Is it the bulk, or weight?

I don't like heavy knives, but I REALLY don't like bulky knives. The slimmer the better.
 
I think Blues said it right in the first response. It depends on the day and what I'm wearing. My two knives that I typically carry are exact opposites of each other but most days then tend to both be carried it seems. Especially now in the winter months. Come summer it will probably go back to being one or the other depending on what I'm doing.
 
I got back into knives this year after a long break. (My company gave me a gift-card and I spent it on knives in different patterns to try and figure out what lay at the intersection of what I like and what I can carry in my pocket comfortably.) What I'm finding, for whatever it's worth, is that it's the shape, as much as the bulk.

At 3.25" to 3 3/8" in length, for example, look at the middleman stockman, compared to the barlow, compared to a two-spring Victorinox with alox scales. The stockman is almost square in cross-section. Throw it in the pocket and it seems like it's always rolling around, getting itself twisted up into annoying positions (a pity, since it's one of my favorites to actually use.) The barlow does better, with the slightly wider handle. The Victorinox beats them both -- between the texture and the way it's much wider than it is thick, it seems to lock in place in the pocket and stay out of the way. (My canoe has the same effect, despite being longer and heaver than any of the above)
 
Well IMO I don't like having a heavy knife in my pocket. For instance a buck 112 is more of a belt knife then a pocket knife for me. It's just too bulky for my pocket and weighs quite a bit.
 
It's mainly bulk with me, but I can deal with it if I like the knife enough. I like relatively thin knives 4" closed or less in my front pocket, anything bigger or bulkier goes in my rear pocket. Weight isn't an issue since I normally wear jeans or Dickies work pants with a belt.
 
timberweasel said:
The Fenix E01 is a handy dandy little flashlight that has found a home on my keychain...

core01.jpg


On topic, I think both weight and/or bulk can be a deciding factor. I'm more forgiving of either attribute depending on what additional functionality the knife offers based on my personal use.

-Brett
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Thanks Brett. I don't carry one but I've found the MagLite Solitare to be a handy flashlight.

Nice Alox SAK.
 
LKJW said:
I don't like heavy knives, but I REALLY don't like bulky knives. The slimmer the better.
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That's about my thinking too, and again clothing is an important factor. I'll carry a heavier or longer knife on my belt or jacket pocket, but otherwise I carry in my watch pocket mostly, so nothing too big or bulky.
 
I would have to say that weight makes more of a difference for me, the well used TL-29 I have carried better part of 19 years in the army is fine in BDU's or Flight suit pockets but on the weekend I always seem to slide the old Barlow in its place.
 
While both bulk (or shape) and weight are definitely worth considering bulk is probably more of an issue for me,

This is small and light as a feather
Libvj.jpg


But I think I would rather carry this in my pocket
hNIab.jpg
 
I'd agree on bulk, having said that I can forgive my Opinel #8, perhaps because it is so light... Once a knife lies flat in the bottom of the pocket of my jeans if it is more than 3.5 - 4" then it'll get on my nerves. Some of my jeans have a longer watch pocket, great:)

Now, I think I'm going to start making slips with an integral clip..... I can see a money making opportunity here:)

Sam
 
FLymon said:
While both bulk (or shape) and weight are definitely worth considering bulk is probably more of an issue for me,

This is small and light as a feather
Libvj.jpg


But I think I would rather carry this in my pocket
hNIab.jpg
Click to expand...

I didn't want to be the first to bring it up but I'm pretty sure everyong else is thinking it but a bit nervous to say.... Those could both do with a little bit of time on the stones....

Sam
 
knarfeng said:
Where's the paper and scissors?
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LOL! :D Very good Frank! :)

I've got my Eka Swede 88 in my pocket at the moment, actually quite a big folder, but weighs next to nothing :)
 
usually bulk, although ive not minded my opinel though ive had it on me nearly every day for months. it behaves itself. what i find really unpleasantly bulky is my svord peasant knife. unfortunate, since i like it a lot and would carry the heck out of it if it fit in a pocket better.
 
Bulk, which is why I like pocket carrying an Opinel #6 more than a #8. I love my full size trapper, but it just doesn't want to ride well in my pocket so it's a belt sheath carry only.

I like those clip slips that stand a longer knife up on the side of my pocket. I got one as a freebie from Mike (CKNet) awhile back, it's great for my CS Half Moon trapper :thumbup:
 
It depends on what I'm wearing..If I'm in bluejeans my pockets are on the tight side so I go for slim and light...If I'm wearing cargo shorts with bulky loose pockets than bulk and weight doesn't bother me at all...If I'm wearing lightweight athletic shorts than weight is the most important..CD
 
Apart from a bandana I carry nothing in my pockets
So 99% of my knives I carry in a belt pouch
Therefore I am not bound by weight or bulk
I change the pouch I am carrying to fit the knife and the occasion


I have nice black or tan 3 1/2" leather pouches for all my knives from 3 1/4" to 3 5/8"
For more informal, I use nylon belt pouches that takes up to 4"
And I have a Martinni horizontal pouch from 4 1/4" knives

Once in a while I will use a 'Ron' Back Pocket slippy (Blues) wallet
 
Both factors for me, no extremes either way. I rarely do any heavy cutting away from the house. I like knives that are capable of harboring two durable, flexible cutting blades inside of a smaller frame.
 
Hi,

For me, bulk, (physical size and shape), matter more than weight. Though I do have a weight limit too. On my left side I carry a pouch with a cell phone, flashlight, and Leatherman Fuse. And on my right side I have a pager clipped into my watch pocket. And it all does get noticeably heavy after 8 or twelve hours. So I do appreciate a lighter, smaller knife.

While I still like carrying my Stockmen, I find myself leaning more to Jack patterns these days. A mini-trapper is getting to be a about the perfect carry for me.

And I agree with zippofan, the #6 Opinel is a lot nicer in my pocket than the #8 ever was.
 
I have to say bulk is the bigger issue for me, especially for a knife that is in the pocket rather than on the belt or clipped to the pocket. Thus, I like one or two blade knives that are in the 3-1/4" - 3-5/8" size range. Current favorites are the mini copperhead, mini trapper, Silver Knight 250A,B, or C, canoes and my single blade sowbellies. The one knife I have carried lately some that runs against the flow is the S&M Heritage jack I have been carrying on wooden Wednesdays. I like the feel of it in my hand and in my pocket even though it is heavier and bulkier than those others above.

Ed J
 
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