How much don't we need?

Having the "right" amount of knife will vary greatly by person and role. For my purposes, though, I've encountered more problems with having not enough knife rather than too much. While it may be a overkill to use something like a Ontario Rat 1 (3.25" blade) to cut tape off a package, trim fishing line, or cut a flower stem, it will easily accomplish that task. On the other hand, using my Schrade Old Timer (2" blade) to cut a hole in sheet rock, break down thick 2-ply cardboard, or cut through heavy nylon cable ties may certainly be possible, but it will be far more difficult.

On the other hand, having too much or the "wrong" knife in certain social or professional settings can make others uneasy. This isn't something that can necessarily be discounted, especially if you have to work with or deal with these people on a regular basis. Modern locking folders (specifically anything with one-handed opening that can be "flicked" open) tend to solicit this reaction far more often, regardless of size. I've caught uneasy stares when drawing my SOG Flash 1, but those same people never give a second thought when I am using my Swiss Army Knife. Both sport a 2.25" blade, and the SAK is actually a little bigger (longer & wider handle, and longer overall length). Too large a blade (usually anything longer than 3" for my typical settings), and it doesn't matter what kind of knife it is (fixed, locking folder, slippy, etc.). This is really more a matter of social conditioning, for which there really is not much you can do to influence.

I generally favor function over form, so I like having a slightly larger EDC knife on me (Ontario Rat 1, SOG Flash II, Kershaw Blur, and CRKT M21 are among my usual rotation). That said, I also substitute the SOG Flash I into the rotation on days when I anticipate spending more time among people who aren't comfortable being near larger knives. I've been resisting carrying multiple knives, but I may cave and start carrying the SAK again for its more people-friendly appearance.
 
I know I could definitely get by with a little slipjoint folder (or even no knife at all), but I prefer having a larger blade with thumb studs, a flipper, clip, etc. for easy access. To each his own, and I found it interesting to gain your perspective on the matter. Thanks for posting.
 
A.P.F. said:
One of the advantages of being a 'senior', is that you can tell 'political correctness' to take a hike. I'll carry what I like, when I like and anyone that tells me otherwise, I'll have words with. I grew up with a knife in my pocket and by God, I'll die with a knife in my pocket. I'll be dipped if I allow some metrosexual pussy, dictate what I can and cannot do. But, that is just me. ;)
Click to expand...

Damn, that just made me laugh out loud. :D I'd make it my signature, but would probably have to clean it up to make it politically correct...:D
 
A.P.F. said:
One of the advantages of being a 'senior', is that you can tell 'political correctness' to take a hike. I'll carry what I like, when I like and anyone that tells me otherwise, I'll have words with. I grew up with a knife in my pocket and by God, I'll die with a knife in my pocket. I'll be dipped if I allow some metrosexual pussy, dictate what I can and cannot do. But, that is just me. ;)
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, it's not "just you." Carrying a knife that's appropriate to your surroundings isn't so much politically correct as it is mature, considerate, and just plain sensible as a survival tactic in a changing society. If you and your ilk manage to spook the herd often enough with your (often needlessly) oversized bladed tools, those "metrosexual pussies" will pass legislation that can include confiscation, limited sales, $tiff fines and/or throwing your (and mine, and every other knife user's) ass in jail for carrying a so-called deadly concealed weapon, just as they have in so many other countries, and all your faux-tough "words" will get you exactly nowhere.
 
that was so well written it stopped me in mid stride from the living room to the kitchen.

i like carrying more then a peanut but at the same time I understand why I've hesitated on some buys after reading your post.

I'm going to try harder not to decieve myself about why I want a knife.

As for the question you finish with, I think fighting aginst pc is worth an extra inch on a blade you don't need. But even out of edc and when I'm camping I want more knives or 'better' knives from a desire to feel a connection to a past that isn't coming back then anything else. still, I'm not sure this is such a bad thing.
 
Carl,
I love your posts, as always. I've been moving towards smaller knives. I find a 2.5-2.75" blade about perfect, and anything over 3" can be too big for most of my needs, including field dressing deer. Inside a ribcage, a knife much bigger than a 3" blade is unwieldy and unnecessary. I carry a Vic Soldier and a Rambler. Seems the perfect combo. I could get by with the rambler, except the large flat screwdriver on the Soldier is very robust, and gets a lot of prybar duties. Probably more use than the blade, and I eat with the soldier at work. Makes a great table knife.
 
I've been carrying my CRK Mnandi more and more. It's a nice mix between traditional folder and modern locking folder.

Mnandi2.jpg
 
My Leek serves most all purposes perfectly. It has a slim, professional look (with the uncoated stainless finish), is razor sharp, and if need be, would stab deep and fast. My Buck 110 is also a good EDC, albeit a bit clunky. I could say it contends my Mora for sharpness, and once I get a clamp-on stud, it will be quick and easy to open. A bit sad that of my ~30 knives, 2 of them do 99% of my tasks, with my 7 in. Ka-Bar there for when I am feeling like a badass (the 1%).
 
I carry two multitools, one is a Vic Midnite Manager that's a slightly thicker cousin of Carl's Vic classic, the other is the Vic Spirit. Nine out of ten times the Manager is good enough for my daily urban tasks, so I'm actually not gonna do so bad with that little guy alone. I like the little Vic Manager because nobody takes a second look. It's a keychain tool, and in my case it's actually attached to keys. People see it and they instantly classify it as just one out of many keyring tchotchkes and ignore it.
 
