Help me choose: 6" or 8" blade

Joined
Apr 23, 2002
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181
Hi,

I'm considering having a custom knife made, and I would like to use a Spec-Ops sheath. So, should I get the small (6") or large (8") sheath? If I go with the large sheath I would want the full 8" blade to fully utilize the sheath.

I would hopefully use the knife on hiking and hunting trips. I do hike in areas that have cougar and black bear. The ability to do some light chopping would be nice, but chopping would never be a primary function. I'm just looking for a larger size, all-around knife. I already have a 2.5" and 4.5" knife.

What can an 8" blade do well that a 6" blade cannot?

Thanks,
Jason
 
I'd say go for the large sheath and a 7" blade. You want a little bit of room in the spec ops sheaths is my view of them. They are made to fit a variety of blade types. Pushing it with too big of a knife can be problematic.

The 6" to 8" category is pretty closely matched. An 8" blade will let you baton larger wood and chop a bit better. However, length alone isn't everything when it comes to chopping. A 6" blade is lighter (usually), more convenient for belt carry and will tackle pretty much any job the 8" can do. You get better tip control on the 6" one too. For an all round knife get the 6". For a knife to pair with your 4.5 or 2.5" blade, get a 7" or 8" one.
 
For Hunting and Hiking a 6” blade is plenty big, I can’t imagine needing anything bigger.

Now an 8” blade would be better for chopping and sticking nasty critters, but like you state, not your primary function.





"If you're not living on the edge, …you're taking up too much space."

Big Mike


Forest & Stream
 
A 7 1/2" blade would make it the same size as my Swamprat Chopweiler and that's a great all round blade, I could never imagine needing anything larger.
Matched with one of your smaller blades you would be covered for all eventualities !!!
 
Well, I'm thinking about trying to trade a Silva Ranger Compass (one of the made in Sweden ones) for a Spec-Ops sheath. I'm not totally sure about the cost of the knife yet.
 
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