Changing perspectives re: size

[hhmoore]

My interest in traditionals was rekindled a few months back. I had about 2 dozen Case knives tucked away; but none of them seemed to be what I wanted in my pocket...they were either too large or too small. Further, I found that I didn't particularly care for Case's clip blade. As I looked at images and specs, I was fairly certain that a GEC 23 was probably the size I wanted (that notion was based largely upon my preferences with modern folders). As luck would have it, my first acquisition was a GEC 62. A little thing, really; but I liked the knife. My next purchase was a GEC 15 - a little taller handled, but not a significant size change. The 15 pretty much replaced the 62 in my pocket. In that same purchase was a GEC 77 - slightly larger...but I found the harder pull a bit off putting, and it didn't get carried. I was surprised at how quickly I became accustomed to the size of the 15, as well as how much I enjoyed it.
I was intrigued by the GEC 92; but I wanted a single blade version, so I waited. Eventually, I scored a spearpoint Talon - the size difference, compared to the 15, was negligible, IMO...the 92 is pretty much the same size as the 77. I switched back and forth between the two without a thought. (When I saw a Talon with a wharncliffe blade, I jumped on it).
I'm sure that my realization that these knives were plenty big enough for my routine needs comes as no surprise to anybody reading in this subforum; but I find myself reaching for the traditional over the larger modern folder that is invariably in my other pocket. Here's where it gets "weird" (from the perspective of a guy that is used to carrying a 7.8 oz, 8.75" OAL knife with a 4" blade): I just received a Viper (GEC 47), and it seems almost too big. On paper, it isn't much larger than the Talon; though the blade and handle are a bit taller. I'm a little surprised, and somewhat confused, by my reaction, honestly. It isn't really a big knife, even when looking at it alongside the Talon; but my mind says it is, and I'm seriously thinking about turning it loose. Guess it's a good thing I didn't buy a 23

I know, I know
but the camera battery is still charging

 

[pinnah]

Food.

I could move to a smaller knife if I gave up using my pocket knife for food. Small knives can't reach the bottom of the peanut bar jar, or gut a fat sandwich in half.

 

[jackknife]

I think as time goes one, and we have the luck to stay around and age a bit, we eventually come to the realization that a lot of stuff is mostly hype. One of that is how much knife we need in the real world of 21st century suburbia. Knife nut fantacies aside, how much knife do we need for the real world jobs of opening UPS boxes, plastic blister packages, cutting twine/rope, or some light food duty on a camping trip?

Often the thin blades on a traditional will slice better. Look how long the humble Opinel has been around. And sometimes we just like the looks of a stag or other natural handle on a old time pattern. The advantage of having two or three different blades in one pocket size package is there as well.

Come on over to the traditional forum. Just kiss your wallet good by first.

 

[hhmoore]

Looking at the pictures, it is difficult to justify the thought that the Viper is too big. I think I'm just used to the barely there factor when I carry the 15 and 92 - not that I care about noticing a knife in my pocket...but it is a little different when the knife is free ranging vs clipped. (That's just speculation, as I've not pocketed the 47, yet - I'm not really expecting it to be an issue when it comes right down to having it in my pocket...but, if I ever do get a 23, it will probably get rear pocket carried (and ride in a slip)

 

[jc57]

3 1/4" to 3 3/4" closed size seems to cover the sweet spot for most typical daily pocket carry needs. I keep a stainless Case Slimline Trapper in my work bag for the occasional apple slicing needs. It's my dedicated food knife.

Depending on your lifestyle and line of work, you might be surprised at how small of a knife you can actually get by with for most things.

 

[AreBeeBee]

My EDC for the past couple months has been a 4-blade scout/camper pattern, with a cutting blade having an edge that's all of 2-3/8 inches long. In the middle here (yes, I know I need to shoot the thing all by itself):

Of the other 3 blades on the knife, only the can opener doesn't get used much. The bottle-cap-lifter/screwdriver is used roughly once a day (for either purpose), and the awl gets about the same — it's great for spearing and picking up trash, as well as scraping and reaming out holes in various things.

The can opener has the old (pre-1945) "two fork" design, and I have occasionally used the piercing half of the fork to push a thin rag into crevices for cleaning.

