Big or Small EDC ?

[Smaug]

I'm trying to actually slowly go smaller than this. But even my SAK has a 3" blade that I carry every day and have for 20+ years. I want to go smaller, but it's hard to change.

Try carrying a Vic Executive. Count the number of times you found yourself wanting a bigger blade. If you like oranges, that orange peeler is BRILLIANT, and the nail file makes a nice little poky tool or even light duty #0 or #1 Phillips.

When you realize you don't even really need the larger blade, try a Manager or Classic. Only problem with them is they're so unobtrusive, they fall out of pockets and get lost.

I've come to the conclusion that about the only time a larger blade is more useful for day-to-day operations is in food prep. (assuming the small blade is kept properly sharp, which I know you would do)

 

[Therom]

I like large but I go small

I like blades in the 3.5" - 3.75" range and PM2, Sebenza are my favourite knives.
I also like GB2, ZT0630 and BM940-1 for example.

However, as time goes I EDC sub 3" most of the time (at last during the week): Small inkosy or Delica see a lot of pocket time and I am looking to test the Techno 2 that is to come.

 

[22-rimfire]

I carried a Spyderco Endura (3-3/4" blade) for years as my EDC. After years and years, I never once used it for defense, nor even felt like it was likely I'd have to. I'd be better off carrying a baton when I'm in those shady areas, or just get my concealed carry license and pack some REAL heat. Unless you're in a REALLY bad area and you actually have some defense knife training?

I downsized to a Delica (2-3/4" blade) and it is just better for anything I ACTUALLY do. The Endura was big enough to raise eyebrows when deployed. The Delica gets a glance at the click, but when they see the blade size in relation to my hand, it's no problem.

Aside from the smaller size being adequate and being perceived as less threatening, the tip of the knife has a lot more precision. (and let's face it, the tip of the knife can be quite useful!)

So my advice is to get a smaller one that is better in REAL use, and have another option for defense when you're likely to need it. Billy club, baton, pepper spray, stun gun, pistol, etc.

As I get older, I realize even the Delica is overkill most of the time. I hope this doesn't get me fired from BladeForums, but sometimes I'm only packing a Victorinox Classic with its blade being less than 2"...

My second Spyderco knife was the Endura. I tried to carry it as an EDC but it often felt like a sword in my hand. So, I quickly backed up to the Delica. The Native was my first Spyderco and I'm comfortable with the size.

I have my general preferences developed over a number of years and I also find myself wanting or thinking about going smaller for daily carry. Everyone has their preferences that they have developed. Sometimes, it's just a knife they have carried for a long time like my 111mm SAK. I sometimes carry a little Case peanut which is 2 7/8" closed as an additional knife. This was done to see if I am comfortable with this.

I may have to look into the Vic Executive.

I have learned that opening speed (aka deployment) is not that important to me and most of my cutting can easily be accomplished comfortably with a sub-3" blade length. The one knife I am not comfortable carrying is the Vic Classic size. It is just too small for me. I also carry a Leatherman Ps4 Squirt which has a small blade if I just forgot my regular carry knife.

If I were seriously thinking about a knife specifically for self defense, it would probably have 3.5" to 4" blade. It might even have a pointy fully serrated edge even though I generally don't carry a serrated bladed knife. The concept is for the knife to be both useful for stabbing and slashing. Just talking.... I have no experience using a knife for self defense. The longer blade is also useful for cutting sandwiches and so forth versus something smaller. But I don't honestly do that very often.

 

[22-rimfire]

You think all those old guys with canes actually need them to assist their walking? Consider a cane which frankly is probably a better self defense tool than a folding knife especially if you have not had knife fighting training.

 

[Stelth]

My edc varies, depending on where I'm going and what I'll likely be doing. Sometimes I carry a big knife, sometimes a small one.

 

[Minh762]

I’m a believe of using the right tool for the job.

Small and slim blade for cutting up fruits/etc.
Medium/Large folder for larger jobs.
Pistol for self defense.

