If you're looking at purchasing an all-purpose outdoor utility knife there is more to consider than just the look and feel of the knife. Many overlook the most important part of the knife - the blade. Different types of blades offer varying degrees of power and flexibility and which one is right for you depends on your needs and preferences. Here is an overview of the different types of blades.

The blade has different parts and it is useful to know their definitions when selecting your knife. The point is the end or tip of the knife. The edge of the blade is the part of the knife for cutting and can come in flat or serrated (teeth). The back is the top of the blade that is dull and used for leverage. The base of the blade is attached to the handle and the belly is the cutting area between the base and the point.

A drop point blade has a slight curve at the tip of the blade and gives you a good amount of control and is ideal for making deeps cut. It's a perfect general knife for camping since it is easy to use and powerful.

With a clip point knife the point is lowered so it does not curve up at the end. As a result you have more control and can therefore achieve greater precision. Most clip point knifes have a curved belly which gives you a larger cutting area with a shorter blade. These are a good choice for pocket size and foldable knives since you get control, precision, and a large cutting edge you can sharpen with a .

The tanto style blade is especially useful for make powerful deep stabs. It has a chisel-like point and is thicker at the point near the spine. The cutting edge is generally flat but can also be slight curved. It is an impressive knife though not too practical for general use.

If you're looking for a blade that has more slicing precision than deep cutting then a sheepsfoot blade may be right for you. The sheepsfoot knife got its name because they offer the precision necessary for trimming sheep hooves. The edge is straight and has a dull back that is meant to be used for leverage and to aid in precision. It is popular with emergency workers since one side can easily cut through rope or a seatbelt while the other side offers protection from cutting. The Wharncliffe blade is very similar to the sheepsfoot but its back has a more gradual curve.

So if you're in the market for a knife, don't just look at the grip and aesthetics. The shape and style of the blade is the most important deciding factor. The blade you choose should be based on your needs so remember to think practically.