 

[jrawk]

Here's where it gets "weird" (from the perspective of a guy that is used to carrying a 7.8 oz, 8.75" OAL knife with a 4" blade): I just received a Viper (GEC 47), and it seems almost too big. On paper, it isn't much larger than the Talon; though the blade and handle are a bit taller. I'm a little surprised, and somewhat confused, by my reaction, honestly. It isn't really a big knife, even when looking at it alongside the Talon; but my mind says it is, and I'm seriously thinking about turning it loose. Guess it's a good thing I didn't buy a 23

I have gone through similar process. My favorite Case patterns are the Peanut and Slimline Trapper and still carry them most. So when I started my GEC collection I tried some different patterns and secured a 47 wharny, then a 92 spear, then a 15 sheep. The 92 spear is my favorite of the GECs I own for functionality and carry comfort. However, I still find my trusty Case Slimline Trapper CV in yellow delrin is the most utilitarian blade I own and it's pretty easy to carry deep pocket. Not to mentioin it can cut a turkey club in half without the bolster crimping the top slice of bread. Anyway, i'm excited to get a 77 Barlow spear in soon. If that is too small i'll probably try a 65 next.

Here's a photo of my carry drawer:

 

[Peregrin]

I have gone through similar process. My favorite Case patterns are the Peanut and Slimline Trapper and still carry them most. So when I started my GEC collection I tried some different patterns and secured a 47 wharny, then a 92 spear, then a 15 sheep. The 92 spear is my favorite of the GECs I own for functionality and carry comfort. However, I still find my trusty Case Slimline Trapper CV in yellow delrin is the most utilitarian blade I own and it's pretty easy to carry deep pocket. Not to mentioin it can cut a turkey club in half without the bolster crimping the top slice of bread. Anyway, i'm excited to get a 77 Barlow spear in soon. If that is too small i'll probably try a 65 next.

Here's a photo of my carry drawer:

Ack! Nice knives all but too many pocket clips for the Traditional Forum!

 

[jackknife]

Looking at the pictures, it is difficult to justify the thought that the Viper is too big. I think I'm just used to the barely there factor when I carry the 15 and 92 - not that I care about noticing a knife in my pocket...but it is a little different when the knife is free ranging vs clipped. (That's just speculation, as I've not pocketed the 47, yet - I'm not really expecting it to be an issue when it comes right down to having it in my pocket...but, if I ever do get a 23, it will probably get rear pocket carried (and ride in a slip)

I have found out through personal experience that sometimes it's not the over size that makes it a stone in the pocket, but the bulk. Sometimes a knife can be only a fraction of inch bigger, but the bulk and weight is enough to change the feel in the pocket.

 

[mrknife]

yeah as my 7th 15 comes in, i ponder if i over did it. the 15 does fit nicely in my hand. but lately ive been considering the 77 which is a smidge bigger. i believe 2dead provided the measurements on a few and other patterns that were similar but slightly bigger. and 77 or 85 was the ways to go about it

 

[jrawk]

Ack! Nice knives all but too many pocket clips for the Traditional Forum!

woops.. cropped em out

 

[jc57]

yeah as my 7th 15 comes in, i ponder if i over did it. the 15 does fit nicely in my hand. but lately ive been considering the 77 which is a smidge bigger. i believe 2dead provided the measurements on a few and other patterns that were similar but slightly bigger. and 77 or 85 was the ways to go about it

Probably so. My taste and preferences in pocket knives has changed over time. At one point the Case '032 pattern (Small Texas Jack and one of the Medium Stockman varieties) was my favorite, and I ended up with 6 of them (four of the 2-bladed jack patterns, two of the 3-blade stockmans). I still like and carry them but really one of each (jack and stockman) would have been sufficient.

It's easy to get caught up in the "must have every variant" of a particular pattern. Which is fine if you are a collector and that is your intent, but if looking for a modest number of carry knives for different purposes or just variety, your wallet will thank you if you can dial in your preferences quickly.

Best way to do that is to buy one knife, then carry and use it for a while (again, assuming you are not buying specifically to collect) and let the experience educate you on what your next acquisition will be, if any.

 

[Rockon75]

I have found out through personal experience that sometimes it's not the over size that makes it a stone in the pocket, but the bulk. Sometimes a knife can be only a fraction of inch bigger, but the bulk and weight is enough to change the feel in the pocket.

