The terms "shank" and "knife" refer to different aspects of a cutting tool or blade, and they are not interchangeable. Here's the difference between the two:
Knife: A knife is a general term used to describe a cutting tool consisting of a sharp blade attached to a handle. Knives come in various shapes and sizes, and they are designed for a wide range of cutting tasks in the kitchen, outdoors, or in various professional settings. The blade of a knife can be made from different materials, such as stainless steel or carbon steel, and may have various edge styles, including straight edges, serrated edges, or a combination of both.
Knives can serve different purposes, like slicing, dicing, chopping, filleting, and more. They are versatile tools used for food preparation, utility tasks, self-defense, and many other applications.
Shank: The shank refers to a specific part of certain types of knives, particularly in fixed-blade knives or some types of kitchen knives. The shank is the unsharpened portion of the blade that extends from the blade's edge to the handle. It is a solid and strong section that provides stability to the knife, connecting the blade to the handle.
In some fixed-blade knives, especially hunting knives or survival knives, the shank is designed to be strong and durable, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks like cutting through tough materials, carving wood, or outdoor activities.
In summary, a knife is a general term for any cutting tool with a blade and a handle. It can have various shapes and purposes. On the other hand, the shank is a specific part of certain knives that refers to the unsharpened portion of the blade, providing structural integrity and support to the knife.