A discussion : Can a 3" bladed pocket knife do everything a 3+ inch knife can?

[Scubie67]

This includes all the 3.25 to maybe even up to 4.5 inch bladed pocket knives.I posted in another thread on a sub forum here that I recently found out that for years that a city I frequently visit has had a 3 inch and lower pocket knife law for awhile now and that quite of few of the knives exceed that length.After finding out a few months or so ago and was surprised that they had passed such a local city ordinance and for years was carrying knives that exceeded this.I immediately switched to only my mini ritter griptillian and syderco salt 1 which both have a 3 inch or less blade along with my supplemental Leatherman Rebar MT which is sub 3 inch also.I guess if you never get pulled you would never know until you are pulled by law enforcement.

I am trying to think of a task that I can do with larger bladed knives that I cannot do with my smaller knives,obviously the larger knife will be easier to perform certain jobs better and probably quicker but the smaller knife can still do it just not as efficiently.Carving and whittling the smaller one may even be better at certain things IMO.

Can anyone think of any tasks that would completely prohibit 3 inch and under knives while you 4 inch folder can do? Some may say bush craft but I think you are better of with a Fixed blade for that purpose.

These links I found are pretty eye opening of the knife restriction creep over the years that surprised my on local Cities that may have knife carry laws that a lot of people are not aware of

http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife.pdf

http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife2.pdf

No one wants to get their expensive knives confiscated ,best to be aware I wasn't until recently.

 

[22-rimfire]

The only tasks that I personally see that a 4" folder would be better than a 3" folder is self defense. Maybe spreading peanut butter (as in reaching the bottom of the jar) or cutting large melons to eat. Otherwise, for me it is just a matter of what a person prefers (within the limits of the law of course).

 

[Scubie67]

22.Yeah hehe, those are good points especially the PB one.One benefit I forgot is my sub 3 inch knives fit better in my pocket than my lets say my full size griptillian

 

[mmmotorcycle]

Recently have been developing arthritis in my hands so larger knives are more comfy for me. Also have been carrying smaller fixed blades too as a result.

 

[Scubie67]

As I am getting older I know what you mean, the Full size knives fill your hand more, usually due to a bigger handle and you don't have to squeeze as hard as a small handled knife when doing tasks that require more effort

 

[22-rimfire]

I prefer about a 3" folder overall. I however do have larger and smaller ones. I am quite taken with the little GEC #14 Boys knife as to how nice it is. It is all personal preference and what you get used to as there are very few things that I use a pocket knife for that requires a much longer blade, or even the 2" main blade on the boys knife. I am not into self defense with a knife and if I were, it would be fixed blade all the way.... My regular carry SAK has a 3" blade (so 2.75" > 3.25", maybe 3.5") is my comfort point. As you say, the blade length does impact the size of the knife closed as well. I have always said that for me the near perfect edc size is "Delica sized" and the "Endura size" is just a tad large.

I have said that I have been experimenting with fixed blade carry, but it is not for self defense. It is mostly just for fun as I still seem to reach for me SAK when something needs cutting.

 

[Scubie67]

Yep My salt 1 is pretty much a Delica with H1 steel and sheepsfoot blade and those delicas are nice carry size and thin in the pocket, my full size Griptillian feels like there is a Lobster Tail in my pocket

 

[Spey]

This includes all the 3.25 to maybe even up to 4.5 inch bladed pocket knives.I posted in another thread on a sub forum here that I recently found out that for years that a city I frequently visit has had a 3 inch and lower pocket knife law for awhile now and that quite of few of the knives exceed that length.After finding out a few months or so ago and was surprised that they had passed such a local city ordinance and for years was carrying knives that exceeded this.I immediately switched to only my mini ritter griptillian and syderco salt 1 which both have a 3 inch or less blade along with my supplemental Leatherman Rebar MT which is sub 3 inch also.I guess if you never get pulled you would never know until you are pulled by law enforcement.

