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Very few people know how much a knife weighs. The weight of a knife plays a crucial part in its use and functionality. For example, an EDC should be lightweight so that you have a comfortable fit in your pocket. While a heavy knife will be harder to use and to hold. When buying a knife take its weight into consideration as that will allow you to get the perfect blade for your needs.
The average knife can weigh anything from 28.35 to 453 grams or 0.062 to 1 pound. The weight depends on the type of knife you’re using. For example, a Bush Camp knife can weigh 136-453 grams while a Benchmade knife weighs around 167. It all depends on the size and materials of the knife.
Moving forward in the article, we’ll have a look at various types of knives and what they weigh. We will also discuss the various factors that contribute to your knife’s weight and how the weight of your knife adds to its purpose. We added a table for every type of knife discussed in this article, allowing you to see the different types and weights.
If you are interested in checking out the best Japanese knives (made by Hayate Yoshihiro) we recommend and use you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).
How Much Does A Pocket Knife Weigh?
The average pocket knife weighs approximately 99.22 grams / 0.22 pounds with a blade length of 3 inches and a 4-inch handle. That said, it also depends on what type of materials are used in the construction of your pocket knife. For example, a synthetic handle is lighter than an aluminum handle.
While pocket knives come in a variety of shapes and sizes, their weight definitely plays an important role. You don’t want a knife that is too heavy for your pocket.
Pocket knives used as an EDC should be lightweight – not so much that you forget about your knife. But light enough for a comfortable carry.
The bigger your pocket knife, the heavier it will be and the harder it is to conceal. This is usually due to the blade being longer and, in some cases, a thicker blade than usual.
The weight of your pocket knife will also depend on the type of handle you have on your knife. Handles made from stainless steel, aluminum, and wood are, more often than not, heavier than synthetic (polycarbonate) handles.
We suggest a tactical pocket knife; they are light and comfortable to carry, and the user has easy access to his pocket knife.
Take a look at these pocket knives and what they approximately weigh.
| Types of Pocket Knives | Weight in grams/pounds |
| Drop Point | 99.22g / 0.22 lbs |
| Clip Point | 209.78g / 0.46 lbs |
| Tanto Point | 250g / 0.55 lbs |
| Straight Back | 110 / 0.24 lbs |
| Sheepsfoot | 73.70 / 0.15 lbs |
TIP: Are you looking for the right tool to sharpen your pocket knife? If so, in the article below we’ll introduce you to the 4 best sharpeners for your pocket knife!
The 4 Best Knife Sharpeners For Pocket Knives
How Much Does A Throwing Knife Weigh?
Throwing knives commonly weigh 283 – 454 grams / 0.62 – 1 pounds. These knives are specifically designed and weighed so that they can be thrown effectively. Throwing knives are used by many cultures around the world. These types of knives are in a distinct category from other knives.
Any knife can be thrown; however, throwing knives are unique in balance and aerodynamic design. They generally come in a one-piece construction of stainless steel and are shaped for low wind resistance.
Often sold in sets of three to six, they truly are the perfect tool for the knife enthusiast looking to improve his aim or throwing skills. Let’s take a look at three types of throwing knives and their weight placement.
Blade-heavy knives typically have more weight in the blade than in the handle. You want the heaviest end of the knife thrown first, blade heavy knives are gripped by the handle. These throwing knives are ideal for the beginner who wants to learn how to throw knives.
Handle-heavy throwing knives store the bulk of their weight in the handle allowing you to grip the blade of the knife when throwing.
This may seem difficult to throw in the beginning until you get the right technique. You typically want a little spin on your knife (end over end) as it propels towards the target.
Balanced knife – as the name suggests, the weight is centered on the knife. With the weight in the middle, your throwing knife is perfectly balanced.
Allowing you to throw the knife from both the handle and the blade. The rotation of these throwing knives when thrown is more predictable. Thus, they have the ability to perform exceptionally well in both rotational spin and a no-spin throw.
