The Wharncliffe is widely mixed up with the sheepsfoot blade and lesser known lambsfoot blade. In fact, manufacturers will often mislabel the blade style. Whereas the Wharncliffe has a spine that gradually tapers to a point, the sheepsfoot blade has a spine and edge that remains parallel until the spine more dramatically curves to the edge.

To me, the main difference is all about the tip. A Wharncliffe has a sharp, pointy, and narrow tip, which makes it ideal for finer detail when whittling. It also has enough blade size to allow for lots of wood takedown. A sheepsfoot is great for taking down wood, but the tip is too broad for detail work.

It is similar in profile to a sheep’s foot, but the curve of the back edge starts closer to the handle and is more gradual. Its blade is much thicker than a knife of comparable size. Wharncliffe was used by sailors, as the shape of the tip prevented accidental penetration of the work or the user’s hand with the sudden motion of a ship.