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

I'm trying out a small Anza Mini Skinner. 1 3/4" blade, 4 1/2 OAL. I was using a Bark River OMF and that got me started on small fixed blades.

Anza's are very reasonably priced and made in the USA. I'm going to be looking at a few other models very soon.

anza.jpg
 
I've looked at smaller blades but when it comes to fixed blades, I still can't seem to put down my BRK&T Woodland. 2-7/8" cutting edge and just enough bulk in the handle for my long, but scrawny paws.

I can see where the weight of a Mikro II would be a blessing. While the Woodland is small, its still a bit on the heavy side compared to folders in its size.

Congrats on the new Barkie RR! Keep us posted on its exploits.

Chris
 
I do have the little KOA Cub Bear caping knife. Its pretty small. I find the Kershaw Blackout with assisted opening much handier than a small fixed blade. Yours should be a great little knife though.:)
 
The only time I ever felt underknifed by a small fixed blade was once when I had to split some camp fire wood and the Mini Canadian was the only cutting tool I had with me. If I had been less dense, I might have figured out at the time that I could have used it to fashion a wedge from another chunk of wood.
 
The smallest I would go is a 2 inch blade. I just got a Mikro Slither though, and the blade length is fine, but the handle is too small for me. Great little knife nonetheless. Whatever you are comfortable with.
 
I think you wiil love it. I have one too and they are great little knives.
It is one the best skinning knives. whether you are skinning out coon or
taking out the cheek meat on a nice chanel cat you just can not go wrong.
Well that is what I think.
Bryan
 
The blade on my Hunters Scalpel is 1-3/4" and it's easily performed every cutting task I've ever encountered outdoors.

I'm trying out a small Anza Mini Skinner. 1 3/4" blade, 4 1/2 OAL.
Anza's are very reasonably priced and made in the USA. I'm going to be looking at a few other models very soon.
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Unless you actually like the phoney-colored wood laminate, you can ask them to customize your knife with a natural handle material. Something to consider when you order next time.
 
Bob W said:
The blade on my Hunters Scalpel is 1-3/4" and it's easily performed every cutting task I've ever encountered outdoors.


Unless you actually like the phoney-colored wood laminate, you can ask them to customize your knife with a natural handle material. Something to consider when you order next time.
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Is there any real need to start putting other peoples knives down ?
 
my mikro was too small & i ended up w/ a mini canadian as a better subsitute
 
A knife is no different than other tools. You use a big screwdriver for big screws and a small one for smaller screws, etc. Most of the time, I use a knife for trimming line, small repairs, cutting open those %^&#$%$ dehydrated dinner packages, food prep, etc. A small knife is easier, more accurate, probably safer too. So I could use a 3/4oz Victorinox paring knife for most of my hiking needs, and I still like to have a bigger knife for heavier chores.

So enjoy your new knife. The machete will get your firewood or build a shelter on the survival side. Maybe pick up a mora and see how that goes. You can always get another knife if you find the need-- we can dream up all kinds of excuses for you :D
 
Is there any real need to start putting other peoples knives down ?
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That wasn't my intention, and I appologize if I worded it poorly. Reading my post now, I can see that I should have replaced "phony-colored" with "dyed". I know there are a lot of people who do appreciate the durability and low cost of laminated wood handles, and I happen to have some myself.
 
Bob W said:
That wasn't my intention, and I appologize if I worded it poorly. Reading my post now, I can see that I should have replaced "phony-colored" with "dyed". I know there are a lot of people who do appreciate the durability and low cost of laminated wood handles, and I happen to have some myself.
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I completely understand. We've come to associate the gaudy multi-colored Pakkawood laminated handles with Tomahawk and other imports that are most often found at flea markets for under $5. That doesn't mean that the resin impregnated wood itself is a poor choice of materials. Schrade began using impregnated wood back in the 1950's and continued using it in one form or another right up to their demise in 2004. Likewise their cousin company Camillus which passed away this year.

Small fixed blades can do bigger jobs than we imagine. I have several of them and even worked up a deer from field to freezer with one, a 156OT Little Finger. The blade is listed to be 2 2/16" long. But of course the cutting edge is much less. It is a modified drop-point. I do prefer a larger knife for most of my use, but quite often, the smaller blade suffices.

I know and understand that a lot of folks are fixated on using a knife to split large wood, and that in some climes this is most often needed to procure firewood. My personal experience is that knives are seldom required for this role and there are hundreds of work-arounds for making usable firewood. But each to his own. Point being that the lack of suitability of the small blades for "batoning" should not preclude them from enjoyable use. Let us know how you like your new knife!

Codger
 
i have a small fixed blade beat out of w1. 2" blade 61/2 overall ,i have batoned a bit with it and it stood up quite well. i carry it in my pocket with the lanard hanging out and its fast to get to and holds a very fine edge i used some brain tanned elk hide for the grip and the whole thing is very flat bit feels great in the hand. its with me every day
 
Boy was I wrong!:D It's a great little blade as an emergency use knife, or as a stand alone in a minimal kit.

Here's the Buck Hartsook
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Here's the Hartsook next to the Becker Necker which has a 3.25" blade
P1030345c.jpg

and here's the Necker next to the Becker BK-7, which has a 7" blade
P1030261c.jpg
 
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