Take a look at these throwing knives and what they approximately weigh.
| Types of Throwing Knives | Weight in grams/pounds |
| Blade HeavyThrowing Knife | 133.24g / 0.293 lbs |
| Handle Heavy Throwing Knife | 133.24g / 0.293 lbs |
| Balanced Throwing Knife | 39.68g / 0.087 lbs |
How Much Does A Silver Knife Weigh?
Silver knives’ gross weight is approximately 65.90 grams / 0.145 pounds. The blade itself weighs 30.05 grams / 0.066 pounds while the filling materials weigh 16.83 grams / 0.037 pounds. The content of silver in a silver knife is 19.02 grams / 0.041 pounds.
These are knives that you would use on a daily basis. Silver knives are typically used in the kitchen, although silver is not used in knife blades due to the fact that it is soft by nature.
But sterling silver is appropriate for cutting into fruits and vegetables and can be used repeatedly for that function. Please keep in mind that you should sharpen your knife every now and then with frequent use.
Silver knives are not only bound to the kitchen. But come in a variety of knives such as silver stag knives and solid silver knives. Stag knives are hand-made and are often found that they have antler or wooden handles.
Take a look at these silver knives and what they approximately weigh.
| Types of Silver Knives | Weight in grams/pounds |
| Silver Stag Knife | 191 g / 0.42 lbs |
| Solid Silver Knife | 51 g / 0.11 lbs |
TIP: Funayuki is very popular knife for chopping vegetables. Do you know which other types of Japanese knives are best for chopping vegetables? Find out the best knives for chopping vegetables in the article below:
The 8 Best Japanese Knives For Chopping Vegetables
How Much Does A Butter Knife Weigh?
A butter knife weighs between 56.69 – 255.14 grams / 0.124 – 0.562 pounds. The most weight of a butter knife is located in the handle with less weight in the blade. These knives refer to any non-serrated table knife designed with a round point and a dull edge.
There are different butter knives such as the (master butter knife). This type of butter knife also holds most of its weight in the handle.
This specific butter knife is a sharp-pointed, dull-edged knife, often made with a saber shape. They are not designed to spread butter like a normal butter knife. But rather to serve out pats of butter from a central butter plate.
Take a look at these butter knives and what they approximately weigh.
| Types of Butter Knives | Weight in grams/pounds |
| Butter Knife | 56.69 – 255.14 g / 0.124 – 0.562 lbs |
| Master Butter Knife | 56.69 – 255.14 g / 0.124 – 0.562 lbs |
How Much Does A Plastic Knife Weigh?
The average plastic knife weighs around 6 grams / 0.013 pounds. The weight of the knife is almost spread out evenly. There is a slight bit more weight in the handle of the plastic knife. The weight depends on the type of plastic material used in the molding of the knife. HDPE plastic is heavier than polypropylene
The types of plastic knives are:
- HDPE Plastic Knives
- Polypropylene Plastic Knives
How Much Does A Bowie Knife Weigh?
The standard bowie knife weighs approximately 680 grams / 1.5 pounds. The bowie knife is recognizable by its long blade of 9 inches. The weight depends on the type of bowie that you have. The hunter bowie comes in at 340.19 grams / 0.75 pounds with a blade length of 8 inches.
The sheer size and weight of a bowie are nothing short of incredible. It’s the ultimate survival knife. Bowie’s have rather heavy and large handles, so you’ll get a great overall balanced blade regardless of where you grip the handle.
The best bowies are longer than 6 inches with a wide and sharp blade. These types of bowies are longer and heavier than the average dagger.
Fun fact about bowie knives:
Bowie knives were designed and produced by James Black in 1830 (early 19th century) for Jim Bowie, who became famous for his use of a large knife in a duel known as the Sandbar Fight.
The bowie became extremely popular with people in the old west after the civil war. Bowie knives used in the “wild west” had blade lengths that varied between 5 to 12 inches long.
Take a look at these bowie knives and what they approximately weigh.
| Types of Bowie Knives | Weight in grams/pounds |
| Schrade Leroy Bowie | 453.59g / 1 lbs |
| Buck Knives Reaper Bowie | 240.97g / 0.531 lbs |
| Nooraki Damascus Steel Bowie | 771.10g / 1.7 lbs |
TIP: Bowie knives are the type of knives that often have a false edge. Do you know why knives have false edges? Find out the answer in the article below:
3 Main Reasons: Why Do (Some) Knives Have A False Edge?
How Much Does A Kitchen Knife Weigh?
