What is a blade putter in golf?

What Is a Blade Putter? A Golfer's Guide to Traditional Putting

I've spent years testing golf equipment, and now creating my own putters; and blade putters remain a fascinating piece of golf technology.

A blade putter features a simple, narrow head with a straight or near-straight line from heel to toe. The design emerged from the workshops of Scottish clubmakers who shaped them from blocks of carbon steel, crafting them to roll golf balls with consistency.

The characteristics of blade putters:

* Compact head design with minimal offset
Offset means that the club face is set behind the hosel. The hosel is in front of the club face. This is to help you keep your hands ahead of the ball and square the putter face at impact.

* Toe-weighted balance 
When you rest the putter on its shaft on a table, with the head hanging off the edge, the toe of the putter points straight down. When you swing the toe-weighted blade putter, the club does not go back straight and through, but moves around a circular arc if you do not have a firm enough grip pressure.

To overcome the torque that pulls a putter toward your feet on the backstroke, you need to have a grip pressure of about 4 out of 10. The idea of holding a putter like you're holding a baby bird is not true.

* Clean sight lines
The term "blade" comes from the putter's thin profile when viewed from address. Unlike modern mallet putters with their larger heads and complex alignment systems, blade putters offer a minimalist approach to putting.

The aesthetics of the blade putter either suit your eye or they don't. What I like about a blade putter is the minimal alignment aids which allow me to know where the sweet spot is and focus more on good contact.

Why Players Choose Blade Putters

Tour professionals and skilled amateurs often select blade putters for their feedback and control. The smaller sweet spot demands center contact, which helps players develop consistent stroke patterns.

The advantages of blade putters include:

*  Enhanced feel and feedback on impact
* Greater maneuverability for breaking putts
* Traditional aesthetics at address
* Improved distance control for skilled players

Modern Blade Technology

Today's blade putters blend traditional design with modern materials. Manufacturers like Scotty Cameron, Ping, and Odyssey incorporate multi-material construction and precision milling to enhance performance while maintaining classic blade aesthetics.

At Waddaplaya, we make putters with the same 303 Stainless Steel used by the famous brands but we source steel that creates consistent putters because we make limited runs. We do not mass produce 5,000 putters at a time, keeping our releases to 50 - 100 pieces per release. 

That means we create smaller batches and can ensure only the best available steel is used in the limited quantity we find.

Recent innovations in blade putters include:
* Face milling patterns for improved roll
* Tungsten heel-toe weights for stability
* Face insert technology for softer feel
* Adjustable weight systems in the sole of the putter

Is a Blade Putter Right for You?

From my experience, blade-style putters work best for golfers who:
* Prefer traditional looks at address - you can't explain it, it's entirely your eye and with that feel comes confidence and a better chance of a good stroke.
* Understand the grip pressure is not holding a baby bird and a nice firm grip will prevent huge arcing of the stroke
* Value feel and feedback with excellent speed control
* Practice putting with dedication 
* Value good contact over forgiveness much like blade irons vs game improvement irons

Try the Waddaplaya Classic Confidential putter or the Bird Dog Blade which Matt from Golf Sidekick produces and uses in his videos. He is easily one of the best putters on Youtube at the moment, especially inside 8 feet.

The choice between a blade and mallet putter comes down to stroke type, visual preference, and skill level. While mallet putters offer more forgiveness, blade putters reward proper technique with consistency and control.

For players starting their golf journey, I suggest testing both styles. The right putter instills confidence, and confidence leads to better putting. Remember, the world's best players use both blade and mallet designs with success.

The blade putter continues to evolve while maintaining its essential character. It remains a testament to golf's traditions and the enduring pursuit of putting excellence.