, the VG-10 Endela showcases this remarkable blade material in the perfect "in-between" size for an everyday carry knife.
- Versatile - Molded onto the FRN Handle's surface is Bi-Directional Texturing for slip-free tactile traction. It provides resistance to slipping in the hand.
- Pocket-Friendly - It also features a four-position pocket clip that offers a choice of tip-up or tip-down carry on both sides of the body.
BRS E-VOLVE Fragment Frame Lock Folding Knife | Compact Wharncliffe Blade EDC Knife - with Fast Flipper Deployment Tab and Pocket Clip (All Ti Scale with Stonewash Blade)
- Fragment features a Wharncliffe blade which is highly functional in a multitude of cutting tasks. The handles fit the overall aggressive straight line profile of the blade but feature a contoured bottom and cut out for the index finger as well as excellent jimping for the thumb to ride on for detail cutting.
- One of the most distinctive features of the fragment is its deployment system. The knife is opened by placing the thumb on top of the hexagonal front flipper tab. Striking downward on the tab (much like operating a lighter) quickly deploys the blade and places the thumb and fingers in a position to immediately use the knife.
- The Fragment currently comes in two handle variants: One is all titanium and the other is stonewashed Titanium with carbon fiber inlays. The pivot system is bearing driven and the clip is a machined piece of steel for maximum durability and strength.
- The Fragment may be small but offers a wide array of functionality. It will quickly prove to be an essential part of any EDC rotation.
Spyderco RockJumper Lightweight Knife with 3.08" VG-10 Steel Wharncliffe Blade and Black FRN Handle - PlainEdge
- Made For The Outdoors - Designed to fit the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and climbers, the RockJumper is a lightweight, mid-sized, folding knife that's born to perform.
- Superior Blade Steel - Its broad VG-10 stainless steel blade has a full-flat grind for optimal edge geometry and a full-length, perfectly straight cutting edge.
- Reliable High Performance - Designed for unfailing reliability under pressure, its Wharncliffe profile offers everything from extreme cutting power to scalpel-like precision.
- Light and Durable - The knife's hand-filling handle is constructed with skeletonized stainless steel liners, fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) scales, and a stout back lock mechanism with a strong self-close function.
- Easy To Carry - The RockJumper's Bi-Directional Texture pattern ensures a secure, non-slip grip, while a four-position hourglass clip and oversized lanyard hole offer a full range of carrying positions.
Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight Signature Knife with 2.87" Wharncliffe Steel Blade and High-Strength FRN Handle - PlainEdge
- Superior Blade Steel - One of the most unique variations among Spyderco's designs, the Wharncliffe Steel Blade is known for its perfectly straight cutting edge capable of cutting with scalpel-like precision and power far beyond its size.
- Premium Quality - Available in PlainEdge or fully serrated SpyderEdge, it features a full-flat-ground VG-10 Stainless Steel blade for exceptional cutting performance with a fully accessible Trademark Round Hole that supports one-hand opening.
- Dependable FOLDING UTILITY KNIFE - Paired with the time-tested lightweight design, Delica 4's handle is injection molded from tough Fiberglass-reinforced-Nylon and includes a sturdy back lock mechanism, with skeletonized Stainless Steel liners.
- Enhanced Safety - Its four-position carry clip allows both left and right-handed carry, tip-up, or tip-down for better and more enhanced safety among users.
- Pocket Friendly - One of the most ideal pocket-sized tools available, this folding knife is perfectly suited for everyday utility use and can be used for hiking, hunting, camping, or everyday carry.
Wharncliffe Knives Best Folder Under $75
KA-BAR 7508 Jarosz Flipper, Wharncliffe, 3.375" Blade, Hollow Grind, G10 Handle
- blade length: 3.375" - blade thickness: .1455"
- blade thickness: .1455"- blade width: 1.25"
- overall length: 8.375" - tang stamp: ka-bar/Jarosz knives
- knife material: AUS 8A SS - grind: hollow
- handle material: G10
- Rockwell hardness: 57-59
CASE XX WR Pocket Knife Pocket Worn Harvest Orange Copperlock
- Blades: Stainless Steel Locking Wharncliffe
- Length Closed: 4 1/4 Inches
- Great everyday pocket knife for projects around the house, the outdoors, and hunting
- Made In Bradford, PA. USA
Off-Grid Knives - Rapid Fire Blackout w. Wharncliffe Blade, Assisted Large Folding Knife
- The Rapid Fire Series is Off-Grid's line of assisted knives, known for their extremely fast action and deployment. Now you have the choice to deploy a big Wharncliffe blade, ready for any and all situations.
- Sandvik is a world-leading steel manufacturer in Sweden that makes advanced stainless steel. Their 14C28N offers a unique combination of excellent edge performance, high hardness, and corrosion resistance.
- We added a DLC coating that adds even more corrosion resistance and toughness with a smooth blackout finish (*not tumbled blackwash). New to this Wharncliffe design is added jimping on the spine and flipper tab.
- The Rapid Fire Series has been evolving since 2017. The handle and ergonomics have been tested in the field by US Military and LEOs, including EODs (Explosive Ordinance Disposal). Yes, the bad-ass dudes who dismantle explosive threats trust the Rapid Fire in their hands.
- The G10 honeycomb texture you'll recognize from the Rapid Fire Coyote, is grippy AF. We added milled jimping on the back palm area for added no-slip traction and a solid four-finger grip, XL gloved hands...no problem.
- The claim to fame of the Rapid Fire Series is the incredible assisted action. The internal torsion bar is held with insane torque and tension, one easy pull of the flipper tab and you'll know why the name Rapid Fire fits perfectly. The Rapid Fire Wharney will fire into position with a loud lock-up sound and will immediately be ready for work.
- The Rapid Fire Series is on the large side of the EDC spectrum, bordering on an XL knife. Even being a big assisted folding knife, the Rapid Fire Wharney will ride deep in your pocket, only seeing the top of the black clip. We also designed it with the option of left or right-hand carry. We made the screws on the clip flush with the handle, easy in and out of the pocket, with no snags. (T6 clips screws, T8 body screws)
Spyderco Manbug Wharncliffe Lightweight Knife with 1.97" VG-10 Stainless Steel Blade and High-Strength Black FRN Handle
- Pocket-Friendly - One of Spyderco's smallest lightweight locking knives is the Manbug. Small enough to fit on a keychain, yet capable of taking on serious cutting chores.
- Choose The Best For You - Available with a choice of blade steels and handle colors all of which proudly feature our Trademark Round Hole for convenient, fingernail-free opening.
- Light and Durable - This Manbug handle is fabricated with Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon. FRN is a polymer mixed with glass fiber that is injection molded and formed into a sleek textured handle, creating a lightweight yet high-strength knife handle.
- Low Friction - This knife features a blade ground with flat bevels that extend from the spine all the way to the cutting edge. This grind reduces drag during cutting and decreases overall weight.
- Dependable - If you are looking for control and precision, look no more. This knife features our PlainEdge grind which is known for creating a smooth and exact cut.
ARTISANCUTLERY Tactical Knife Proponent (1820P) D2 Steel Black PVD Blade Black G10 Handle Pocket Knife Folding Knife EDC Knife
- ARTISANCUTLERY Tactical Knife is temperature resistant, water resistant, non-reactive, non-conductive, and exceptionally tough under pressure
- The distinctive angled Wharncliffe style blade shape makes this knife an excellent tactical option and a very effective large EDC
- The Tactical Knife Proponent has been built exceptionally strong with a robust full liner construction and a liner lock