The average kitchen knife weighs approximately 700 grams / 1.54 pounds. This specific kitchen knife has a blade length of 11.64 inches with a handle length of 7.04 inches. Kitchen knives usually have more weight in the blade, this helps with cutting and chopping fruits or vegetables.
The weight all depends on the type of kitchen knife that you’re using. For example, the butcher’s knife will weigh less than a cleaver.
A cleaver knife is typically lightweight with a much thinner blade, unlike a butcher’s knife. In some cases the cleaver and butcher’s knife may look the same, there are some differences.
The weight of the knife will also depend on whether you have a full tang or a hidden tang.
While the most common kitchen knives feature a full tang, you’ll find that some kitchen knife sets come with a hidden tang and stainless steel, or plastic handle. Your full tang kitchen knife will weigh more than a knife with a hidden tang.
Take a look at these kitchen knives and what they approximately weigh.
| Types of Kitchen Knives | Weight in grams/pounds |
| Boning Knife | 136.07g / 0.299 lbs |
| Butcher’s Knife | 280g / 0.617 lbs |
| Cleaver Knife | 1315.42g / 2.9 lbs |
How Much Does A Swiss Army Knife Weigh?
The average swiss army knife can weigh between 19.84 – 87.88 grams / 0.043 – 0.193 pounds. The weight depends on the type of swiss army knife you have. Some of these knives are equipped with more tools than other swiss army knives. For example, some may have a small saw and corkscrew.
The swiss army knife is considered to be more in the line of a multi-tool pocket knife. Over the years this knife became heavier due to the extra tools that were added for survival purposes.
The swiss army knife originally came out with one to two blades which made it a lightweight carry that sits comfortably in your pocket. Over the years the knife grew in popularity and evolved into a heavier multi-tool pocket knife.
Take a look at these swiss army knives and what they approximately weigh.
| Types of Swiss Army Knives | Weight in grams/pounds |
| Vintage Swiss Army Knife | 19.84g / 0.043 lbs |
| Swiss Army Knife | 99.22g / 0.218 lbs |
TIP: A swiss army knife is a great pocket-sized tool for any outdoors activity. To keep it great, you have to keep it sharp! In the article below you will find 6 care tips on how to keep your Victorinox knife sharp!
6 Care Tips on How To Keep A Victorinox Knife Sharp
How Much Does A Survival Knife Weigh?
The average survival knife weighs approximately 166.41 grams / 0.366 pounds. Survival knives come with an average blade length of 3.50 inches and a handle length of 4.625 inches. The weight will depend on the size of the knife as well as the type of steel used in the construction of the knife.
The weight of survival knives largely depends on the materials used in the construction of the knife. Another factor to bear in mind is whether you have a fixed blade or a folding blade survival knife.
A fixed blade survival knife with a full tang would be heavier than a folding knife. We would suggest a folding survival knife as it is easier and more comfortable to carry.
Fixed blades are often bulky and uncomfortable to carry due to their size and weight. You’ll want a light, strong, and durable survival knife with easy access when you’re out and about in the wilderness.
Take a look at these survival knives and what they approximately weigh.
| Types of Survival Knives | Weight in grams/pounds |
| Rambo Survival Knife | 490g / 1.080 lbs |
| Bear Grylls Folding Survival Knife | 283g / 0.632 lbs |
How Much Does A Small Knife Weigh?
The average small knife approximately weighs 36.28 grams / 0.079 pounds. The weight depends on the size of the knife as well as the materials used in the construction of the knife. The knife would be heavier if it has a stainless steel handle. But a knife with a synthetic handle would weigh less.
Small knives come in a wide variety of sizes such as small pocket knives, small kitchen knives, and of course the small necklace knife.
