Ideal size for all around work knife?

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Nov 30, 2005
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What would you consider the ideal size for a work/EDC fixed blade? For me, a 3" to 3.75" blade with a 4" to 4.5" handle. I have never had a need for bigger. I run a hobby farm and heat with wood so my daily activities include a mulititude of knife task. it is a rare day i don't use my knife. I have carried a Randall Model 10-3for the last 25 years and have a custom design on order with John. it is my design for and all around work horse. I have been tossing around the idea of the Semi Wharncliffe, anyone have thoughts on that?
Thanks
 
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Any of these are good sizes for an EDC knife, not too big, not too small.

Riverwoods Companion, designed by Jeff Shroup (jds1) 7" oal, 3" blade, 1/8" thick

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Michigan Trail Knife, designed by Jeff Shroup (jds1) 8" oal, 3 3/4" blade, 1/8" thick

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Semi Wharncliff EDC (7 1/4" overall with a 3 1/4" blade)

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Huron EDC, designed by Jeff Shroup (jds1) 7 1/4" oal 3" blade

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Sam`s Swayback, designed by Peter Howard (KYenglish) 7" oal 3"

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I tend towards a smaller knife because I don't baton wood unless it's "for fun", I don't think my first choice is a big surprise either. I think it comes down to the overall design as much as anything else. A 6" knife might be a great slicer but a terrible wood knife, a 10" knife might be a great user but have no point for finer work or penetration. The ionly problem i have is John's made so many good knives that balance the size with the design it's hard to say what size i like anymore :p

JK Toby's Knife, 6.75" overall with a 3" blade and 3/32" thick, light, but strong, a slicer with a good point that will shave and baton (if small) pieces of wood and what I thick is a comfy handle in most grips.
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For the allrounder though, I have been favoring the Swayback because of it's blade shape and utility, it's extra size can help but I think the blade shape is the key factor here -= 7" overall
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the 6" 1/8 thick EWOK is a nice balance as well,
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the Anniversary EDC was a great balance at 6.5" overall and a point, although not as acute as the swayback and 1/8" thick so if I couldn't score it with the point it I could always bash it to submission :)
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The KY fieldmate I borrowed from Sean was a great all rounder for me, the handle shape is very well defined so I found a lot more grip the you might expect on a small knife in tougher jobs and it's blade shape is just stunningly useful!
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Overall I don't think it's as much about length as the design with the length, but when it comes to pick one up and drop the thinking I lean towards a ^.5 or above knife. The again it's hard to keep this one in the draw as well:
8.5" and 1/8 thick
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It seems the only thing I'm sure on is that whatever it'll be a JK :)
 
Too many great designs! Plus the ones I have drawn out. I really like that Sam's Swayback and the Huron EDC.
 
I personally think the semi-wharnie EDC would be a perfect "farm knife" with a 3/4" longer handle. (big hands)
 
I would have to agree with you. I find a Wharncliffe to be the most useful blade shape for a true work/utility knife. I have and old Case Swayback gent that has seen a lot of use.
 
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