Recommendation? EDC Fixed blades: How small is too small?

[Jocephus1]

like some have said above...for me its not the size of the blade, its the handle. I've had 3"-4" edc fixed blades where handles absolutely suck and I couldn't stand to use them. I've had some smaller blades in the 2 inch range that were a pleasure to use.

 

[22-rimfire]

I don't come across a lot of burritos out in the woods

Edc fixed blades I carry:

Don't tell Bearthedog that there are no burritos in the woods. Like your blades. As you know I like the BK-15 a lot and the SOG is always dependable. Always wanted one of those Spydie's, but I've got things covered until I get the next fixed blade buying urge. Just got the little White River Backpacker Pro which I like and it would make a great edc blade.

 

[Scott321]

It really depends on what your use is. I agree with some here that handle feel/size is my make or break determinant. It really depends on your needs.

As much as I like to think about possible situations that I might need in an emergency, my personal requirements are satisfied 99% of the time with a box cutter sized blade... although not recommended for food. For my typical suburban carry (Chicago suburbs), a 3.25" - 3.75" is usually what goes in my pocket. However, I'm thinking of giving that 2.75" KaBar TDI a try.

 

[JParanee]

I love 3 inch fixed blades but they need full size handles

 

[bobobama]

I've got a Buck boot knife (Special OP's I think they call it; model 616) that checks in about 3" but honestly looks about half that size. Nonetheless, I do carry it on my belt, and like it. It's not big enough to be threatening (hell you can hardly see it) so it won't really scare anyone, but it's a well designed tanto blade that looks like it could do any job called for. And though the handle is small like the rest of the knife, you can get a secure grip on it without any problem. Highly recommended for a light weight, easily concealed EDC.

 

[bdmicarta]

For me the handle in small fixed blades are the make or break issue not the blade size ... but anything under 3" might struggle to handle some tasks I would use an EDC fixed blade for ... so I voted 3"

I voted for 3" also but in reality it probalby works out closer to 3.5". I've handled a lot of small fixed blades and something about that size usually has a handle that fits me reasonably well. One reason to carry a fixed blade is because it is tougher than a folder, but if the handle is so small that I can't get a good grip on it then I can't make use of that toughness so I would carry a larger folder. The fixed blades that fit me best are about 7" total length. One exception is the Bradford Guardian 3.

 

[Ironbut]

3 to 3 1/2" works best for me for EDC.

BRK Woodland

Bradford G3 & G3.5

And my favorite, the Bushnub

 

[Hickory n steel]

Depends on the role.
This was never too small for it's intended purpose.

Quick cuts on tape and string don't take much, and this always got the job done.

This o ne here happens to be a very handy size and it cuts like a dream.


I guess if I'd carry a folder of the same blade length then it's not too small.
Some would just go with the folder in that case because it folds to a smaller size, but if I like a knife I carry it regardless.

 

[GermanyChris]

For me the issue with fixed blade carry is less blade length and more weight..

I think Horsewright Sonoran Hunter without the bolster or Ti bolster, CF handle material, and a Kydex pancake sheath would be just about perfect.

 

[22-rimfire]

I agree ^^^^ But I like what Horsewright makes just fine already. After you choose the knife, then the sheath design comes into play. Of course, technically you can buy a handmade/custom sheath afterwards, but I tend to not do this. The knife either comes with a suitable sheath or I don't buy it.

 

[Horsewright]

Hmm thats interesting GermanyChris , I've never made one with out a bolster. Sure don't mean I can't. I am currently making one of my Gordos with my version of a skeletonize handle by special request. Got it ready to go off to heat treat yesterday. Its interesting cause I use the same design in several different sizes. I started it with the Gordo (Spanish slang for chubby boy or fat boy). Then I shrunk it a hair and made the Poco which is Dave Spanish for not enough steel left to make another Gordo. In the mid range is The Ranchero and at the larger end is The Sonoran Hunter that GermanyChris mentioned.

 

[GermanyChris]

Hmm thats interesting GermanyChris , I've never made one with out a bolster. Sure don't mean I can't. I am currently making one of my Gordos with my version of a skeletonize handle by special request. Got it ready to go off to heat treat yesterday.

I'd actually be curious to see how much the brass bolsters weigh vs just extending the handle material to cover that space.

 

[GermanyChris]

I agree ^^^^ But I like what Horsewright makes just fine already. After you choose the knife, then the sheath design comes into play. Of course, technically you can buy a handmade/custom sheath afterwards, but I tend to not do this. The knife either comes with a suitable sheath or I don't buy it.

Honestly the sheath doesn't much matter to me since I'd rather get one or two made and if you combine that with the fact that most non-tactical fixed blades come with a leather sheath I'll just spend the money.

 

[22-rimfire]

I prefer leather sheaths myself. But I have both kydex and leather as well as some other materials that I don't think hold up as well. I especially don't care for plastic (read Mora here) or glass embedded plastic sheaths.

 

[jstrange]

I'd actually be curious to see how much the brass bolsters weigh vs just extending the handle material to cover that space.

I wouldn’t mind seeing some Horsewright knives with out the bolsters as it would lighten them and theoretically they could be made a bit cheaper. Make a line of “work specials” with out all the frills and finishing as a budget line. No skimping of the function just lessening some of the cosmetic features on the knife and sheath. Don’t get me wrong, the normal models are beautiful, but I would have a hard time dirtying them up. A Sonoran Belt Knife in this configuration with a 3-3.25 inch blade and micarta scales would be hard to resist! Just a thought.

 

[GermanyChris]

I wouldn’t mind seeing some Horsewright knives with out the bolsters as it would lighten them and theoretically they could be made a bit cheaper. Make a line of “work specials” with out all the frills and finishing as a budget line. No skimping of the function just lessening some of the cosmetic features on the knife and sheath. Don’t get me wrong, the normal models are beautiful, but I would have a hard time dirtying them up. A Sonoran Belt Knife in this configuration with a 3-3.25 inch blade and micarta scales would be hard to resist! Just a thought.

Something like GEC's farm and field line I can see that.

I don't necessarily want something cheaper but brass is heavy and a pain to keep looking nice and I'm not a huge fan of wood and the like. Ultimately I'd like it in Ti bolsters with a carbon fiber handle with the same decorative pins, modern and gentlemanly.

 

[jstrange]

I am cheap and broke

 

[jbmonkey]

voted 3 or more but prefer 3.5 and up myself. find these lengths more useful for most of what I do with folders.

 

[zzyzzogeton]

As others have stated, it's more about the handle than the blade length. I prefer knives with blades 3" to 4" for general work, larger for outdoor duties.

It doesn't matter what kind of steel the blade is made of, how easy or not that it is to sharpen, how long it holds an edge, what it can be used for, how much it weighs, etc.

If the handle sucks, the knife is worthless because an uncomfortable handling knife begs to NOT be used.

 

[Deinos]

Whelp... decided I am going to try to see if I can EDC a fixed in the 2" or less club. Just ordered a production fiddleback forge runt in natural micarta from KSF. Will see if it gets as much love as my G3 and Knucklehead get day to day... or if it moves along to the Exchange for someone else to love if I can't...

Thanks for all of the responses!