how small a fixed blade is too small (opinions)?

RescueRiley

RescueRiley

Joined
Mar 22, 2006
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Just ordered a barkie mikro II haevn't got it yet but the cutting edge is only 1 and 3/4 inches...I like small fixed blades for the woods because they are easily stowable and do not attract alot of attention when used... I've used a folders mostly a vic farmer... for the past couple of weeks and it's done everything I need it too, but fishing it out of my pocket and opening it is a pita when I just want to cut some para cord or make a quick cut.... so I figured I'd team this little barkie up with a larger heavy work blade (currently a 12 inch machete) but might be switching to something a little smaller (as mentioned in another thread) well any way I'm rambling just wanted to get some opininions on how well you think such a small fixed blade would perform in cohesion with a larger blade..... and of course a sak... Thanks...
 
I have a mikro that rides piggy back on my rivers edge. I think for specific tasks it would be good. Hell, primitive people skinned game with little chards of flint right?

(They have a cool factor to them that can't be denied.)
 
I like small fixed blade knives also. I am currently using a puukko from the Finland company Wood Jewel. It's a 2 3/8 inch blade which I find handy for a number of chores. I like it because it's so "controllable".
 
Hey RR,

I know the question concerns fixed blades, but I wanted to mention another (small blade) option. Some time ago, I bought a Buck Alpha Dorado and I liked it so much, I bought another. It has a very small, but robust, blade of 2-1/2" and is opened one handed (maybe solving your PITA). It feels great in the hand and because it's so robust, can be easily used for carving fire boards, trap parts, etc. (the limiting factor, of course, being its length). Just thought I'd throw this in. Good luck in your quest.

BTW, the supplied sheath completely sucks and I've heard of one case where a guy lost his knife from the POS. However, there are a lot of other options for sheaths.

Doc
 
A blade at that level could actually probably be replace bu the blade on the SAK, but again you'ld run into the issue of having to go through all of the trouble to get it out. Honestly, I don't think there's anything wrong with a small fixed blade. The one you're talking about is a little smaller than I would use, but it would still be effective. I'm having a fixed blade knife made for me at the moment that has a 3" blade. That is about as small as I want to go. I chose that length because without fail, I always end up using my knife enough on an outing to dull the edge down just enough to where it takes some movement to cut a cord or rope and with a 3" you have enough edge length to still do it in one cut. With something smaller, you miht need to make a couple of passes back and forth. Plus it gives me a little more room from the handle so if I'm cutting something with a funny angle or round, I have some enough reach to get to the side I want to cut or shave. The main thing is that no matter what the blade size, i always want a large handle so I can have a lot of leverage and control. I've seen some of the Barks with really good size handle and tiny blades. These would work just fine for most of my needs.
 
That size is awesome for fine work, neck carry, psk carry, day hikes etc. But for general use and longer stays in the woods, I'd want to pair it with something bigger.
 
I dont really see the micro 2 doing anything the sak can't ,other than being a more sturdy blade . For extended cutting and carving I could see it out-performing a sak, but the handle would have to be full 4" and a more comfy design.
 
I routinely carry a Buck Hartsook (1.88" blade). It's like having a really sharp fingernail. With a flat sheath, you can even stick it in your wallet.
 
I EDC a AG Russell Woodswalker in my briefcase, Rescue. It can do everything I would need cutting-wise in an urban setting, and seems to make more sense than my SAK or peanut when cutting, say, a meatball sandwich in half.
 
I have a Graham Bros Stubby Spear point that I carry, and it comes in really handy at its small size IMO.

Stubbyspearpoint1.jpg
 
It depends on what you want it for I guess. I am thinking in the 3 inch range.

Skam
 
Soulrack,

That Graham Bros. is awesome! Nice catch on that knife.

To stay on topic with this thread, my small fixed blade is a Buck Mini-Alpha Hunter...2-1/2" Drop point in Bos Heatreated ATS-34. Until I get a real Nessmuk from Koster knives this is the third part of my Nessmuk trio along with a Reeves Couble Bit Hatchet, and a Schrade 96OT Trapper
 
I don't think I would go under about 2 1/2" but I guess it depends what you want it for.
I'd rather have a small fixed than a folder just because I really like fixed blades !!!
 
pitdog said:
I don't think I would go under about 2 1/2" but I guess it depends what you want it for.
I'd rather have a small fixed than a folder just because I really like fixed blades !!!
Click to expand...


Agreed. I just started carrying a 3" blade for my EDC. A lot tougher than a folder and easier to keep clean.
 
For me personally, I have no use for a fixed blade less than 3 1/2- 4 inches.
 
I have mikro canadian and I absolutely love it. Its in my back pocket everyday unless its piggy backed on my bravo. you will be really surprised at the bite you will get with that little barkie and it is sturdy and sharp as hell. it feels great in the hand and will easily handle any small tasks.
 
Jenner 515 said:
Soulrack,

That Graham Bros. is awesome! Nice catch on that knife.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I linked this picture from their site. Mine is identical except mine does not have mosaic pins. The blade is just barely over 2 inches and works great for EDC. I can't imagine field dressing a deer or other big game with it nor using it exclusively on a camping trip. My buddy called it a "kidney popper" when he saw it for the first time.
 
I often carry a CRKT Carson F-4 neck knife clipped on shorts with no pockets, etc. It's small, light and can be clipped/strapped/tied just about anywhere. It has found more of a home clipped to the visor of my truck. Has a 2.5 inch blade. That's about as small as I care to go. -Matt-
 
RescueRiley said:
Just ordered a barkie mikro II haevn't got it yet but the cutting edge is only 1 and 3/4 inches...I like small fixed blades for the woods because they are easily stowable and do not attract alot of attention when used... I've used a folders mostly a vic farmer... for the past couple of weeks and it's done everything I need it too, but fishing it out of my pocket and opening it is a pita when I just want to cut some para cord or make a quick cut.... so I figured I'd team this little barkie up with a larger heavy work blade (currently a 12 inch machete) but might be switching to something a little smaller (as mentioned in another thread) well any way I'm rambling just wanted to get some opininions on how well you think such a small fixed blade would perform in cohesion with a larger blade..... and of course a sak... Thanks...
Click to expand...


I EDC a Mikro (or Mikro II) on my belt, along with a SAK, on a regular basis. I find the Mikro very handy - it's quick to access (no digging in the pocket), and does just fine on the majority of daily tasks that need a blade. The SAK functions mostly as a mini-multi-tool. My job doesn't let me EDC a larger blade, but when heading for the woods, I have a set-up that piggy-backs the Mikro onto a larger blade - often a BRKT Canadian Special.

I think you'll be very happy with your new Mikro!:thumbup::D
 
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