You need all 3

 

[Bechbum2588]

You brought a lot of good advice. I was an MP in the military and I would ratherr not to use a knife in self-defense. I could kill someone very fast with a knife and you could spend the rest of your in prison for some dirt bag.No thank you. I think I get one of those Cold Steel pepper spray's. That sounds fun. Still buying a new knife. LOL.But thanks,

 

[Stumpy72]

You think all those old guys with canes actually need them to assist their walking? Consider a cane which frankly is probably a better self defense tool than a folding knife especially if you have not had knife fighting training.

I can honestly say “I resemble that remark” in response to this statement. Check out the “solidaluminumcane” dot com website. I recently bought one of these and it’s a honey. Neither the cheap, featherweight tubular aluminum canes nor the wooden ones have any real mass and IMO they'd be a lame self-defense tool. The solid aluminum ones aren’t cheap, but they’re ideal and mine never draws anything more than a passing glance. They weigh 2.2 lbs, which would deliver a serious clout.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming... I still carry a folder, but I have serious reservations about the time spent on drawing and deploying it detracting from its efficacy as a self-defense tool. For purely self-defense purposes, i think the solid cane is a far better tool.

 

[Bechbum2588]

You think all those old guys with canes actually need them to assist their walking? Consider a cane which frankly is probably a better self defense tool than a folding knife especially if you have not had knife fighting training.

I noticed Cold Steel has some fun canes.

 

[James Y]

These days, I mostly find myself EDCing a knife just below 3" (Para3, Delica, small Inkosi) to around 3.5" (Caribbean, large Insingo). But self-defense is not the reason why I carry a specific knife, but rather its potential usefulness to me, comfort in hand during use, how it carries in pocket, and the tasks and location it will be carried/used.

I also always carry two SAKs: an Executive, and either a Spartan or a Pioneer. Truth be told, in a typical day, one or either of the SAKs will see more actual use than whichever clip knife I'm carrying. I've been carrying and using the same Executive for going on 20 years now. And back in the '80s into the '90s when I lived overseas, my sole carry knife was an older version of the SAK Spartan for around 10 years. And TBH, I never really felt at a loss, knife-wise.

I've mentioned around here before that there are many instances of individuals having used folding knives in a self-defensive role, in several cases fatally for the attacker. And in some instances where the actual knife model was known, it wasn't necessarily a defensive design, nor always a big knife. Also consider the legal ramifications, which is often lost in the discussion. But that specific type of discussion is more appropriate for PracTac.

Jim

 

[Stumpy72]

I noticed Cold Steel has some fun canes.

Check your local and state or provincial laws carefully about sword canes, if they're what you’re referring to. They’re illegal in many jurisdictions and having one can be the cause of unpleasant and costly legal consequences. Actually using one (whether in justifiable self-defense or not) could be the cause of exceptionally unpleasant and costly legal consequences.

 

[Lapedog]

I am going to buy a new knife and I go through these big or small EDC. Right now I am looking at the new Socom Elte, Spyderco Military or PM2, Benchmade Bedlam 8600, BM 940, Gayle Bradley 2 and this new knife made by WE knives called the Primortal designed by Adam Purvis. It drives me crazy. I cannot decide what size I want. It will only be used for light utility and self defense. Does anyone else have this problem?

I say every time if you want a folder that can do some self defense work in a pinch it has to have a wave. Folders are never the ideal choice for self defense but if you plan on maybe getting some SD capability out of your folder a wave deployment system is an absolute must. There is no faster way to open a folding knife than waving it.

The second absolute must is practicing waving it until you can do it as second nature. I recommend carrying and practicing the reverse wave. (More kn that later)

So please consider waved knives or knives with a wavelike device. Judging by the price range you are looking at I recommend the Viper Italo.

Viper Italo, they make a linerlock version too if that is what you prefer

Onto Reverse waving. This video describes it pretty well.

 

[jackknife]

Try carrying a Vic Executive. Count the number of times you found yourself wanting a bigger blade. If you like oranges, that orange peeler is BRILLIANT, and the nail file makes a nice little poky tool or even light duty #0 or #1 Phillips.

