Handle Size for Folders

[ASBOB]

It seems that when people talk about, or ask about the different qualities of a folding knife, the topics discussed include kind of steel, kind of lock, blade shape or others. One thing rarely mentioned, however, is the size of the handles (the size closed).

Yet, I have fairly small hands, so many knives of high quality just don’t work for me. I have a Rat-1 folder, e.g., and it is an awkward size for me, irrelevant of the superb quality you get for the money. Similarly, I would never consider a Spyderco Military, despite its outstanding quality. On the other hand, people with large hands would probably find knives that fit me, like a uk pen knife, somewhat uncomfortable.

Does anyone else make knife choices based on this criteria? Why is it never mentioned in the “Can you recommend” threads?

 

[dangreco]

I don't know. Maybe because handle size doesn't matter to some folks. I don't really care, unless it's far too small. I like handle at the back of my hand so I can have better control.

 

[knarfeng]

I often see handle size mentioned for knives with smaller handles. The Benchmade Mini-griptilian comes to mind. Its small handle is often mentioned as a negatory.

I have small to mid-sized hands. Handle size is seldom an issue to me, especially as I like knives with ~3" blades. Handles of 3" blades are usually just fine.

 

[hiwa]

ASBOB : i just bought a couple of Buck Vantages (large) because of their handle size. I like my main EDC knife to be a full handfull , because you never know what you expext it to do. I want the versatility a larger handle offers, and the better grip retention as well. Low ride pocket clips facilitate the carrying of a larger folder , IMO, as they ride deeper in the pocket , or on summer shorts waist-cord.

 

[Leftoverdj]

I don't think it's an issue for most of us. Most hands will fit most handles, and few of us use a knife for protracted periods. An hour would be a long cutting session for me so I would probably be fussier were I using a knife eight hours a day. I have large hands, but mostly carry folders about the size of the Case Sodbuster, Jr. The small handles work well enough for the length of time I use them although they would be woefully small for eight straight hours of food prep.