
What is a Saber Grind? | THE SHED KNIVES BLOG #86
Welcome back to The Shed Knives Blog for edition #86! If you're new here, welcome! Today, we’re diving into one of the most popular and versatile blade grinds in the knife world: the saber grind. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman, survivalist, or just a knife enthusiast, understanding blade grinds is crucial to picking the right knife for your needs.
So, what exactly is a saber grind, and why is it such a popular choice for fixed blade knives? Let’s break it down.
What Is a Saber Grind?
If you ask Google, it will say this:
…but let’s take a deeper look.
Saber grinds can be either flat or hollow, depending on how the bevel is ground, but they always maintain a higher edge-to-spine thickness ratio than a full flat grind. For example, compare your kitchen knife to a blade like the 2025 Tuatara - big difference in grinds. This balance between strength and cutting efficiency makes saber grinds a favorite for outdoor, bushcraft, and tactical knives.
Why Choose a Saber Grind?
There’s a reason why the saber grind has stood the test of time in the knife world. It offers a unique combination of durability, cutting power, and versatility, making it a solid choice for various applications. Here’s why you should consider a saber grind for your next fixed-blade knife:
1. Strength and Durability
The thicker spine of a saber grind adds significant structural integrity to the blade. This makes it ideal for heavy-duty tasks like batoning wood, chopping, and prying - something that thinner blades might struggle with. Because the grind doesn’t extend all the way to the spine, the blade retains more material, making it less prone to breaking under stress.
2. Great for Bushcraft & Survival Skills
If you’re heading into the field, you need a knife that can handle a wide range of tasks. The saber grind excels in:
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Wood processing: Perfect for splitting, carving, and feather-sticking.
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Food prep: Strong enough for meat and tough vegetables, but still slices well.
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Fire making: Works well with ferro rods for sparking fires.
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Shelter building: Handles cutting and notching wood for shelter construction.
3. Edge Retention and Maintenance
Saber grinds typically have excellent edge retention due to their thicker blade geometry. This means you won’t have to sharpen your knife as often as you would with a thinner grind. When you do need to touch up the edge, saber grinds are relatively easy to sharpen compared to hollow grinds or convex grinds. This also comes down to steel types, which is why Shed Knives chooses 154-CM steel.
4. Versatility Across Knife Types
The saber grind isn’t limited to just one “niche” of knives. You’ll find this grind in:
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Bushcraft and survival knives
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Combat and tactical knives
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Hunting knives
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Some EDC (everyday carry) knives
This makes it a go-to grind for those who need a knife that can perform in multiple roles.
Saber Grind vs. Other Grinds
How does the saber grind stack up against other common blade grinds? Let’s take a look:
Blade Grind |
Pros |
Cons |
Saber Grind |
Strong, durable, good for heavy tasks, easy to sharpen |
Not as good for fine slicing as a full flat grind |
Full Flat Grind |
Excellent slicing ability, lightweight |
Less durable, prone to chipping under hard use |
Hollow Grind |
Razor-sharp edge, great for slicing |
Weak at the edge, not ideal for hard-use tasks |
Convex Grind |
Very strong, excellent for chopping |
Harder to sharpen |
Scandi Grind |
Great for woodwork and bushcraft |
Not ideal for food prep or tactical use |
As you can see, the saber grind finds a balance between strength and cutting efficiency, making it an excellent choice for field tasks & projects.
The Saber Grind on Shed Knives
At Shed Knives, we take pride in crafting the best fixed blade field knives on the market. Of course, the grinds match their intended use. All of our bushcraft blades feature saber grinds because they offer the best blend of toughness, sharpness, and ease of maintenance.
If you’re looking for a 100% USA-made fixed blade with a saber grind, be sure to check out our latest models at shedknives.com.
Final Thoughts
The saber grind is a time-tested blade geometry that delivers strength, versatility, and reliability. All of which are essential qualities for a dependable knife. Whether you’re out in the field, preparing food, or tackling tough situations in the field, a saber grind bladed knife is a tool you can count on.
Be sure to visit our website and secure your favorite model. In the USA? Get FREE shipping! Inventory fluctuates on a daily basis, so check out the collection below:
To explore a wide range of high-quality knives, like the entire 2025 Shed Knives Collection, visit the Shed Knives website HERE. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for the next edition of The Shed Knives Blog.
Know another outdoor enthusiast who may find value in this blog? Feel free to share the link of this blog with them so we can continue to educate & encourage our fellow outdoor & knife enthusiasts. Thank you for your support. - WJB
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About The Author:

Jack Billings is the 20 year old CEO and Founder of Shed Knives, a rising manufacturer of high-quality fixed blade bushcraft knives. With over 5 years of experience as a knife maker, he has developed a reputation for crafting durable, reliable knives that are designed for outdoor enthusiasts and bushcrafters alike. Jack started making knives at the age of 13 and has been refining his craft ever since.
In addition to his expertise in knife making, Jack has a High School Degree from POLYTECH High School, where he studied Automotive Technology and obtained his ASE Certification. He is also a content creator for Shed Knives and has reached the eyes of over 1,000,000 people on Shed Knives platforms across the world through his work.
When he's not working on knives, Jack enjoys exploring the outdoors and has a passion for bushcraft. He also has a passion for the automotive world and enjoys learning about new technologies and advancements. Additionally, he has a great interest in language and is studying Spanish, German, and Arabic.
Jack's personal mission is to constantly improve himself, his products, and his processes in order to stay ahead of the rapidly changing interests of the knife industry and to surpass the competition. He takes great pride in American manufacturing and is committed to contributing to the growth of the world knife industry through his work.
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