Fix Blade Length?

Razor

Razor

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Dec 8, 1999
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When you carry a fix blade in the woods, I was wondering what blade length? I sold some knives, and ordered a CR Shadow IV with a 5 1/2" blade. Is this blade to long? Would a 4" blade be better.
 
I like between 4-6 inch blades for general purpose woods knives, anything smaller and you really lose any kind of chopping ability, for me a 5 inch is just about an ideal size.
 
In Texas any knife over 5 inches is termed an "illegal" knife. However, if you are using it for hunting or other outdoor sporting activity, you can carry it. Rather than trying to prove to a law enforcment officer that I am participating in an outdoor ativity, I try to get knives that are under 5 inches.

Moral: Check out the law for your state before you buy.
 
CS Master Hunter, or SOG Revolver H. Anything larger and I go to my BK7 or axe.
 
I usually carry a few knives (knife knut and all), but I find that, up to now, my most used woods knife is either my Fallkniven f1 or my rat-3. So I guess I would have to answer 3-4" blade. I just received my ratmandu from SRKW, and it feels and handles so well, I am thinking it is going to be my new favorite. 4-3/4" blade on that one.
 
I like 5" - 7" inch blades usually, but as a team with a tomahawk.

I often carry a khukri instead though.

Depends on what I expect to be doing out there.

As a knife for hunting/fishing, Fallkniven Njord (6" blade) is probably my overall favorite with an old Camillus "kabar" coming in a close second.
 
A 5" is usually my max but I guess for a CR knife I could make an exception for that extra 1/2" !!!:D
 
Razor said:
When you carry a fix blade in the woods, I was wondering what blade length? I sold some knives, and ordered a CR Shadow IV with a 5 1/2" blade. Is this blade to long? Would a 4" blade be better.
Click to expand...

Over the years, I've found the mid-sized blades (4+ to 5 1/2 inches) to be sort of the "middle children" of knives. They're not as good as a 7+ inch chopper and not as handy as a 3" skinner. However, they do excel at putting the most in a package that can be comfortably carried on the belt. Large enough to do minor chopping, yet still handy enough to do the smaller tasks...maybe not as efficient, but it's been a good compromise for me. I like larger blades, but must admit they are not as convenient to carry 24/7. I also like a good, small bird/trout sized skinner, but I like a larger blade for tougher camp chores. A 5 1/2" blade CR knife won't be as glamorous as a big knife or as PC as a mini-skinner, but it will give you a solid knife capable of performing the majority of your outdoors tasks.

Some of my favorites in that range are my MD PATAK, Fehrman Last Chance, TOPS Pasayten, Blackjack Grunt, Mission MPK-10(A2), Ontario TAK and my Becker Crewman.

ROCK6
 
Just use the blade length that feels right in your hand, whether it's a 4 inch, a 5 inch, or a little longer.
 
Too long for what ?
So far this summer, I've been using just my Leatherman and an 18" machete and playing around with a 6" tanto (yeah, I know) that I built up from a generic blank. I've had to go out of my way to use it though.

You tell us if it's too long....(and why):D
 
My folders have blades a bit over 4" , for a fixed blade Id probably want the same length or maybe a tad longer .
 
It's no use asking us whether that blade is too long. Only you can answer that question.

For me my 9 inch blade bowie (14.5 inch OAL) is not too big, for someone else they would collapse after a few km's of hiking due to it's very heavy weight.

If it feels right, and you're able to use it effectively for all chores, then it's the right size. If however it doesn't work for you, or it's too heavy for you to carry, then you should look for a smaller knife. It's up to you though and only you can find the answer.

Wait till you get the knife, and put it through it's paces. Hopefully it'll work well for you.
 
Anything over 4.5" starts to feel a little heavy for an all purpose fixed blade, but thats just my opinion.
To each their own.
 
For me, the weight of the knife plays just as much of a factor. Longer and thicker knives tend to be heavier. Since I usually carry an axe, I tend to look for lighter 4-5" blades.
 
I learned from many people on these forums that a 4"-4.5" is what I will most likely have on me. Sure, I'd love a larger knife. most times when I go for a "short" hike I will have a small FB and a folder.

If I were going to some rough terrain for a longer period of time, I would take my Martindale Golok. It has a 12" blade. I love that machete.
 
chrisaloia said:
I learned from many people on these forums that a 4"-4.5" is what I will most likely have on me. Sure, I'd love a larger knife. most times when I go for a "short" hike I will have a small FB and a folder.

If I were going to some rough terrain for a longer period of time, I would take my Martindale Golok. It has a 12" blade. I love that machete.
Click to expand...

That's where I was coming from when I said 4-6", depending on where I'm going. Short hikes I never go beyond 4.5", with the only exception being my Dozier PGK. It's comes in at 4.75. Yet, handles very well and feels smaller than it is. It's only when I head deeper into the backcountry that I look for a 5-6" blade.

Favorite short day hike knives would be:

Infi Coot
Bravo-1
Dozier PGK or K1
Urban Raven
 
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