Anybody prefer single-bladed folders to multi-bladed folders?

[on_the_edge]

Lately, I have been thinking that I am an "odd duck" insofar as I generally prefer a single-bladed pocket knife to it's multi-bladed brother. To me, I can use that single blade all day long for everything and at the end of the day, if the blade needs to be touched up, it is no big deal. Now granted that I am not cutting through carpeting or wire insulation as part of my daily routine, but I will use my knife to cut my food as well as cut open a variety of boxes and envelopes. With reasonable care and use, it has never let me down.

I do like the variety of patterns available with multi-bladed pocket knives, but I find them to usually be thicker, heavier, and sporting at least one blade/tool that will get little or no use at all. Sure a leather punch or a cap lifter sounds like a good idea, but the truth is that if I need to remove a non-twist-off cap off a bottle of brew, there are many ways to do it without using a cap lifter. And how many times have I needed to put a nice small hole in a piece of leather or something else? On the rare occasion that I might be in a position where I need something more than a single-bladed pocket knife, I will opt for a multi-tool or a larger fixed blade.

Outside of opinions that I should get my head examined, I am curious to know how many of us are closeted single-blade pocket knife fans.

 

[Peregrin]

I'm going to say I prefer single bladed folders by a narrow margin. My logic is; I almost always have more then one knife on me, sometimes more then two. How many blades do I really need?

Then again I do carry a Wharncliffe Trapper quite often. I guess I'm confused. Oh wait ..I'm a knifenut!
I think I need my head examined ...

 

[markpmc]

I generally carry only one knife so I like having a spare blade.

 

[kamagong]

I favor single blade slipjoints. Don't need more than one most of the time. I do keep a few multi-blades around. Don't carry them that often, but they're there if the mood strikes me.

- Christian

 

[Jack Black]

My views are similiar to Gary's. I like the ergonomics of single-blade folders, and for many years, that's all I carried as an EDC, but I like two and three bladed folders too. Usually I carry two knives, one single-blade and a Jack or Stockman most commonly.

 

[Bob W]

It's nice to have a second blade as a backup so there's always a sharp blade available.
That being said, most of my carry knives are single-bladed.

For collecting, I have no preference.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

I carry single blades often, sometimes two at a time. Right now, a 73 single and a Charlow single. I could get by with one, but, as Gary said, I am a knife nut.

Add me to the list for the head exam...

 

[Blues]

I like both and collect and use both. For carry it depends on venue, weather and clothing. For collecting it depends on how much the particular knife appeals to me.

It's all good.

 

[Mink]

Generally, I prefer a multi-blade folder, most often in a jack configuration.

 

[akadave2]

I think the whole reason for the traditional style pocket knife is to have multiple blades for multiple utility. I also like the unique ways that multiple blades are incorporated into the design. I do like the single blade models though not as much as the multiple blade knives. I believe the single blade realm is more for the modern one hand opening knives.

 

[weech3]

The only traditional pattern I've come to enjoy and use is the stockman. The large 3 blade stockman is my preference. Multiple blades for multiple uses.

 

[on_the_edge]

Interesting responses, folks! I wasn't sure what to expect, but I guess I am somewhat surprised to see a greater preference for single blades in the poll. I am very interested to see how the poll will pan out in the next few days.

Thanks for your responses. Keep them coming! :thumbup:

 

[Steven65]

I love the Stockman patterns and I collect them actively. However I am mostly found carrying a single bladed traditional knife. I just find that for weight and convenience it is easiest.........

 

[silenthunterstudios]

Single blades feel better in the pocket, and in the hand. However, I picked up an old Imperial spear stockman, with bail, and some really nice pocket worn bone handles. I've been working at reprofiling the edge, and plan on carrying that. It was cheap, it's older than many here, and it just needs to be carried.

 

[kamagong]

I think the whole reason for the traditional style pocket knife is to have multiple blades for multiple utility...I believe the single blade realm is more for the modern one hand opening knives.

History disagrees with you. Single blade knives are very traditional. Check out these knives that were in the steamship Arabia when it sank in the Missouri River in 1856. Plenty of single blade slipjoints in attendance.

- Christian

 

[Modoc ED]

I voted no preference. Generally, I have more than one knife on me - a lockback with a single blade, a slipjoint with more than one blade (Barlow, Stockman, etc.), and a smallish Leatherman C2 multi-tool in a sheath on my belt.

 

[burnside]

I can't really partake in the poll because I go back and forth between 2 blade jacks and single blade knives for my edc rotation. I find the secondary spear or coping blades on jack knives to be very handy for dirty work like opening packages or boxes. It saves my main blade from getting dull and frees it up for food slicing duties or whatever else I might want it for.

If I had to choose between a two blade jack and a single blade, I would probably lean a hair more towards the single blade just for the comfort factor of being more slim in the pocket and therefore less noticeable when carried. Usually I have a 2 blade jack knife as well as a single blade on me at the same time. I have yet to carry and use a stockman or whittler type knife, although I would like to get my hands on the #62 easy pocket courthouse whittler again (this time I would use and carry it).

 

[rma100]

I carry a single blade 15 or 73 mostly. Sometimes I carry a two blade jack. I personally think one blade is enough, if I need something else, I'll get the proper tool. Having said that, most of the time I'm carrying two or more knives. I'm rarely found in circumstances where a knife, or knives, would be considered inappropriate.

 

[FLymon]

I thought about voting no preference, based on the fact that I really like both. After some consideration I figured that ultimately the variety offered in multi-blade patterns does tilt the scale in their favor for me. Slightly.
In the words of John T. Chance "I'd hate to have to live on the difference."

 

[black mamba]

I have and use both, but have gradually moved toward preferring a multi-blade. Something with both a clip blade and a straight edge (Wharncliffe or sheepfoot).
Stockmen and Wharncliffe trappers are my usual carry.