Folding Blade length preference Poll

[Hateman]

3.5 works for me. For EDC, that length is great for everything from food prep to a walk in the woods.

 

[T.K.C.]

I have found that a 2 1/2 to 3 inch blade is best for me, for EDC carry & use.

 

[Metric]

Favorites are in the 3.5" to 4" range (we really should have voted for length *ranges,* and not specific lengths, but that is a bit of a nit). I voted 3.5" because I've owned/used many folders of less than 3.5" blade length, and almost none greater than 4" length. My very favorites actually fall between 3.75" and 3.9", probably.

 

[IronSteve]

Believe it or not I love my 4 inch Spyderco Military for EDC. First large EDC I've ever carried and I don't think I'll ever go back.

 

[DMgangl]

I like my knife to be any were for 3.5-4". I like the leverage and reach of the longer blades. I do carry a Ladybug for opening small plastic packs, using it when I think some one will freak out if I pulled out my hawkbill, and mainly playing with it while I am at work. For knives smaller then 3" its gotta have a good blade design and a nice handle otherwise I won't use it for heavy duty chores, something like the Dodo or Tasman Salt. And anything bigger then 4" I would rather have a fixed blade.

DM

 

[CarpScot]

I went with 3" on the poll, but anything from 2.5" to 3" is good with me. I generally only use folders for light duty tasks, so anything more is a waste. A blade at or under 3" also makes me feel like I have more control for precise cuts.

 

[morati]

I prefer a 3 inch blade. Also most folders this size carry very comfortable. And as I get older comfort becomes more and more important. And big knives seems to worry non knife users. At this length I am able to control the blade in most cutting applications. I use this folder for most of my day to day cutting needs. If I exceed this size I am not able to do many of the things I need with a knife safely. I also like to do a little wood carving and small wood projects with a knife. Some of my favorite folders have been a Buck Esquire neat little folder, Benchmade Mini-AFCK, a Spyderco Delica and Caly3, Boye folder, Kershaw Skyline and recently a Orange Zing. I have carried a small Sebenza that has been reground by Tom Krein. Wow, what a cutter that turned out to be. I did carry a large Sebenza but like the small much better. I like slip joint knives a lot too but the one handed folders are so convenient. I hope to never have to use a knife for self defense but if needed I would prefer sword. I have had a few serious cuts with stitches need once aand would not want to repeat that. Just some of my experience over the years.

RKH

I have a small Sebbie and the Tom Krein regrind sounds very interesting. Would you happen to have any more info or a pic of it?

 

[archieblue]

I find EDC use involving food prep pretty often... I went with 3 1/2" since that is long enough for many tasks including, say cutting apples and oranges into 8ths, slicing a bagel and spreading cream cheese, and even, though not toooo good at it slicing a cantaloupe. I can;t count the number of times I've used my EDC to slice cheese and sausage with crackers on a road trip...

The cutting edge of my fav edc, The Spydie Millie is just under 3 3/4" and I find it perfect. The handle is large enough to offer me a comfy and secure grip, and the blade is long enough to do a lot of things without getting tooooo much gunk in the pivot.

 

[spikedog]

I've been carrying about a 3 inch blade for a couple of years now. It works for everything I need.

 

[Gary W. Graley]

That 3 1/2" is leading the pack but the 3" is playing catch up!
G2

 

[110 Dave]

i am a 110 type guy and it has almost a 4 inch blade..
the 112 a 3 inch blade ...
i like the 3 and one half idea!
seems a good mid size
now in pocket out of sight
letter and box opener
2 inch would work..

 

[strykersng]

My preference is really not tied to blade length. I am more into ergonomic handles that fit my hand and allow a lot of room on the handle to assume various grips for cutting chores. This factor makes me trend toward larger folders because they have bigger handles

Yes Sir, I'm with you... the handle length and design are at least as important as blade size and shape. Good points!

 

[65535]

I find myself in the 3.5"-4" area like others have stated tjose are the blades that fit my hand best and feel best to me.

 

[TheGame]

Reading over this, it really got me thinking why some people only carry one blade.

If a knife with a blade length of 2 1/2" excels at something, and the length of 3 1/2" doesn't exactly do a great job, why not just carry two knives, and than you can have the best of both worlds? I am not suggestiong carry 4 knives, each with a different length, tather 2 EDC, along with a backup or 2. If you know you will need a 3 1/2" blade, but you are also going to need to do something that could be much better done with a 2" blade, why not regular EDC both, along with a regular backup?

(Not saying a lot don't. as I know a lot do .. just for the ones that don't..)

 

[Reeek]

3.5 for me since I typically carry between 3" and 4"

 

[Gary W. Graley]

Looks like 3 1/2" rules the day with almost 300 folks that have voted
with the 3" coming in a close second!
G2

 

[JNieporte]

For me, 3" is more than enough for most non-self-defense uses. Even my 2" bladed Subcom was enough for most daily tasks.

 

[mp510]

I chose 3", which is what I generally go with- all things being equal. For a little over a year, however, I've been using a Benchmade Pika which is a bit longer (edged portion 3.25") - but I could easily get by with (and often use) trad folders with 2.75 and shorter blades.

 

[bucksway]

I voted for 3"...A Buck 112 finger grooved is the perfect EDC for me...

 

[Bufford]

4 to 4.5 inches is right. I like the Spyderco Police and Military, as they are about right for most tasks for a folder.