Iam looking for a new EDC Knife, but think I need to think smaller

A

Akapennypincher

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Sep 12, 2013
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I live we're there are few restriction, so I keep looking at what I call a beefy folder. Total length over 8.5", blade length just under 4". Am I thinking too big?
 
Have you ever carried a knife or handled something with a 4" blade? You may get it and be like "holy cow Batman".
 
Everybody is different. My EDC blade at work is 3.75" and weighs 8oz. Outside of that I EDC a 3.5" auto that weighs under 5oz. Both have s30v because that's what works for me. Like I said everybody is different.
 
You have to experience since it is a personal preference. 4" blade folders have been my main knives for the past 20 years. Never too big to carry and 3.5-4.5" blade is the ideal utility length for many, many folks from all types of backgrounds - fixed or folding. I do tend to have a Victorinox SAK or small slipjoint with it when having a family day out and use the smaller blade for crowded public places.

Folders or small fixed blades with blades under 3.5" are lounging in pajamas knives for me, when the lower versatility and capability isn't a big deal.

The handles on some smaller folders might not give you the most efficient, safest grip options as well, especially with wet or sweaty hands...experience will tell you.
 
I favor blades in the 3" to 3.5" range. One of my favorites is a Laguiole with a 3.5" blade. For years I carried an A G Russell one hand knife with a 3-1/4" blade until I lost it.

4" gives you about 5" in the handle. Just too much in the pocket.
 
The Spyderco Delica is a fine size for me. I found the Endura a bit too large personally. I have two Enduras.

Of late, I have been carrying a Cold Steel Tuff Lite along with my SAK. I really like the Tuff Lite for a using knife that stays below the radar of most people.
 
Your EDC might be more than one knife. At work I carry an Emerson Commander and a Mini A-100 or a Brous Silent Ranger. When I leave work I shift to an Emerson Roadhouse.
 
It makes sense to me to carry a knife that will serve your (YOUR) expected purpose. In my state, I can LEGALLY carry a four-inch folder, but I don't want to. I don't think it's logical to carry a big tank of a folder because you might have to cut yourself out of a car some day. You can cut a seat-belt quite nicely with much shorter blades. That's okay if you really like large knives, but I get tired of carrying the extra weight around in my pocket every day. I am very well served with a good knife of 3-3.5" blade length and a MAX weight of 5 ounces. Your tastes and needs probably vary...
 
To me anything over 4 inches is usually too big for most EDC tasks. Sure the extra length is great if you're slicing a lot but for most things like opening mail and packages its better to have a shorter, more precise blade. I'd say just stick with 3.something inch knife unless you're going to carry one big ass knife and another small knife.
 
I get "weapon" comments about a Spyderco Dragonfly, but my Alox Soldier is just fine (longer blade), even a few "nice knife" remarks. I think people would call DHS if I pulled a 4" blade anywhere but at home on the farm. Sold a few laying hens to a Ukrainian woman, and when I used a Kershaw Skyline to cut some tape for the boxes I put the hens in, the boy, probably 6-7 yrs old said something in Russian. I'm not fluent in Russian, but the story went something like this:
Kid: Did you see that, mom? That's awesome!
Mom: You're not getting one of those, don't touch it.
Kid: Ok mom, but Dad has a Kalashnikov under the bed (ok, I made that last part up).
 
I carried a Strider SNG around for years. I thought I had lost it and decided to replace it with an SMF. The SMF blade is just under 4" and the whole thing just seemed too big. I got a few "is that legal" comments on it (it is legal where I live BTW). Seemed a little large for my hands. Now I mostly carry the Hinderer XM-18 3.5 inch which seems to fit right in between those two Striders and has a 3.5" blade and it's perfect for me. If you have really large hands a 4" might be perfect. I think the answer to this is a combination of 1) what's legal where you carry and 2) what feels the best in your hands.
 
Aside from the size and shape of the knife, the size and shape of the person carrying and using it can be relevant. A 4" blade is just going to be a different experience for someone who is 5'6" vs. someone who is 6'5".
 
Go with a small sebenza 21 insingo ... its awsome and just under 3" blade... small but functional and will handle anything you can throw its way...
 
Depends on what your comfortable carrying. I found that I prefer my knives to be 2.5-3in in length from my experience and that's what I look for. Though in truth it's closer to 2.5-2.75in. One reason is knife restriction law in neighboring city I visit time to time is 3in and honestly the 3in+ range feels like a huge blade for me and more than what I need for EDC. I'd rather take something that's more comfortable and lighter to carry.

Currently my favorite EDC's are Kershaw Skyline Damascus (slightly over 3in), Wenger Patriot (slighter under 2.5in), Rough Rider Canoe (2.5in main blade), and I just added in a Nifebrite GEC Bullnose Wens (3in). The Skyline is the largest and you will still not notice it till you need it. Drastic difference from the Kershaw Treamor and Black Horse II I have which makes it presence known due to size and weight.
 
I edc a BM 710, 3.9 inch blade. It carries like a much smaller knife. It's slim and I hardly even know it's there...

Good luck with your search,

-Sean
 
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