Sheepsfoot Recommendations

G

Greg Evans

Joined
May 20, 2023
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So I had been looking, but I am sure the blade community is aware of more sheepsfoot blades than I could dream of. Any recommendations of sheepsfoot blade, micarta or titanium scales, axis style lock or compression/shark style lock. Prefer 3in blade but 3.5 is fine. Let's hear your best recommendations!
 
This is my idea of a good sheepsfoot, although it is 3.7 inches and G-10. I have entirely too many Spyderco Sheepsfeet, but the Caribbean is the one I use, because it has better action and better edge retention than the others I have tried. And the blade is almost a genuine sheepsfoot, not some sheepsfoot/Wharncliffe/Kephart/reverse-tanto mutant hybrid.

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The Civivi Vision FG is almost a sheepsfoot blade and has a variety of materials, the We Knife version comes in titanium.
 
This is my new favorite sheepsfoot and yes I've been told it is a sheepsfoot. 🤷‍♂️
20240224_182338.jpg
But if you're looking for more traditional super blunt tip style that I hate, then the Kunwu Chad is pretty nice.
 
If a button lock can fill the place of a cross-bar lock (I understand if it can't), I recommend the Civivi Chevalier: mine has served me very well.
 
Most of the ones posted are modified sheepsfoot blades I call them sweepsfoot blades.

A true sheepsfoot blade has a straight edge.

Sometimes a blade can be easily modified into a sheepsfoot. Especially if a sweeping edge is ok.

view


Look for the hidden sheepsfoot.
 
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eveled said:
Most of the ones posted are modified sheepsfoot blades I call them sweepsfoot blades.

A true sheepsfoot blade has a straight edge.
Click to expand...

I like "sweepsfoot"! Very descriptive.

Yes, a straight edge is one of the defining characteristics of a sheepsfoot. It really annoys me when manufacturers call a blade with a belly a "sheepsfoot". A straight edge is easier to sharpen and cuts better in many applications than a curved edge.

But it is hard to find a really straight edge. I have been looking at several "sheepsfoot" blades that happen to be near at hand, and the only one that has a really straight edge is a Spyderco Salt 2. Even the Caribbean has too much curve, contrary to what I said earlier. The EDZ is close to having a straight edge. The Civivi Chevalier and Vosteed Valkyie are fairly close. The Hogue Decca and the new Kershaw--I can't remember what it's called--are borderline.

A knife that has a forward-facing, stabby point is NOT a sheepsfoot. I particularly like a sheepsfoot when I am working around livestock because I do not want to accidentally stab anybody. The sweepsfoot blades miss the whole point of a sheepsfoot point being angled downward, not forward.

Traditionalists may also complain that most of the non-traditional knives that are called a sheepsfoot are closer to a lambsfoot. But even Spyderco does not have a sheepsfoot with mostly parallel edge and spine that I know of.
 
Another Shepherd said:
I like "sweepsfoot"! Very descriptive.

Yes, a straight edge is one of the defining characteristics of a sheepsfoot. It really annoys me when manufacturers call a blade with a belly a "sheepsfoot". A straight edge is easier to sharpen and cuts better in many applications than a curved edge.

But it is hard to find a really straight edge. I have been looking at several "sheepsfoot" blades that happen to be near at hand, and the only one that has a really straight edge is a Spyderco Salt 2. Even the Caribbean has too much curve, contrary to what I said earlier. The EDZ is close to having a straight edge. The Civivi Chevalier and Vosteed Valkyie are fairly close. The Hogue Decca and the new Kershaw--I can't remember what it's called--are borderline.

A knife that has a forward-facing, stabby point is NOT a sheepsfoot. I particularly like a sheepsfoot when I am working around livestock because I do not want to accidentally stab anybody. The sweepsfoot blades miss the whole point of a sheepsfoot point being angled downward, not forward.

Traditionalists may also complain that most of the non-traditional knives that are called a sheepsfoot are closer to a lambsfoot. But even Spyderco does not have a sheepsfoot with mostly parallel edge and spine that I know of.
Click to expand...

I’m glad we have the variety to choose from.

In my world a knife has 3 functions,
stab, (point at midline of blade),
skin (sweeping edge high point),
Utility (straight edge low point).


The location of the point and shape of the edge are critical for each task.

The sweepsfoot is neither beef, fish nor fowl

But to each his own. I hope the OP finds something to meet his needs. I humbly submit one of my favorite paterns for consideration. But it doesn’t meet his criteria. The LoomFixer is an awesome knife. IMG_2790.jpeg
 
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I don't believe I have seen a true sheepsfoot outside of the Traditional sector. (I'm not saying they don't exist; just that they haven't caught my eye). Given the parameters posted (as I remember them) I recommend changing course.
Either look into a GEC 93 or a Bradford G3 sheepsfoot. Neither have locks (I have no idea if the GEC 93 comes in your choice of handle materials; so get the Bradford)
 
The Benchmade Griptilian with the Spydi hole is an axis lock sheepsfoot.
If you can do bigger the Microtech MSI is a great choice and in polymer not too baldy priced.
If you can do frame/liner locks the QSP Penguin or the Kizer LP are great choices.
 
Demko Shark Cub? It’s 2.75, but what’s a quarter inch between friendsIMG_9672.jpeg
 
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Not a true sheepsfoot, but I just picked up a Kershaw bel air and liking it so far. More than my hinderer linerlock sheepsfoot. I also like the insingo small sebenza.

As far as traditional, the blade forums 2019 gec 86 is a great one.
 
hhmoore said:
I don't believe I have seen a true sheepsfoot outside of the Traditional sector. (I'm not saying they don't exist; just that they haven't caught my eye). Given the parameters posted (as I remember them) I recommend changing course.
Either look into a GEC 93 or a Bradford G3 sheepsfoot. Neither have locks (I have no idea if the GEC 93 comes in your choice of handle materials; so get the Bradford)
Click to expand...
Jens Anso has done a bunch over the years from very traditional to more modern. I think that particular blade shape works well with Danish law.
 
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