How to Choose the Right Grind: Flat, Convex, or Hollow?
By Jason R. Caldwell – Tactical Gear Contributor, Based in Bozeman, Montana
This is the 34th blog of the Knife blog series. You can check the other blogs I wrote from here – https://thriftyknife.com/blogs
Author: Jason R. Caldwell
Occupation: Tactical Gear Contributor
Location: Based in Bozeman, Montana
Introduction: Understanding Knife Grinds 🔪
When it comes to selecting the perfect knife, one question stands out: How to choose the right grind—flat, convex, or hollow? The grind of a blade determines not only its sharpness but also its strength, cutting efficiency, and long-term performance. Drawing from years of experience with both tactical and kitchen knives, I’ll break down each grind, its benefits, and when to use it.
Flat Grind ⚖️
What It Is:
A flat grind tapers smoothly from the spine of the blade down to the edge, without curves or hollows.
Benefits:
Excellent balance between strength and sharpness
Easy to sharpen compared to complex grinds
Great for slicing and general-purpose cutting
Best Applications:
Flat grinds are ideal for kitchen knives and outdoor survival knives where versatility matters.
Convex Grind 🛡️
What It Is:
The convex grind bulges outward slightly, forming a strong, rounded edge.
Benefits:
Extremely durable and chip-resistant
Stronger edge retention under heavy use
Push-cutting performance excels (like chopping wood)
Best Applications:
A convex grind is perfect for tactical knives and camp knives that handle tough tasks like chopping or batoning wood.
Hollow Grind 🪒
What It Is:
The hollow grind scoops inward, creating a very thin, razor-sharp edge.
Benefits:
Incredibly sharp for fine slicing
Excels at cutting with minimal resistance
Preferred for tasks needing precision
Drawbacks:
Less durable under heavy impact
Requires more frequent sharpening
Best Applications:
Hollow grinds shine in straight razors and EDC knives where precision slicing is more important than toughness.
Comparing Flat, Convex, and Hollow Grinds 📊
| Grind Type | Strength 💪 | Sharpness ✨ | Ease of Sharpening | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | Balanced | Good | Easy | Versatile, survival, kitchen |
| Convex | Strongest | Good | Moderate | Heavy-duty, outdoor, tactical |
| Hollow | Weakest | Razor-sharp | Moderate | Precision cutting, EDC, razors |
How to Choose the Right Grind for You ✅
Ask yourself:
Do I need versatility → Go flat grind.
Do I need power and durability → Go convex grind.
Do I need razor sharpness → Go hollow grind.
Your environment and tasks should dictate your choice.
Product Tie-In 🔗
At https://thriftyknife.com, you’ll find knives crafted with different grind styles—perfect whether you need a durable outdoor blade or a razor-sharp slicer for precision work. Each grind serves a purpose, and selecting the right one makes all the difference in performance.
Reliable Resources 📚
For deeper insights, check out these trusted guides:
Knife Grinds Explained – Blade HQ – Visuals and explanations of grind types.
Survival Dispatch: Choosing the Right Grind – Focuses on outdoor and tactical uses.
Knife Informer: Grind Guide – Excellent breakdown with pros and cons.
These links are clean and direct, offering additional clarity without any tracking clutter.
Conclusion: Match the Grind to the Job 🌟
So, how to choose the right grind—flat, convex, or hollow? It depends on your priorities: flat for all-around performance, convex for strength, and hollow for razor-sharp precision. The right grind ensures your knife matches your lifestyle and tasks.
👉 Drop your questions in the comments below, and let me know what knife topic you’d like me to cover in next week’s blog!