Different types of blade shapes
Clip Point - A clip point blade has a concave or straight cut-out at the tip which brings the blade point lower for extra control and enhances the sharpness of the blade tip. You will also often find a false edge with on a clip point knife. The clip point is generally not as strong as a thicker blade, however, it makes up for that with its sharp point that is very effect for detail work.
Coping - A coping knife has a narrow blade with a sharp, angular point, which is almost like a miniature sheepsfoot blade. This blade type is designed specifically for the use in cutting in tight spots or curved patterns, much as you would with a coping saw, only without the teeth.
Double Edge - A double edge blade is sharpened on both sides ending with the point aligned with the spine, in the middle of the blade.
Drop Point - A drop point blade has a gentle convex curve that slopes to the point without the concave curve of the clip blade. This type of blade is great for heavier tasks due to the blades thicker tip, which is a positive for abuse but a negative for easy penetration.
Hook Blade - The edge of a hook blade curves in a concave manner. This blade is generally used for outdoor enthusiast and fisherman.
Modified Clip - The modified clip is a recent design that has proved to be popular on high-tech, one-hand opener knives. Exact blade shapes usually vary amoung these knives.
Santuko - The santuko is a Japanese chef's knife. The blades spine curves downward to meet the edge and the belly curves slightly.
Scimitar - The scimitar is a curved blade with the edge on the convex side.
Sheepsfoot - Resembling the hoof of a sheep, the blade curves downward to meet the edge. This leaves virtually no point. It's well suited to giving you a clean cut, especially on a flat cutting surface.
Spear Point - The point of this blade is exactly in the center of the blade and both edges are sharpened. The point drops all the way down the center of the blade.
Tanto - The tanto is a traditional Japanese design dating back to feudal Japan. The point in this blade style is in line with the spine of the blade. This leaves the point thick and strong. There are quite a few different variations of how tanto blades are designed. The way the front edge meets the bottom edge, whether at an obtuse angle or a curve is one difference. You will also find differences in the point being clipped or not and whether there is a chisel grind. It is used for piercing hard/tough materials and for prying or scraping.
Trailing Point - The trailing point of the blade is higher than the spine. This is typically engineered with an extended belly for slicing, with the point up and out of the way.