When you realize you don't even really need the larger blade, try a Manager or Classic. Only problem with them is they're so unobtrusive, they fall out of pockets and get lost.

I've come to the conclusion that about the only time a larger blade is more useful for day-to-day operations is in food prep. (assuming the small blade is kept properly sharp, which I know you would do)

I've always been a small pocket knife guy, and for some years now the standard for me is, does it fit well in the coin pocket of my jeans?

I carried a Case peanut for years until arthritis in my hands made the small stiffly sprung knife with half stops not a good choice. But for the past three and a half months my edc has been a Victorinox executive and I love this little knife. It fits down in my coin/watch pocket, handles all my daily cutting, the small flat screw driver and tip of the nail file take care of small flat and Phillips screws, and the serrated orange peeler is a great zip tie cutter.

I guess I've never thought of a knife as a self defense tool, and always carried a dedicated weapon like a gun or stout Irish blackthorn walking stick. Now that I'm living in Texas I have the license to carry, so theres always a small handgun in my right hand pocket.

Once you get a small knife you'll never go back.

 

[hhmoore]

Once you get a small knife you'll never go back.

That might be the case for some; but many aren't satisfied with small knives. I'll acknowledge that a small knife will meet most of my cutting needs; so, accordingly, I typically have a traditional in my left front pocket...but I also appreciate the convenience of one hand opening and pocket clips. Small moderns feel awkward - I wear XL gloves, and have longish fingers - opening and unlocking small knives can be a struggle. Lastly, for extended or harder use, a larger handle is far more comfortable... and small knives don't have those.
That's why some people carry two knives, one larger & one smaller.

 

[pinnah]

I am going to buy a new knife and I go through these big or small EDC. Right now I am looking at the new Socom Elte, Spyderco Military or PM2, Benchmade Bedlam 8600, BM 940, Gayle Bradley 2 and this new knife made by WE knives called the Primortal designed by Adam Purvis. It drives me crazy. I cannot decide what size I want. It will only be used for light utility and self defense. Does anyone else have this problem?

I used to have this problem but I don't have it any more.

For me, the only way I could sort out what worked for me was experimenting with different knives and giving myself the chance to sort through what worked, what didn't and why.

Three factors seem to determine what I like and don't like: what I actually use a knife for (as opposed to what I think I might use it for), how I like to carry a knife, and what makes me happy in terms of aesthetics.

Usage - I like a knife big and stout enough to cut back branches on my property, long enough to reach into a peanut butter jar and small enough to make fine cuts while wood working or to be deployed in knife hostile places. I also like to be able to open beer bottles and turn screws on things. After many years of experimenting, I settled on a large single blade folder with a blade in the 3 1/4 inch range and a small pocket sized multi-tool (Micra). This combo works great for me. You may hate it. Regardless, I recommend you try lots of different sizes and types (including traditionals, small multi-tools and SAKs) and figure out what works for you.

Carry - I hate knives with pocket clips. I hate belt holsters. EDCing a fixed blade makes no sense to me. I dislike fat bulky knives in my front pockets. I generally have a day pack close by. My carry: Micra in RFP, large folder in RRP that has a seam sewn in it to hold my knife up, and larger multitool in my EDC day pack. This is my carry. It's not your carry. Regardless, I recommend you try different carry methods and figure out what works best for you.

Aesthetics - I've never seen a modern folder that warms my heart. I also like New England style IPAs and Wild Turkey and prefer my long guns with actual wood stocks. My big folders are all traditionals: Buck 110, Buck 500, Opinel 9, Case Sod Buster. These might disgust you as much as Harpoon IPA, Wild Turkey or Swedish Mausers might. Regardless, I recommend you look at lots of different knife styles and carry one whose style makes you grin when you hold it just because.


Lastly... I've learned there is no one single knife for me for all days. I have a small EDC pile of favorites. The Buck 110 is a lot more knife than the Buck 500 or the Opinel 9 size wise. I recommend giving yourself the freedom to not be tied to one single knife for EDC. Unless of course that works for you, in which case, feel free to carry the same knife for 20 years.