I will second this statement, and provide my experience. My personal and most carried knife is a TK Cuban Pen. It is a single spring equal end cigar pattern. Long, yes, thin, yes, so thin I find no problem carrying it in my change pocket that is sewn inside of the front pant pocket in my dress slacks. Here is the interesting part. I carry a jigged copperhead bone version. I like the smoothness of wood, so I picked up a cocobolo version. The wood version was halfted and finished with rounded sides, where the jigged bone version was more flat sided. The difference could probably be measured in 16th's of an inch, but my pocket said there was an uncomfortably big difference. The thickness of the covers, merely based upon the style of the individual finishing the covers in the factory, changed the feel of the knife in my pocket. So little of a change in dimension, but a huge change in the feel in the right front pocket, same pattern, same knife, different cover contours.
Just my experience.
Take care,
Josh

 

[Easyrider]

3 1/4" to 3 3/4" closed size seems to cover the sweet spot for most typical daily pocket carry needs.

Depending on your lifestyle and line of work, you might be surprised at how small of a knife you can actually get by with for most things.

I agree with that assessment wholeheartedly! I thought that the perfect edc knife was a GEC model 73 and it is pretty close to a perfect knife for me. I was surprised at how much I like the smaller model 83 Tacosa. Same basic hand and blade shape as my 73 but just in a smaller package and as a Lockback. I am stil not convinced a peanut Wil work for me but I am certainly coming to appreciate smaller pocket knives.

 

[jc57]

...I am stil not convinced a peanut Wil work for me but I am certainly coming to appreciate smaller pocket knives.

Well it all depends on your work and lifestyle. I'm an office worker without a lot of outdoor recreational pursuits, so my knife needs are very modest. I may go all week not using a pocket knife for anything other than a worry stone.

 

[mrknife]

Probably so. My taste and preferences in pocket knives has changed over time. At one point the Case '032 pattern (Small Texas Jack and one of the Medium Stockman varieties) was my favorite, and I ended up with 6 of them (four of the 2-bladed jack patterns, two of the 3-blade stockmans). I still like and carry them but really one of each (jack and stockman) would have been sufficient.

It's easy to get caught up in the "must have every variant" of a particular pattern. Which is fine if you are a collector and that is your intent, but if looking for a modest number of carry knives for different purposes or just variety, your wallet will thank you if you can dial in your preferences quickly.

Best way to do that is to buy one knife, then carry and use it for a while (again, assuming you are not buying specifically to collect) and let the experience educate you on what your next acquisition will be, if any.

there is definitely some variation, a lot of these were new/ gently used. i have an issue with using a new knife, and as that 15 comes in today, ill be posting some pictures on various threads. I have specifically bought used versions of the knife so that if i use it and something happens im ok with that. the newer ones will stay in their tube for the time being.

 

[black mamba]

I'm not saying my numbers are exactly scientific or verifiable in any way, but it seems to me that in my usage, a 3¼" knife will handle about 90% of my cutting needs just fine, a 3⅝" knife about 95%, and a 4" knife (especially a stockman) will handle about 99% of cutting chores on a daily basis. As a large guy (6'1" and 260) the 4" stockman doesn't bother me in the pocket, so that's what I carry a lot. I agree completely with pinnah, it's the mealtime chores that require the longer main blade, but even there a 3" blade seems adequate. When at home and dressed down I often carry a smaller knife, but then I also have larger knives in nearly every room of the house, so there's usually one within a few feet if needed. And sometimes I just want to carry a different pattern and am willing to give up the 5-10% extra ability of a longer blade, and just make do with less.

4" Stockman

 

[Will Power]

Actually, Traditionals are influenced by size differences in that just a small increase in size makes a lot of difference between patterns. For me it's handle:blade ratio that's key. Longer the better, I dislike small blades with a relatively long handle, seems a waste, doesn't look too good either..... The forthcoming Spear 77 shows a lotta blade in that handle, that's what I'm talking about

 

[arizonaranchman]

3.5" to 4" is the ideal size range for my pocket knife needs. The 3.5 and 3 5/8" in particular are my most frequently carried lately. When I know I'll be doing more demanding work I reach for the 4.25" large Case stockman and it's 3 robust blades. For the most abusive work my yellow Sodbuster gets the nod as my "beater knife". But for daily tasks a 15 or 77, SAK Farmer or Pioneer are my top favs.

 

[D.B Cooper]

I started out with large traditionals. As my collecting progressed, I found that a smaller knife does the same jobs for me, and takes up much less room in the pocket. I can always add a larger knife, but a peanut-sized blade just works for me.