Medium Sized Knives

Tyrkon Lawson

Tyrkon Lawson

Joined
Oct 31, 2003
Messages
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So some say that a BIG knife can do 95% of the chores a small knife can do and more. But that the reverse is not true. If that is the case then where do the medium sized knives come in?
 
What is a medium sized knife? Ask anyone here and a 5 to 7 inch bladed knife will pop up. Walk into your local overpriced coffee shop and pull out an ASH1 and ask them if it is a medium or large bladed knife and I bet you would get a different answer. My Ratweilers get stares all the time when I am working. Just a matter of preference and reason. I prefer larger blades. Maybe I am trying to compensate for something...but I doubt it.
 
See weight isn't that much of a factor for me between most of the large and mediums. Let's take the CG FBM and the NO-E. There just isn't a big enough weight difference for me to consider the extra weight of the FBM a hinderence.

When would the weight difference between these two be a big factor? A real life type of example. I am not disagreeing at all but am trying to learn. Thanks.
 
I would venture to say that some of the smaller blades are better suited for camp-type chores, where weight/size would be an issue. For example, if you didn't have room in a pack for a FBM, you might want to take a lighter weight, smaller BATAC instead.

Just my $0.02
 
swimmerdude1127 said:
I would venture to say that some of the smaller blades are better suited for camp-type chores, where weight/size would be an issue. For example, if you didn't have room in a pack for a FBM, you might want to take a lighter weight, smaller BATAC instead.

Just my $0.02
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I have seen some guys attach their knives to the outside of their packs. Perhaps for the very reason you mention. To save space inside the pack.
 
For me... a 5" to 6" blade is a good size for wood work and general tasks (stripping wet bark off logs, food work, wittling...etc.)

Previously I have taken a 2.5 lb axe with me...but... I now have an FFBM so I'll be testing that out this year to see how it copes (maybe the FFBM can do everything...but... I don't know yet)

I will still take a medium blade with me.... either my BATAC or the ASH-1 (probably both so I can see which one I prefer)

I always have a little 3" bladed J. Neilson in my pack because it doesn't weigh much.

A lot of it is personal preference though... some will say 4" or 5" or 6" for an outdoors knife... but... imo.. it all depends on what size and style of blade you are the most comfortable (and skilled) with.

:)
 
Tyrkon Lawson said:
See weight isn't that much of a factor for me between most of the large and mediums. Let's take the CG FBM and the NO-E. There just isn't a big enough weight difference for me to consider the extra weight of the FBM a hinderence.

When would the weight difference between these two be a big factor? A real life type of example. I am not disagreeing at all but am trying to learn. Thanks.
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The weight difference between a CGFBM and a NO-e would be pretty significant if you have to hump all your necessary gear along with water, food, rifle, etc.... for 10+ miles through rough terrain.

I don't know....maybe I am just a wuss :D I keep thinking back to the day when myself and a hunting partner were hiking up those huge slopes in 100+ degree heat :( Luckily, we didn't get to shoot anything that day. I would have died trying to pull the game plus all my gear back to the truck in that heat. That few ounce can feel like a few pounds when you are tired, hungry, hot, sleep deprived, or all of the above.

I had other hunting partners wanting to take their huge heavy a$$ heavy barreled 13+lb varmint rifles hunting.... They always laugh at me calling me a wuss at the start of the trip when I carry my 6.5lb light weight rifle. After a few hills I always end up looking back laughing at them struggling up. Many times they all end up bunkering down while I continue on.
 
Ban said:
The weight difference between a CGFBM and a NO-e would be pretty significant if you have to hump all your necessary gear along with water, food, rifle, etc.... for 10+ miles through rough terrain.

I don't know....maybe I am just a wuss :D I keep thinking back to the day when myself and a hunting partner were hiking up those huge slopes in 100+ degree heat :( Luckily, we didn't get to shoot anything that day. I would have died trying to pull the game plus all my gear back to the truck. That few ounce can feel like a few pounds when you are tired, hungry, hot, sleep deprived, or all of the above.
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I'm pretty sure you are not a wuss Ban. :thumbup:
 
Tyrkon Lawson said:
See weight isn't that much of a factor for me between most of the large and mediums. Let's take the CG FBM and the NO-E. There just isn't a big enough weight difference for me to consider the extra weight of the FBM a hinderence.

When would the weight difference between these two be a big factor? A real life type of example. I am not disagreeing at all but am trying to learn. Thanks.
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There wouldn't be a time. Weight of your knife is least of your concerns in any scenario. The only consideration should be is if it does what you need it to. Anyone who says otherwise is a wuss!:D
 
After a recent hiking incident where my dog fell through ice and I slithered out to retrieve him, I have come to accept as gospel the rule "Thou shalt not keep thy primary knife on or in your pack. Thou shalt keep thy knife on your person at all times." That being said I find that the weight and size of the SJTAC is just perfect for belt carry in the woods, even for strenuous hiking and scrambling. A FFBM is just too heavy for comfortable belt carry while hiking, at least for me. So for the weight of an FFBM I can have an SJTAC on my hip and a Gränsfors hatchet in my pack.
 
theonew: I felt the same until I started using a seperate belt. One that did not loop through my pant loops thus would not pants me. I use a tool belt the works great and makes the weight less noticable to me.
 
Tyrkon Lawson said:
theonew: I felt the same until I started using a seperate belt. One that did not loop through my pant loops thus would not pants me. I use a tool belt the works great and makes the weight less noticable to me.
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Interesting, I'll have to look into this. Thanks.
 
Gravelface said:
There wouldn't be a time. Weight of your knife is least of your concerns in any scenario. The only consideration should be is if it does what you need it to. Anyone who says otherwise is a wuss!:D
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You sound just like my hunting partner with a heavier and more accurate rifle who never got a chance to use it :p:D
 
I know that in the Busse community the Batac is considered medium size. I guess that's right if you talk about blade length, but weight just puts it in a class of it's own. They are solid little buggers (I love mine).

For a true mid size knife, I would look at something else similar length (5 - 6 inches) but with thinner blade.

Having said that I also don't mind the weight as I prefer solid knives. That's why I buy Busse.
 
One time I remember considering weight was in Baghdad...a normal "combat load" of rounds is 210. ........I opted for the improved 330 rounds.....call me cautious!:D
 
Just to help what should we say is the range for a large knife and a medium knife?

Large: 7" plus?

Medium: 5-7"

What do you guys think?
 
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