I am trying to think of a task that I can do with larger bladed knives that I cannot do with my smaller knives,obviously the larger knife will be easier to perform certain jobs better and probably quicker but the smaller knife can still do it just not as efficiently.Carving and whittling the smaller one may even be better at certain things IMO.

Can anyone think of any tasks that would completely prohibit 3 inch and under knives while you 4 inch folder can do? Some may say bush craft but I think you are better of with a Fixed blade for that purpose.

These links I found are pretty eye opening of the knife restriction creep over the years that surprised my on local Cities that may have knife carry laws that a lot of people are not aware of

http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife.pdf

http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife2.pdf

No one wants to get their expensive knives confiscated ,best to be aware I wasn't until recently.

Scubie67,

I would say NO, a <=3" blade can-not do everything a >3" blade can do.
As with any tool, YES, a user can get the job done (but some tasks are much better accomplished with a longer blade 3.4" - 4.6" my preference).

With regard to your legal quotations and references, it's good you are thinking about these considerations but you may wish to verify the specifics.
I would comment that I keep at hand the specific codes related to where I travel (as they apply to weapons, knives, guns, etc.), and have read & compiled applicable specifics along with direct links to the codes in the event I have an issue with LEO (Law Enforcement Officer). I compiled into a WORD.docx, saved on computer, phone, Dropbox and update this document every year or so (as new codes become adopted then later enacted to the books), since around 2010 or so.

With regard to the reference doc's you listed USKnife page 1 & 2, I would caution you as to relying on any documents or listing other than the specific applicable codes (Federal, State, County, City) as I have found significant differences in interpretation and presentation. I will give you two specific examples to hopefully illustrate my point below. In general, I have found the USKnife references and interpretation to be overly conservative (non-the-less, inaccurate representations of the actual codes in my area).

Example 1:
Here is a link to a thread I started related to knives on school grounds. The principal reason for my thread is to illustrate these types of inaccurate representation of the laws on the books in ways that unfairly persuade opinions against legal carry and use.
Knives on School Grounds - Disinformation/Misrepresentation??


Example 2:
If you review your link USKnife2.pdf and scroll to Washington State - Federal Way the text reads as follows
[Legal Yes/No - Folder/Length] [Short Description from the law]
Y <3" knife, sword, dagger or other cutting or stabbing instrument, with a blade of a length of three inches or more

I believe the information presented would leave most with the impression that knives over 3" are illegal (or that knives under 3" are legal).
When in fact these codes are specifically applicable under sub classification "Weapons prohibited on liquor sale premises".

Below copy from my WORD.docx (with each code being links to the actual codes) as follows:

Federal Way Revised Code
Title 6 PUBLIC SAFETY AND WELFARE1
6.25 Firearms and Dangerous Weapons
6.25.010 Firearms and dangerous weapons – Prohibitions.
6.25.020 Unlawful use of air guns – Penalty.
6.25.030 Weapons prohibited on liquor sale premises.
RE: Cutting or stabbing instrument, blade of a length of 3” or more, or anyrazor with an unguarded blade
6.25.040 Firearms prohibited in certain places – Exceptions – Penalty.
6.25.050 Discharge of firearms prohibited.
6.25.060 Disposition of confiscated and forfeited firearms.

Above, I attempted to make the specific code reference (the number 6.25.030) a hyper-link to the actual code. (not sure if this will work on this site as it does for all my codes listing in my WORD.docx). Additionally, I have found a number of other (what I would call) mis-representations of the actual codes in the documents you have referenced.

So, basically what I am saying (from my first hand experiences, couple examples above) look up and read the actual codes governing and you may actually find you may not be restricted to the point of needing to buy/carry shorter blades than you would otherwise prefer. Typical order of jurisdictional codes from most restrictive to least (City, County, State, Federal).

 

[stabman]

Longer blade keeps food out of the pivot more easily.

 

[22-rimfire]

Scubie67,

I would say NO, a <=3" blade can-not do everything a >3" blade can do.
As with any tool, YES, a user can get the job done (but some tasks are much better accomplished with a longer blade 3.4" - 4.6" my preference).

