Last Updated on May 13, 2023 by
You might have noticed knives with large holes in the blades and wondered why. This is a common question we receive, and there are many cool reasons they did it.
We’ve seen holes in almost every kind of knife we can think of, including pocket knives, machetes, and cheese knives. Although most people believe it is for aesthetics, there are many other reasons. However, adding holes to a blade can improve its efficiency on a variety of fronts.
There are many benefits to having holes in your knife blade. These include reduced friction for cutting, thumb holes to open folding knife, and the ability to hang your knife for ease of use. Let’s look at the reasons knives have holes in their blades and why you should think about them when buying your next knife set.
Why do Knives have Holes in the Blade?
The diameter of holes drilled into knife blades can vary and they are sometimes called “aerated”. The holes are typically drilled parallel to the blade, and run from the base to its tip.
One hole is usually found on the top of meat cleavers to allow for easy hanging when it’s not in use. Here are the top reasons knives have holes.
Top Reasons Knives Have Holes In the Blade
- Cut with less friction
- Helps Pocket Knives Open Easier
- Allows Knives To Be Hang For Ease of Use
- The Knifes’ overall weight is reduced
- It’s aesthetically pleasing
Popular Knives with Holes in the Blade
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kitchen + Home Non Stick Sushi Knife – The Original 8-inch Stainless Steel Multipurpose Non Stick Sushi Knife | $11.99 | Shop on Amazon | |
| 2 | 9.37 Inch Stainless Steel Serated”Cheese” Knife Server with Holes | $7.95 | Shop on Amazon | |
| 3 | 12 Survivors Folding Knife (Titanium Finish) | $14.97 | Shop on Amazon | |
| 4 | Knife – A New Harry Hole Novel | $9.99 | Shop on Amazon |
Reducing Friction and Cutting
This is why most kitchen and chef knives have holes. The edge of a knife causes friction when cutting with it.
Chefs Knife with Holes in Blade
This is best illustrated by trying to cut a block cheese. This is a common task, and you will know that cheese can cause friction between the blade and the cutter. It can also slow down the cutting process and even cause the cheese bind.
To prevent cheese from binding, many good cheese knives have holes in their blades. This allows them to cut smoother and more easily. If you are making small cuts, where objects don’t come in direct contact with the knife blade, this is less important. The Wusthof Classic 5-Inch Soft Cheese Knife is a great choice if you are looking to cut cheese.
Helps Pocket Knives Open Easier
To make it easier to use one hand, some hunting knives have holes in their blades. Spyderco is a well-known brand for having a large hole near the handle at the top of the blade.
Spyderco Knife with Thumb Hole
A Spyderco pocket knife closes with its blade elevated. This makes it easier to open the knife with your thumb.
Not all pocket knives have the same holes as kitchen knives. Pocket knife blades are typically smaller than kitchen knives, and having holes in them can reduce the strength.
Knives can be hung for easy use
Because it is ergonomically efficient, some knives have holes in their blades. Large knives such as meat cleavers and machetes often have holes in the blade to allow them to be hung from a hook or rack when not in use.
Wusthof Meat Cleaver With Hole for Hanging
Cleavers are essential for Butchers. They can be used to cut meat frequently, and have holes in the blades that allow them to hang from belts.
Knifes are lighter
Knife construction is built to last. A heavier knife will often be stronger than one that has a thicker blade.
Heavier knives can cause fatigue from long-term use. They also add unnecessary weight to make it more difficult for demanding applications.
By drilling holes in the blades of knives, you can reduce their weight and remove excess material. However, it will still retain the strength and durability that is required to perform well over a wide variety of uses.
It Looks Better
Knives with holes in the blades are not for aesthetic reasons. We can all admit that many people buy knives with their eyes. A blade with holes gives it an extra sense of appeal.
Knives without holes can have “clefts” that serve the same function of friction reduction, but without drilling through the blade.
Do You Need a Knife with Holes in it?
These are just a few of the reasons knives have holes in their blades. But, is it really worth considering all the factors when you’re looking for your next knife?
It all depends on the use. A knife with holes in its blade is best for cutting dense materials (e.g. cheese and meats).
Remember that the price is a major factor in deciding if you need one of these knives. If the blade is sharp, a straight-blade knife that’s cheaper can still be very effective.
Bottom Line
Do knives with holes in their blades serve a purpose or are they gimmicks? We’ve already highlighted the many situations in which a knife with holes can prove to be useful.
When it comes to reducing friction when cutting dense materials, knives with holes are a great choice. They are useful pocket knives for assisted one-handed opening. They are lighter than blades that do not have them and can be hung from hooks or racks.
These reasons serve a greater purpose than aesthetics. These knives are useful in real-life situations and can be made more ergonomically friendly.