EricV said:
If a traditional knife had a pocket clip and was able to be one-hand-opened it'd be all I'd need. An example would be yesterday while moving our Jetfloat docks around at work A line got snagged on the down river end on some dock hardware. I would have been unable to get most traditional knives (especially a peanut) out, opened and cutting in time for the docks not to hault and knock the pull boat out of position. As much as I love my buck 112 I'm glad I had my tasman salt with me yesterday as with my muddy cold hands I either would have dropped it or cut myself trying to get it open.

For my activities I could get by with a 3" combo edge, clippable, one hand opening folder 100% of the time and would tend to think that would suit a larger portion of the country/knife enthusiasts. I'd be a very happy guy if society would ok my carrying my esee/rc3 everywhere as that is handy for everything.

As many CCW guys like to say, its not about needing it everytime you leave, its about having it that one time you go out your door... Just happens that for some of us emergency cutting happens more frequently.
Click to expand...

http://www.wrcase.com/knives/view_all/browse.php?Family='Trapperlock%AE%20with%20Clip'&View='1' the trapperlock has a clip and a thumb stud, it's been on my want list for awhile now:)

My first peanut is in the mail, after all the good things I've heard about the little peanuts I cannot wait for it to get here and start edc'ing it!
 
Thanks! great post that made me stop and think, and I love to stop and think.
There is certainly something to be said for tact, as well as finesse; even if I possess neither in enough quantity to suit myself.
For the record, I recently began to carry a Blur for its handiness, and it seldom (if ever) gets slack-jawed at. I suspect this is because I, largely due to the good sense being talked on this forum, have learned to be discrete when using it. It could also be that I live in a state and area where few would blink at anything shy of EDC'ing a Machete :).

That being said, do I need it ? not really, and I know that now. Do I prefer it? Yes. And now I know that, too.
Thanks again for the wisdom and a lesson that will have me looking to apply "the way of the surgeon" to my life in more ways than just what knife I carry.
 
I somewhat find myself thinking the same thing. how much knife do i need? I have come to the conclusion that i do not need a ZT 0200 and a blur for EDC. I just don't. If i can get some money together, I will be picking up a smallish benchmade with the axis lock becuase it offers the best balance one handed opening and elegance that i can find. besides, the axis lock is the best thing since sliced bread ;).
 
I carry an 84mm SAK all the time, usually a Recruit. I finf I do 90% of my cutting chores with the pen blade but its nice to hazve the larger blade too. I also usually carry a Case Large Stockman because I just plain like to. I'm retired and I'll carry what pleases me. I do agree I rarely need the larger knife but what the hell.
 
I don't lie to myself. I rarely ever need a knife outside of the kitchen. I like them, so I carry the style I like.
 
Rick said:
Unfortunately, it's not "just you." Carrying a knife that's appropriate to your surroundings isn't so much politically correct as it is mature, considerate, and just plain sensible as a survival tactic in a changing society. If you and your ilk manage to spook the herd often enough with your (often needlessly) oversized bladed tools, those "metrosexual pussies" will pass legislation that can include confiscation, limited sales, $tiff fines and/or throwing your (and mine, and every other knife user's) ass in jail for carrying a so-called deadly concealed weapon, just as they have in so many other countries, and all your faux-tough "words" will get you exactly nowhere.
Click to expand...

Hmmm...my "faux-tough words" just happen to express how I feel. I have been on this rock long enough to know that just because some cretins pass a law, doesn't mean I have to, or indeed should obey it. And I am damn sure I won't live my life in fear. Besides, knife laws have already been passed 3 times in Canada and have been struck down in the Supreme court 3 times. Under Canadian law, a rock, a rolled up magazine or a claymore are only considered weapons if they are used in an offence.

As to the size of my tool, I like to think it is sufficient for the purpose.
 
I usually carry something around 5-5.5 oz and about 4".

Personally I don't think a large folder is necessary for EDC or "defense". I just happen to like larger knives.
 
I haven't once in my life had to draw my CCW to defend myself and in all likelihood I never will (hopefully), but I still carry it in case I ever need it. I like to have a small fixed blade on me as well because even though I've never found a task for one that a smaller folder couldn't handle doesn't mean there isn't still a chance I'll need it some day.
 
I know this is going to cause some argument here, but after all, this is what a forum is meant for: expressing opinions (politely) and sharing thoughts.
Rick, I think your words should be listened very carefully by any knife user here.
We all think that we should be allowed to carry whatever we like, even if it's 3 large folders and a chopper. And we like knives, so after all it's natural that some among us are willing to carry all that. But, at the same time, we need to realize how things are.
Knife carriers are a small minority. And we have to know that non knife users make the laws, and that we will eventually have to observe them. Not just laws in the juridical meaning of the word; even social laws have a big influence on our lives, no matter how we try to deny it.
So every time we pick, carry, open and use a knife, we have to be aware that the way we behave will affect people's reactions. And I have to admit the possibility that (just making an example) flipping open a CS Espada to open a cardboard box in a public place may cause very adverse reaction.
I'm not saying that we shouldn't carry what we want or like. But, sometimes, I feel like many knife users tend to step a bit beyond the line.
I'm glad to read, on some previous posts, that most people admit that they go around 'overknifed' just because they like to, and not pretend that they need to. But, on the other side, we should think that the attitude of 'I carry what I want and don't care about what people think' will, in the long run, damage the rights (that in some places are already restricted) that we all defend.
One 'extra' knife, or 2 'extra' inches of blade (with 'extra' I mean that it's not really needed, just carried for amusement) carried today, might mean no knife in the future. And that's something that no one here wants (I guess).
:cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top