As I said, it is mostly personal preference and what you are used to. But honestly, tell me what you use a knife for during normal life that requires a longer blade than 3". I don't mean when you are out in the woods or anything like that. My guess is that there are so few needs that the additional inch or so almost irrelevant.

I agree with your mention of legal knife blade lengths. Sometimes the restrictions are in only certain places versus overall carry.

 

[jpm2]

I can legally carry up to a 5.5" blade, but find the more over 3" the blade is, the more it gets in the way of itself for 95% of my use, and only suitable for specialized tasks.

I can't think of anything a 3.5-5.5 blade can do that a 3" can't, but the opposite isn't true.

 

[SALTY]

Aside from legalities, a longer blade is generally better for SD purposes ... and, as indicated, foe PBJs.

 

[bt93]

I carry 2.5"-2.75", whatever size is on my SAK. I have carried larger blades but for common tasks I prefer a smaller blade. As for self defense, whether your carrying a 3" or 5" blade, a baseball bat or .357 will drop you about the same whatever size of blade you carry.

 

[Spey]

Quote Originally Posted by Spey
Scubie67,
I would say NO, a <=3" blade can-not do everything a >3" blade can do.
As with any tool, YES, a user can get the job done (but some tasks are much better accomplished with a longer blade 3.4" - 4.6" my preference).

As I said, it is mostly personal preference and what you are used to. But honestly, tell me what you use a knife for during normal life that requires a longer blade than 3". I don't mean when you are out in the woods or anything like that. My guess is that there are so few needs that the additional inch or so almost irrelevant.

I agree with your mention of legal knife blade lengths. Sometimes the restrictions are in only certain places versus overall carry.

It appears this is directed at me ...

I will try to help you understand my opinion/perspective (it's only my opinion based on my life, not trying to convert anyone here). You and your daily experiences and needs are potentially very different. Example: There was a long period in my life (over 20-yrs) that I daily carried a knife that included a pair of small shears for push cutting industrial fabrics and membranes, but still had a folding blade over 3.5".

First let me say, most daily tasks I could accomplish fine with my money-clip (zdp189 Dragonfly), but I still carry a K2 or a Millie (something with at least a 4" blade). Most days I do work with blade on wood because I enjoy it or daily tasks require it. "Woods" work does not require a 4"+ blade, and I actually find notching & joint-work to be more pleasurable with a shorter (less than 3.5" blade), as we are in no way talking about choppers here.

In general I would add that many times handle length of a larger folder is actually more important that blade length (to this end the OP may wish to consider a longer folder, with a shortened to legal length blade).

Let's also consider that it's not uncommon that "blade length" is measured from the most forward part of the handle to the tip of the blade. So, a finger-choil on say a Sage-1 or 2 reduces the effective cutting length by approx. 1/2"

For sake of comparison let's use two similar knives by the same manufacturer Sage-2 (already referenced) vs. Military (effectively 3" vs 4" per the OP). The effective cutting length on the Sage-2 is approx 2-1/2" - 2-5/8" vs Millie at 3-3/4".

Now take your favorite hoagie (or any other large sandwich) and cut it in half with the Sage-2 (I've done this, and I personally would choose the longer blade option) or any sub 3" folder compared to a 4"+ folder of similar construction. If it's a hot sandwich with melted cheese (say maybe a meatball sub with mozzarella) and the difference becomes even more significant (longer blade significant performance benefits).

Try spreading your sandwich spreads, or slice a block of cheese = similar performance differences (longer blade significant performance benefits).

How about we cut a radiator hose to length or trim off say 1/2" of enlarged hose (semi blown out from heat & pressure) and refit to the thermostat housing while attached to the car (longer blade significant performance benefits).

These are specific comparative examples I have done many times (along with numerous others) that have formed the opinions I have. In general have a blade that is longer than the depth of anything you expect to encounter, otherwise you will be making multiple cuts.