Aside from that, all small knives are made from premium materials, they are built to last for a lifetime. When grivory handles are used you can be sure that it complements the barely-there weight quality of the knife.
As small as these knives are, they do come with a pocket clip. Pocket clips do add weight to the knife but not so much that you would feel any difference in weight.
Take a look at these small knives and what they approximately weigh.
| Types of Small Knives | Weight in grams/pounds |
| Kershaw Ember Knife | 62.36g / 0.137 lbs |
| Samior JJ005 Knife | 24.09g / 0.053 lbs |
How Much Does A Sterling Knife Weigh?
Sterling knives’ gross weight is approximately 65.90 grams / 0.145 pounds. The blade itself weighs 30.05 grams / 0.066 pounds while the filling materials weigh 16.83 grams / 0.037 pounds. The size of the knife contributes to the weight of the knife. Most sterling knives hold more weight in the handle.
BTW: If you want to know more about Japanese and other knives and their sharpening, check out the books listed above. These books are recommended by professional sharpeners and knife makers (Amazon links):
- Japanese Kitchen Knives: Essential Techniques and Recipes
- The Knifenerd Guide to Japanese Knives
- Knife: The Culture, Craft, and Cult of the Cook’s Knife
- Sharp: The Definitive Introduction to Knives, Sharpening, and Cutting Techniques, with Recipes from Great Chefs
How Does The Weight Of A Knife Influence Its Functionality?
The weight of a knife is not just a numerical value; it plays a pivotal role in determining the knife’s functionality, efficiency, and user comfort. Here’s a deeper look into how the weight of a knife can influence its performance:
1. Balance And Control
The weight distribution between the blade and the handle determines the knife’s balance. A well-balanced knife offers better control, especially during precision tasks like dicing or mincing. For instance, a chef’s knife with a balanced weight allows for a rocking motion, making it efficient for chopping vegetables.
2. User Fatigue
Using a knife that’s too heavy can lead to user fatigue, especially during prolonged tasks. On the other hand, a knife that’s too light might require more force to cut through certain materials, leading to strain over time.
3. Cutting Efficiency
Heavier knives, like cleavers, have the advantage of gravity on their side. The added weight can assist in cutting through tougher materials like bones or thick cuts of meat. Conversely, lightweight knives are ideal for tasks that require agility and speed, such as slicing or filleting.
4. Safety
The weight of a knife can influence its safety. A knife that’s too heavy or too light for the user can lead to a lack of control, increasing the risk of accidents. It’s crucial to choose a knife weight that the user can handle confidently and safely.
5. Portability and Storage
Lightweight knives are generally more portable, making them suitable for outdoor activities like camping or hiking. They are also easier to store in compact spaces or carry in pockets. Heavier knives, while less portable, often come with dedicated storage solutions like knife blocks or magnetic strips.
6. Versatility
The weight can determine the versatility of a knife. A medium-weight knife can be a versatile tool in the kitchen, suitable for a range of tasks from chopping to slicing. However, specialized tasks might require knives with specific weights, like a lightweight paring knife for peeling or a heavy butcher knife for portioning meat.
The weight of a knife is intrinsically linked to its functionality. Whether you’re a professional chef, an outdoor enthusiast, or someone who cooks at home, understanding how weight affects a knife’s performance can guide you in selecting the perfect blade for your needs.
Weight of Knife Can Vary Even More
Now that you have a better idea of the approximate weights of all sorts of different knives, it’s time to conclude this article with a parting thought.
There’s no actual limit to what a knife can weigh. Nothing stops a blacksmith from making a 5-gram micro knife out of a nail – should the mood strike them. Similarly, if someone wanted to make a 5kg cleaver, they could.
Those knives wouldn’t be practical, but the possibility for a knife’s weight to varying outside of what’s stated in this article is there.
Therefore, take what you’ve learned as rough estimates only – and if you ever want to know the weight of a specific knife, placing it on a scale and seeing for yourself will always be your best bet.
TIP: Have you ever asked yourself if it is necessary to sharpen a brand-new knife? Click the article below and find out the answer:
Do You Need To Sharpen A Brand New Knife? Here’s the Answer
