Blade Length

selfinflicted

selfinflicted

Joined
Oct 1, 2003
Messages
611
I'm fairly new to this forum and learning a lot. Something I've noticed in reading threads is that many prefer shorter blades than me. I like a blade length of around 4" in a folder and 5"-6" in a fixed blade for "non-extreme" applications, but many members seem to favor folders in the 2"-3" and fixed in the 3"-4" lengths. Also, many of the folders and fixed blades offered by top makers are in the "shorter" lengths, especially the fixed.
Could you share what folder and fixed blade lengths you typically prefer to use, and why it works best for you? I know some of it is personal preference, but there are advantages of shorter/longer I'm sure I haven't considered, that I should in future purchases. Thanks.
 
In folders I always seem to gravitate towards knives with blades around 4". That just seems to be the length where the knife will easily do everything I want it to do. The blade length on my EDC fixed blades is 4-5", because that length doesn't seem too conspicuous for city carry. My favorite knives have blades between 9 1/2" and 10" and those are Bowies. When well balanced, that is the length that feels right to me. Not too short to have a good reach and not too long to feel cumbersome.
 
if I can, I'll use my knives for everything. so I carry what will do most of it.

4" fixed, single 4" serrated folder, single 2" plain edge folder(neck carry), multitool, slipjoint(3" blade, 2.5" cutting edge)...

just added a 2.5" fixed to my carry, leave the slipjoint at home when I leave for work now.

stick me in the bush and you'll see 4" folders, 4" fixed, machete(now a shortsword, 20" blade, 6" handle. bought a month ago), and hatchet... and a 6-8" fixed in my main bag at camp.
 
My favorite folder (Al Mar SERE 2000) has a blade only 3.6 inches long...(I wish it was a full 4 inches or longer), but I've learned to live with that short blade. In-fact, I've chosen to carry it as my EDC folder, and have retired my SS SE Police model, (eventho the Police model has a 4 & 1/8th inch-long blade.).
 
Usually carry at least 2 knives. One will be around 3" for use when sheeple are around and one about 3.5 to 4" just because I like it!
 
In folders I always seem to gravitate towards knives with blades around 4". That just seems to be the length where the knife will easily do everything I want it to do. The blade length on my EDC fixed blades is 4-5", because that length doesn't seem too conspicuous for city carry. My favorite knives have blades between 9 1/2" and 10" and those are Bowies. When well balanced, that is the length that feels right to me. Not too short to have a good reach and not too long to feel cumbersome.
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Amen brother! For folders, 4" just feels right. I live in a state where I can carry a 5.5" blade folder or fixed, but 4" seems perfect for a folder to me. (I have tried bigger folders, and YMMV, but they just didn't do it for me.)

When it comes to fixed blades, I have a soft spot for the big honkers. I still carry 4"-5" fixed blades a lot too though.
 
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