 

[22-rimfire]

.... Carry - I hate knives with pocket clips. I hate belt holsters. EDCing a fixed blade makes no sense to me. I dislike fat bulky knives in my front pockets...

Aesthetics - I've never seen a modern folder that warms my heart. I also like New England style IPAs and Wild Turkey and prefer my long guns with actual wood stocks......

Make that a walnut stock. I don't hate pocket clips, but I don't love them either including thumb studs. Some modern folders come close to warming my heart. Some I just like for their utility or convenience. Give the thin Boker Urban Trapper a try. Yeah it has a clip. It semi-warms my heart but it frankly is somewhat similar to a traditional knife except for the liner lock. Been carrying it even though I have knives with better steel and so forth.

With folks mentioning the Vic Executive several times in this thread, I am going to have a look at one next visit to a knife store that handles them. There would be only one with a broad selection like that to include the Executive and I was just there last week..... it was a Rough Rider day for me.

 

[tony281sc2]

I have a problem with buying too many folding knives, everything from 2.5” to 4.1” lol. If I were to pick one for edc/self defense I’d go with a ZT 0095 (an S90v version for an extra $20) as someone previously mentioned. The 0450s are good too, a little on the small side tho at 3.25”. Spydercos PM2 is also a great knife, little bit cheaper than the ZTs. Can’t go wrong with any of these IMO...

 

[Bechbum2588]

I

I've always been a small pocket knife guy, and for some years now the standard for me is, does it fit well in the coin pocket of my jeans?

I carried a Case peanut for years until arthritis in my hands made the small stiffly sprung knife with half stops not a good choice. But for the past three and a half months my edc has been a Victorinox executive and I love this little knife. It fits down in my coin/watch pocket, handles all my daily cutting, the small flat screw driver and tip of the nail file take care of small flat and Phillips screws, and the serrated orange peeler is a great zip tie cutter.

I guess I've never thought of a knife as a self defense tool, and always carried a dedicated weapon like a gun or stout Irish blackthorn walking stick. Now that I'm living in Texas I have the license to carry, so theres always a small handgun in my right hand pocket.

Once you get a small knife you'll never go back.

I am from Texas and now live in San Diego or Tijuana. TJ manly. My VA pension is not enough to live in the USA right now. I broke my back, so I cannot work until I am better. I think of a knife as a tool first and as a weapon second. I think with this thread I started I really just wanted to know if people like small or big EDC and if they like any of the knives I chose or had any experience with these knives.Seems the weapon side took over..

 

[Smaug]

Make that a walnut stock. I don't hate pocket clips, but I don't love them either including thumb studs. Some modern folders come close to warming my heart. Some I just like for their utility or convenience. Give the thin Boker Urban Trapper a try. Yeah it has a clip. It semi-warms my heart but it frankly is somewhat similar to a traditional knife except for the liner lock. Been carrying it even though I have knives with better steel and so forth.

With folks mentioning the Vic Executive several times in this thread, I am going to have a look at one next visit to a knife store that handles them. There would be only one with a broad selection like that to include the Executive and I was just there last week..... it was a Rough Rider day for me.

A couple cool things about the Victorinox Executive that were happy surprised to me:

1) The snap is pretty strong; easily 3x stronger than on the smaller 58mm SAKs.

2) This design, similar to the smaller 58mm SAKs has the back springs concealed inside the knife, do they don't seem to get lint-clogged much at all, compared to larger ones.

3) Thicker spine than I imagined on that main blade

I think they need to expand this line of knives.

 

[jackknife]

I

I am from Texas and now live in San Diego or Tijuana. TJ manly. My VA pension is not enough to live in the USA right now. I broke my back, so I cannot work until I am better. I think of a knife as a tool first and as a weapon second. I think with this thread I started I really just wanted to know if people like small or big EDC and if they like any of the knives I chose or had any experience with these knives.Seems the weapon side took over..

Yeah, that happens. Lots of people obsessing over the weapon aspect of it. If you live in TJ, whats the Mexican knife laws like? I'd heard that they were tougher than here in the U.S.

Once you discount the weapon aspect, you find you really need less knife than you think in day to life.