Ordinarily, I might agree that a significant difference between blade and handle length is a negative. It flat seems like better engineering to me when the difference is small.
Having said that, there is some merit to long handles. I haven't yet carried it, but I own an Apache II, as well as the large Apache. The II, by blade length is certainly a mid-sized knife. But, the length of the handle makes it the only mid-size knife I've handled thus far, where I can get a full grip on the thing, without my pinkie out there waving in the breeze.
On the full size Apache, I like the extra handle length at least as much. It is long enough for me to grab it in my fist, and have enough left over at both ends to use as a "blunt instrument." (I know there is a word I want here, but it won't emerge.) AHA! Impact weapon! That is it. Yes, there is enough machined aluminum at both ends to thump somebody quite effectively.
Seems to me that is one of the biggest draws to the Gunting, it's ability to be used without opening the blade. The Apache probably falls far short of the Gunting in that department, but it ought not to be overlooked either.
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