3.1" Knives What's the Appeal?

anthony cheeseboro

anthony cheeseboro

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Aug 8, 1999
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I confess that I love knives that are just a smidge over 3". That extra .1" or .2" probably makes no real difference, but being just a tiny bit over the 3" limit is just kind of neat. I am pretty sure knife companies know this or they would not make so many knives just a tiny bit over 3". In Illinois, there is no real law against knives over 3", but a knife over 3" cannot be carried as a weapon, so at least a knife like a Kershaw Skyline, ZT 0450, or Kizer Gemini is not actually illegal.
 
It's what I think of every time I see a knife with a blade length like 4.1", or 3.6", or really anything of the sort where it doesn't fall on a multiple of 0.25". I think sizes like that are indicators of either a lack of concern for blade length laws and/or an unwillingness to compromise on a design.
 
Comeuppance said:
It's what I think of every time I see a knife with a blade length like 4.1", or 3.6", or really anything of the sort where it doesn't fall on a multiple of 0.25". I think sizes like that are indicators of either a lack of concern for blade length laws and/or an unwillingness to compromise on a design.
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I can certainly see that, but I think there is some psychology going on. Making a knife just barely over the limit can appeal to the knife consumer's sense of daring because the knife is technically over the limit, but probably tame enough looking that no one would care unless the carrier was already engaged in illegal behavior.
 
That's an interesting idea that my initial reaction to was to attempt to dismiss it, but, that's the kind of thinking that drives a surprising amount of behavior... I still think it's hard to feel like a renegade carrying a 3.1" blade, though.
 
Comeuppance said:
That's an interesting idea that my initial reaction to was to attempt to dismiss it, but, that's the kind of thinking that drives a surprising amount of behavior... I still think it's hard to feel like a renegade carrying a 3.1" blade, though.
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Legalistic, play by the rules folks are more likely to pay attention to blade limits, and something like just barely breaking a rule could be a "thrill."
 
The very thought of someone feeling like a badass because they're carrying a folder with a 3.1" blade is hilarious to me, and I'm sure our ancestors are laughing even harder. Speaks to how emasculated much of the world has become.

On that note, I carry folders of that size simply because I like them. I prefer to carry larger, but around school I won't go far above 3".
 
Kwon Kwang said:
The very thought of someone feeling like a badass because they're carrying a folder with a 3.1" blade is hilarious to me, and I'm sure our ancestors are laughing even harder. Speaks to how emasculated much of the world has become.
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The average American adult man has about as much spine and integrity as a plate of jello, in my experience. It's why nobody says anything when someone with 50 items gets into the 10-or-less lane. I'm kinda disproportionately proud to say that I will absolutely call them out on it, loudly, and tell them to get out of the line with a forceful tone. I really browbeat the crap out of some middle-aged woman who was clearly surprised anyone said anything and slunk away after I stood right in front of her cart and glared at her after telling her to leave.

I suppose that I'm (more than) slightly proud of that only goes to prove your point even further! If you don't mind me, I'm going to go carry around this Triple Action and feel like a hardass even though it's not actually illegal for me to carry but feels like it should be because butterfly knives.
 
I like knives a little over 3" too, like the PM2, Manix 2 XL, Spyderco Military. :D

It seems that there are a lot of jurisdictions that limit knives to 3" or 3.5". A 3.1" knife doesn't really make sense, they could go 3.25" or 3.4" and probably be just as legal. I have a few knives that are 3.6". I like them but I couldn't carry them to some states with 3.5" limits.
 
There is something to be said for 3.2-3.4 inch blades they're just so perfect! If i see a decent knife in that size I WAN IT
 
anthony cheeseboro said:
I confess that I love knives that are just a smidge over 3". That extra .1" or .2" probably makes no real difference, but being just a tiny bit over the 3" limit is just kind of neat. I am pretty sure knife companies know this or they would not make so many knives just a tiny bit over 3". In Illinois, there is no real law against knives over 3", but a knife over 3" cannot be carried as a weapon, so at least a knife like a Kershaw Skyline, ZT 0450, or Kizer Gemini is not actually illegal.
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Not sure what is up with the crazy measurements and blade lengths manufacturers come up with. I never have understood it. Same as knives that are 2.99", technically it is not a 3" blade, but the arresting officer won't give 2 squats if they have nothing better to do at the moment and need to meet their quota. The same can be said for the knives you mention, it all depends on the mood of the LEO, if they want to jack you up, they can and will. Even if it doesn't stick, it's still a long and arduous process to come back from.
 
RevDevil said:
Not sure what is up with the crazy measurements and blade lengths manufacturers come up with. I never have understood it. Same as knives that are 2.99", technically it is not a 3" blade, but the arresting officer won't give 2 squats if they have nothing better to do at the moment and need to meet their quota. The same can be said for the knives you mention, it all depends on the mood of the LEO, if they want to jack you up, they can and will. Even if it doesn't stick, it's still a long and arduous process to come back from.
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I know that is the truth! I don't care how pissed I am, I am Mr. Humility when I deal with a cop!
 
I'm pretty sure you can't carry any knife here in Illinois for the specific purpose of self defense. I could be wrong, though.
 
There are several knives I would definitely buy that are 3.6, but in Colorado the law allows 3.5 in. I'm not going to carry a $200 Knife that might get me in trouble for an extra tenth of an inch of blade. In this aspect, I wonder if companies lose money because of this.
 
Niddler1 said:
There is something to be said for 3.2-3.4 inch blades they're just so perfect! If i see a decent knife in that size I WAN IT
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jday2727 said:
There are several knives I would definitely buy that are 3.6, but in Colorado the law allows 3.5 in. I'm not going to carry a $200 Knife that might get me in trouble for an extra tenth of an inch of blade. In this aspect, I wonder if companies lose money because of this.
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I doubt it.
 
I don't understand the appeal, but then again, my preference is for blade lengths right under 3 inches, like the small Sebenza and Mini Ritter Grip.
 
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