The longer handle length (somewhat typical of longer blade lengths) again will be greatly beneficial depending on the amount of force required and repetitiveness of task(s) performed.

Again, I "could" do any of those tasks with my diminutive Dragonfly but I would choose a longer blade provided I feel there would be a performance benefit (references above). Now if I am fitting (not making) a hickory haft to a tomahawk head, I'm gonna choose a shorter blade but will still want a handle that fits my hand and task (surprisingly, that same diminutive little Dragonfly does a pretty good job but that because of the ergonomics, razor sharpness, and specifics of the task and procedure used).

I would say/do carry a shorter blade and a longer one. If I get out of the truck in Seattle (3.5" carry limit) I have option to simply leave longer blades in the car ;-)

 

[Velitrius]

A 3+ inch blade has more edge than a 3 inch blade.

Used to work on the docks, and I cut a butt-load of nylon rope, cardboard, strap-ties, blah blah blah...

If you have more edge, you can do more of this work between sharpenings. That's pretty much where I ended as far as + signs for longer steel.

I nowadays find that the 3 inch and lesser stuff can do just fine, and with greater ease of carry/pocketability.

HK 14716 is doing most of the work these days, so that's a good size for me.

 

[bdmicarta]

I'm going to agree that no a small blade cannot do what a larger blade can do. Besides cutting through things that need a long blade, if you are cutting things that require a lot of effort you might not need a long blade but you need the handle that goes along with a long blade. Try to cut something that requires a lot of force with a 2" bladed knife and you might just fail, or you might create a dangerous situation for yourself.

If a person agrees that a small knife will do what a big knife will do, then what about the people that don't carry knives and are able to use other things such as their keys. Or go even farther and say why don't you just use your fingernails and not carry any tool at all.

The smallest knife I carry is a Spyderco PM2 and the largest knives I carry are approaching 4" blades. Since our legal limit is 5.5" I've even thought about getting something bigger for occasional carry.

 

[22-rimfire]

I always get the deli/restaurant to cut my sandwiches/hoagies/subs for me. But making one cut is certainly easier and neater. (Yeah, the longer blade is useful for kitchen tasks and my most used knives in the kitchen have longer than 3" blades.) Cutting the cheese.... yeah, but I hate to use knives for this at all. Again I think it's mostly personal preference and what you're used to. I just don't cut food with my pocket knife very often as my pocket knife is likely dirty/unsanitary. It would have to be an emergency for me to use my pocket knife to cut food that I am going to eat directly.

Cutting a large watermelon would be a pain in the butt with a smallish folder. But how often does this happen with a little advance planning doesn't take care of the need? I consider work needs a different kind of need than just regular edc.

Where I live, there are no blade length or knife restrictions. Used to be 3.5"

 

[Spey]

Where I live, there are no blade length or knife restrictions. Used to be 3.5"

Has that TN law (stating you are guilty of a crime) related to "intent to go armed" as it relates to carry of a knife been stricken/amended/rewritten?

Having laws that relate to intent, without action (committing a crime, etc. brandishing, threatening, etc.) seem unjust.

Regards,

 

[Sonnydaze]

I have carried a folder...>3" blade...for quite a few yrs. I still do, but now I ALSO carry a Bradford Guardian3 fixed blade in horizontal cross-draw carry. The total blade-length is 3.5", but has a choil that is intended to be used...so the sharpened edge is 3".
Most of my cutting is now with the Bradford. It's a great knife...available in M390 or CPM-3V.

 

[22-rimfire]

Yes, TN law as I understand it is now all about intent and subject to the judgement of the LEO at the scene. It could obviously be used to harass certain people if an officer chose to. I honestly never minded the blade restriction. Technically almost everyone in the woods breaks the law if they carry a fixed blade knife. Kind of like auto insurance.... we are required to have auto insurance, but I have never been asked to see proof of insurance in the time I have lived in TN (about 25 years), but I suppose an officer to single out someone and be a PIA.