Losing Interest in Tiny Knives

anthony cheeseboro

anthony cheeseboro

Joined
Aug 8, 1999
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Now that all knives must be placed in checked baggage, one of the major reasons for buying tiny, >2", bladed knives is gone. I mean small knives still have their place, I love my Ladybug for cutting thread or mail in environments where a substantial knife would draw too much attention. A small knife like a Dragonfly or Mouse is still great when one is in a new city and one doesn't know the blade length law. Despite these advantages, when I'm on familiar turf, I prefer a 2.5 - 2.5" bladed folder. What do you guys think?
 
I'm not a huge fan of smaller knives, but I make sure to carry a small benchmade, for the same reason as you. Sometimes the environment just doesn't allow for a larger sized knife. Thats really the only reason I have for carrying one. Well, I do have my Busse Assault Shaker on my at all times, but thats for an emergency only, doesn't get used for any daily tasks.
 
The only reason I carry small knives is because I work for a large corporation that has a huge "Wanna-Be-Big-Brother" complex and have decreed their employees are not mature enough to carry a folder with an over 2" blade length.
Otherwise I would look at most of the small knives I own in that size range as "cute, but not for me". I prefer my small knives to have at least a 3.25" blade length.:eek:
 
Knives under 2.5" are specifically exempted from the definition of dangerous weapon for those of us who work in Federal buildings. Plus, they take up less room in your pocket and don't ruin the lines of your slacks.

Oh, yeah. You can also play with them discreetly while at your desk.:cool:
 
I find that in folders I am starting to like smaller knives. There was a time that nothing under 4" was big enough. Now I like knives with blades more in the 3" range. My tastes have also changed from the tactical style to gent's folders.

I find that pretty well everything I need to do with a folder can be done with a knife with a shorter blade. I think that the range that Anthony mentioned of 2.5"-3.5" (I think that is probably what was ment in the orignal post) is just about perfect.
 
Under 2" is, to me, really really small. I've become a fan of, say, 2" to 3" knives like the Spydie Meerkat and Navigator. Those are well-executed knives with awesome ergonomics. Less than that--or with poorer ergos--you might as well just have a Micra.
 
When I am motorcycling around, I always carry a sheathed knife on my belt (like a large folder or fixed blade). Then I always carry a small folder in my right front jeans pocket (like a Scallion, Kershaw Double Cross etc). These are besides a nice boot knife.

I find the small folder, in my jeans pocket, comes in handy if I need a knife, but pulling out a big folder (Commander or Tops Magnum or SIFU) or fixed blade would be too obvious or disturbing to those around me.
 
I've taken the position that if pulling out a large folder bothers the folks around me, then I'm around the wrong folks, or I need to spend some time educating them if I figure they're worth the trouble. I carry a large Sebenza, BM 710, or a Griptilian and nothing smaller anymore (well, I do have a keychain SAK). And when the conditions allow, I carry a medium sized fixed blade, like a Dozier Pro Guide or a Falkkniven S1. I just ordered a Marbles Bison and a Busse Badger Attack E. These will be carried, I assure you. My attitude toward being PC took a drastic dip on 9/11. It's time we stood up for what we believe in. A little civil disobedience may save your life, and may turn the tide against those who want to protect us to death.
 
I'm kinda with KWM there. I find that most of the daily uses I find for a knife don't require more than a couple inches of steel. The ease-of-carry part about smaller knives appeals to me.

Disclaimer: I don't carry a knife for defensive purposes. Strictly utilitarian stuff here. If your EDC is packed around with defensive purposes in mind, I see your point.
 
About 18 months ago, my daily carry folder went from a 5 inch Gunsite to a Spydie Native (with the old Gin-1 steel). I just bought an Endura, and it seems to be a good size/ design for me. Besides, Here at the Academy you can't have anything over 4", as we are in the socialist republic of New York. Anyhow, after carrying something more reasonably sized, I will not carry the Guniste again unless I think there is going to be trouble.

About being drawn away from tactical and toward gentelman's knives, I would love to carry a pretty knife, but performance is most important for me, and I can't afford a nice Mother of Pearl, 154cm custom one-hander for every day carry (although I am accepting donations to the poor college student fund).

The issue now is what sized fixed blade I am alloed to have, but I'll be posting about that anyway.
 
Velitirus, I don't carry for self defense either, I just like 3" or so knives. They are a bit more versatile to me and their handles are more hand filling. I still like a smaller knife for "polite" company.
 
It is a bit of a dilemma, I agree. I prefer folders with a handle that is about the width of my palm (3 1/2-4"). Smaller than that is too small to me or would serve as a "keychain knife". Too small knife is also more difficult to open/close with one hand and might result in a nice self-cut. However, even a 3 1/2" folder can settle across my jeans pocket somewhat awkwardly. So, the solution is the pocket clip. But if you use pocket clip anyway, you might carry a 4-4 1/2" folder.
At least that is what I think.

HM
 
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