---
title: "The Difference Between a Drop Point Knife and a Clip Point Knife"
description: "Are you a drop point guy or a clip point guy? Before you answer, make sure you know the differences between the two. Drop point is on the left, clip point is on the right. Here's a rundown of two different styles. SHAPE A drop point is the perfect shape for a knife blade that needs to handle various butchering tasks like cutting, skinning, and carving. AESTHETICS Many hunters prefer the aesthetic value of a more traditional design, which the clip point offers. VERSATILITY The drop point is typically thicker, especially at the tip, compared to a clip point. This makes it a more versatile tool for game-care tasks, like disjointing and prying."
date: "2012-08-16"
modified: "2012-08-16"
authors:
  - name: "The Editors"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/the-editors/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/hunting/2012/07/difference-between-drop-point-knife-and-clip-point-knife/"
categories:
  - "Gear"
  - "Knives"
---

# The Difference Between a Drop Point Knife and a Clip Point Knife

![](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/23/O2KRWOKX3GZCPL7AQZNYLV62DA.jpg>)

Are you a drop point guy or a clip point guy? Before you answer, make sure you know the differences between the two. Drop point is on the left, clip point is on the right. Here's a rundown of two different styles.

**SHAPE**
A drop point is the perfect shape for a knife blade that needs to handle various butchering tasks like cutting, skinning, and carving.

**AESTHETICS**
Many hunters prefer the aesthetic value of a more traditional design, which the clip point offers.

**VERSATILITY**
The drop point is typically thicker, especially at the tip, compared to a clip point. This makes it a more versatile tool for game-care tasks, like disjointing and prying.

**PRECISION**
With a concave clip on a relatively short blade, the user can extend the index finger along the back of the blade for a scalpel-style grip. The fingertip can be used as a depth stop.
\*\*
SAFETY\*\*
With the drop point tip plunging down under the blade's spine line, there is less of a chance of unintentionally puncturing a hide, a gut sack, or anything else you don't intend to cut.

**SLICING**
The upswept tip of a clip blade generally offers more edge area, which allows for long, graceful cuts.

**BALANCE**
A drop point is a balanced design that is comfortable in various grip configurations. A well-designed drop point blade can offer several index points.

See the Ultimate [Hunting Knife Guide](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/outdoor-gear/best-hunting-knife/>) here.