Blade-to-handle ratio: does it matter?

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DangerZone98

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Dec 7, 2019
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This didn’t seem to pop up on the search results, so I thought it’d be nice to start a discussion!

For me, most of the time it doesn’t matter. While I appreciate efficient blade length to handle ratios, it’s not the first criterion I look for. Things like ease of carry, slimness, and clip placement matter more to me. What about you folks?
 
It depends on the knife. But usually, I like it somewhat equal. It's one of the things that bothers me about my Heretic Manticore E.

Edit:

I can see it might be a good thing if you have larger hands and live somewhere with a stupid bade length limit. I know Pro-Tech makes a CA legal bladed full handle model.
 
Yes.
I believe that the Spyderco Brad Southard has the best handle/blade cutting surface of any knife I own.
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OrangeBlueOrangeBlue said:
Blade length means a lot less than cutting edge length. Some Spydercos have decent b:h until you factor in the choil that turns 1/3 of the blade into handle.
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Oh yeah that’s true, lol. In my opinion though, sometimes the ergos afforded by the choil make the decreased cutting edge an acceptable, if not ideal, tradeoff. It’s nice to have the option of choking up to do more careful cuts.
 
The Benchmade Rukus 610, which I EDC, has a 4.25 inch blade and a 6 inch handle. I don't pay any attention to handle/blade ratios, but I do like how longer handles can complement a blade.

For example, I can take a frontal grip for detail work, a middle grip for ordinary use, or a rearward grip for leverage and for chopping to enhance the cutting power of the knife.

What does concern me is the width of the knife with the blade folded. Some knives are so wide that you lose your pocket to anything else. The Rukus is thick for a good grip, but not wide, so it doesn't take up too much pocket space.
 
Yes it does. I don't like a lot of extra handle. Years ago I ordered a knife from a local maker. I wanted a 4" blade and no more than a 4" handle.. he made exactly that and I love it.
 
I didn’t think blade-to-handle ratio really affected me, and then I bought a Spyderco Siren. The handle fit me nicely, but I felt the blade was too narrow and slender. It just looked “off”. I fully understand and appreciate the reason the Siren is designed the way it is, but I guess it’s just not for me.
 
Yes but no. For example, I like that my Spyderco Kopa has a handle long enough I can grab onto, but I'm not disappointed that the blade length is so short in relation. However, I look at something like the Para Military 3 and think "yuck". Similarly large knives like Striders that use so little of the available handle and blade length for such a short cutting edge. It's really more a matter of the overall design and whether or not there's a reason for having a shorter blade or it's simply badly designed and wasted.
 
I'm more concerned with balance than b/h ratio. I like the balance point at the index finger, or just a touch aft. If it hits that, I don't give it too much more thought.
 
Proper lengths are more important than ratio. I tend to like a good four finger handle on most knives that I can get a useful grip on, no matter the blade length. That being said, I do have some short blades with three finger handles that I like for the ability to pocket carry them. So, as usual, it all depends.
 
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