Blade sizes

B

Brutus013

BANNED
Joined
Nov 30, 2006
Messages
1,834
When I first started buying knives, I would look at knives and consider blade size. I would decide to pay, say, $50, and then choose a knife by how big the blade was up to say 4". Then I got some knives with a 3" blade, and realized that 3" isn't so small, and is a pretty useful size. And then I got myself a Case Sodbuster Jr, a knife with a 2.5" blade, and once again, I realized the blade isn't too small. My most recent knife, the Victorinox Cadet, has a cutting surface of 2 1/8", and it is STILL a useful size. It is plenty big for opening packages/mail, and you can quarter/peel an apple without much trouble. Not only that, but it fits in a watch pocket very nicely. Even a Kershaw Mini Cyclone, with a 3" blade, works best clipped to the main pocket. Now I realize how useful a blade 3" and even a blade of 2" is, and I think I'll be buying quite a few more knives with that size blade. Anyone else go through this progression?
 
Last edited:
I did not only because I grew up with traditional style pocket knives. (I grew up in the '50s and '60s.)

2-3" has always been enough. Anything over 3 1/2" begins to lose its utility for me.
 
When i first started carrying it was a schrade old timer stockman, and than bought a case stockman, and generally stuck to that size for a while, and than got a Case trapper, and used it but it was too big to carry in my pocket, so i put it in my collection, and carried my old timer until I got my Leatherman Wave, which is bigger, but i carry it on my belt, and just got a Buck 503 prince, so I have the best of both worlds really. I got my smaller 503 in my pocket for light duty, and my Wave has a big plain edge and serrated blade for bigger jobs, so I just prefer have both cause you never know when you will need them.
 
i went the other way. started out with a variety of crappy slip joints and boyscout knives. when i got into good knives i often went with the mini's, 3" or less. as time has gone on i grew more comfortable with bigger blades and now find the BM 710 to be a really nice size @ 3.9". more than 4 is too much for a folder. 3.5/3.75 is the sweet spot for me.
 
I'm a 3" blade fan. Anything past that and the disadvantages seem outweigh the benefits in my experience. 3" blades give me portability and low bulk while maximizing blade control. The blade length is more than enough if it is kept sharp.
 
Im used to smaller blades so 4 inch and below is good. For EDC i use a 3 incher, for my carving i use a 2 inch. I only ever go over 4 inches for specialized "heavy" use like gardening/camping, in which case i use a khukri.
 
Agreed.
Smaller blade suffers so little limitation considering it's size.

But I don't like smaller handles.
 
I appreciate a small enough edc to fit in the small pocket of jeans. It is always there at your beckon call. Case 6244 is my favorite. However, I am careful with this knife not to overwork it. Kind of respect for the tool. I have a beefier jack knife, or larger stockman or Leatherman Charge if I am cutting something bigger. Ok, I confess, I usually carry 3 knives every day. I got it real bad.
 
Alright, Spyderco Dragonfly on the way. Cutting edge of 1 7/8", an alltime low for me. White FRN scales, should be a classy knife. Really, as long as it can cut an apple in half without much trouble, rotating the apple in my hand and cutting around the core, I'm a happy camper. I think I'll be able to with the Dragonfly, and if not oh well, I'll have a nice, small, classy knife.
 
The state of MI has helped me decide. 3 inch or less on a folder. I wish I could go bigger, mainly because I have a large hand and could use the extra room on the handle. Stupid MI laws..
 
I started with a 3.75" gerber gator, downsized to a 3" leek, then went to a 3" gerber SR. Found that I can't do everything with a smaller blade so I now carry a S&W Swat auto/Leek combo or Boker Magnum auto/leek
 
ginaz said:
i went the other way. started out with a variety of crappy slip joints and boyscout knives. when i got into good knives i often went with the mini's, 3" or less. as time has gone on i grew more comfortable with bigger blades and now find the BM 710 to be a really nice size @ 3.9". more than 4 is too much for a folder. 3.5/3.75 is the sweet spot for me.
Click to expand...

I had the exact same progression, and the same sweet spot. Right now it's my Large Sebenza 21 which has a 3.625" blade length. Anything between 3.5" and 4" is great for me. Anything over 4" seems like it's just a little too much for a folder.

I can't deal with those little bitty blades, mainly because with smaller blades comes smaller handles. I don't like having my pinky and half of my ring finger hanging off while all of my blade control relies on only 3 fingers. To each his own, J.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top