Does anyone else find the case peanuts hard to handle?

[B Hess]

Yes, that's why I switched to a Case pen knife.

 

[quattromori]

As Will pointed out, the only thing that matters is what works for you, and evidently you're not alone in finding the Peanut too small.
I own one Case Peanut, a treasured gift from a very kind gentleman of this forum. Personally, I think the blade length is quite adequate for my needs, and the pull on mine is actually very comfortable, even considering the half stops (which I have no love for). The main issue for many people seems to be the handle length; on front cuts, I never felt discomfort (I wear size 7,5 in surgical gloves), while I can say I miss a longer handle in paring cuts (like peeling an apple, for example). In this sort of tasks, I feel a big difference in comfort compared to the Swayback Jack, although the difference in blade length is close to none.
As a general rule, I have found out that my "comfort zone" is between 3,25" and 3,5", but there are occasions when I like to carry longer or shorter knives as well.

Fausto

 

[kamagong]

It basically boils down to easier to carry/harder to use vs. harder to carry/easier to use. I favor a larger knife like my #73. Like everyone else, my preferences have been shaped by my experiences. The #73 isn't nearly as small and compact as a peanut, but compared to the Spyderco Military I used to EDC its size is a non-issue.

- Christian

 

[CoffeeCat2112]

I find them easy to handle, but I've got long spindly fingers.

Yeah, this. But I have found that the itty, bitty small stockman/pen patterns are, indeed, too small for me, though. Same with the Buck Lancers.

 

[jon_slider]

I carried a stag damascus peanut for a year, then I got a Pemberton. The blade lengths are the same. I dont carry the Peanut anymore because I never used the Pen Blade, and because the Pemberton Main is wider and stronger, as is the handle and construction.

I do like small things even though my hands are size large. My peanut never bit me, though I could see how that would be no fun.

I tried carrying a tiny Toothpick, but did not like the even skinnier blade, I had a habit of getting snagged by it somehow.

my preferences, 5 being best
Tiny Toothpic, 0
Peanut 3
Pemberton 5

Oh, and I really like the half stops on my Peanut and Pemberton, the Toothpick has no half stop. As far as springs, 10 being hardest, Toothpick 3, Peanut 3, Pemberton 7.. I prefer the harder pull on my Pemberton

a post without pictures is just bla bla bla

 

[oldrifleman]

Interesting, when I first tried the peanut, I had the same issue. I put mine aside and went back to larger knives. After a while and reading the lore of the Peanut I tried again and it has slowly become second nature. I have very large meaty (read FAT!) hands and have not really had an issue with any the peanuts I have. the one I carry the most is my AG Russell peanut. Lately I have been carring my GEC Pemberton the most as I like the larger main blade (also the Natural Stag doesn't hurt). Niether knife has bit me in a couple of years. Steven

 

[Planterz]

I had a couple Case Peanuts recently. Sold one, gave the other away. I wouldn't mind having a single blade peanut, but the knife is so small that the pen blade seems unnecessary. Moreover, the pen blade is what kept biting me. The shallow nick, the snap, the halfstop, etc. Got me a few times.

 

[lightskyam]

I had a couple Case Peanuts recently. Sold one, gave the other away. I wouldn't mind having a single blade peanut, but the knife is so small that the pen blade seems unnecessary. Moreover, the pen blade is what kept biting me. The shallow nick, the snap, the halfstop, etc. Got me a few times.

i agree that the pen blade is so small and seems unnecessary, and likes to bite. i might intentionally dull the pen knife so as least i can use it to clean my nails without cutting myself.

 

[oldrifleman]

i agree that the pen blade is so small and seems unnecessary, and likes to bite. i might intentionally dull the pen knife so as least i can use it to clean my nails without cutting myself.

I actually use the secondary blade more than the primary. On my russell peanut the secondary is a wharncliffe and get used 70% of the time. Steven

 

[Humppa]

I have glove size 9 (on european sizerange) - so "normal" hand size.

The Peanut is a pattern that finds its way in my pocket frequently. I like the small package and the blade lenght hidden in that little knife.

The handle size is a bit too small for longer working times. But for smaller EDC-tasks it´s a great knife to work with. Perfect for office carry. When I´m looking at my Peanut, its size and scalpel-like ground blades I use it much more careful than some of my other knives. The snap is pretty strong for such a small item.

If it is hard to handle? Yes and No in many ways. For regular office carry and EDC use (means foodprep, opening a package/letter etc etc) it´s close to perfect. For longer working times like garden, outdoor use it´s hard to handle, indeed - there are bigger blades much more useful.

 

[Will Power]

Yes, that's why I switched to a Case pen knife.

This is my experience too. I prefer a longer handle so the Pen suits me, Jacks need to be bigger - Queen Cutlery No.2 Jack is about the min for me (3.25")

Regards, Will

 

[Ken6]

Very interesting reads: I prefer a larger knife for use and in my pocket - BUT after reading all the peanut stories I had to have one, I liked it so well, I now have 8. Its a good looking, sharp, and comfortable knife - I carry it in a watch pocket, usually along with a large stockman in the front pocket.

 

[jc57]

I've never really had any problem with my Case Peanuts, but my daily cutting needs are rather tame, being an urban office worker who doesn't hunt, fish, or camp. However, I find that I can pretty easily carry a Case medium jack '032 pattern, which is 3 5/8" closed, so the Peanut doesn't get much opportunity to show me whether I'd really like it or not. Maybe I should switch over for a while and find out.

 

[SweptEdge]

Yeah, you know, that pen blade is my favorite blade on my peanut, but it is quite hard to use. I have found myself opening the pen blade from the rear with my strong hand (right) middle finger, it seems like I can get a better lift and grip on it than when I use my left hand thumb.

These three knives are unique in their own ways, but I usually have the peanut with me out of the three.

 

[jackknife]

Yes, the little peanut can be hard to handle for large hands. But them it's always a trade off to swap out some ease of function for more compact dimensions. Small guns are harder to shoot than real small pocket pistols, but which one are you likely to have on you for convenience? No biggie, if if don't work for ya, move on up. I guess being a compact built person, and havng smaller hands, I tend ot go with convenience over some function. I never lost my obsession for how small can an item be and still function at it's intended task, from my backpacking days. I still remember Mr. Van teaching us that ounces turned into pounds. Sometimes I found myself weight things and splitting ounces. But you do have to be more careful with smaller knives and pistols, least an accident happen. My friend Phil almost shot his finger off a few years ago with an old High Standard derringer, while trying to open it. And peanuts have been known to bite.

 

[SweptEdge]

Great photo. I may have to try one of those little revolvers out someday

 

[sappyg]

Tried the peanut and moved on... Or up. It's too fiddley for my liking. Even the blades are a little whispy IMO.

That said I always have a SAC Classic in my pocket and just couldn't do without it. For me, a good pocket knife starts out with a 3 3/8" handle and may go up from there depending on my mood.

 

[jon_slider]

Size matters?

 

[WA Martin]

Me too!

Peanuts are just too small and funny shaped for my mits. Although I have no trouble with a Case Eisenhower which isn't that much larger. Also no problems with a Schrade 108OT

 

[zippofan]

I love the Peanut for work/khakis and watch pocket of my jeans. My sweet spot is 3 1/2" or so, but I hate to be without a Peanut for at least part of the day.