Minimum viable fixed blade

Shorttime said:
At the moment, my folding knife selection seems to be well filled. I have a solid choice for work, and a couple of options for the weekend that I can rotate through. I have the "suit and tie" situation handled, too.

So, it's time to start looking at fixed blades. Never you mind the fact that I have the tools to make my own: I'm supporting the economy.

For those of you who everyday a fixed blade, what sizes, shapes, and materials do you consider the barest minimum that a knife should have? I mean, I know the answer is always "Smatchet", but there may be some more practical alternatives?
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I like my EDC fixed blade to be as large as possible. I'm nearly 5' 10" so a 4.5" blade at a forward cant on my right side OWB sheath works great for me. The tip of sheath touches the cushion when I sit but it doesn't try to dig in and annoy me.

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When it became en vogue to have a “get off me knife”, I grabbed a Spyderco Perrin. Beyond the hype, it’s an awesome EDC for actual real world tasks, with a decent IWB sheath to boot. Good 3” cutter/slicer. I recommend the micarta version if you can find one.
 
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RousingRabbles said:
Most of my fixed blades have been fairly large but I just ordered a Basecamp from Rainier knives to serve as a my smaller fixed blade that will be good for backpacking, cleaning fish, and lighter wood processing. Their Fastpak also looks pretty awesome as well.

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D**n you! I hag never heard of Rainier Knives. Now a "Basecamp" has been added to my shortlist!
 
Be aware that many states and counties have laws against concealed carry of fixed blades, but open carry on your belt is OK. Not just CA and NY, obviously, but even places where you might not expect it, like WY, Las Vegas, etc. Something to check ...

Meaning you can’t carry a small blade in your pocket, so you might as well carry a larger blade on your belt in these places. I find anything between 4 and 8“ BL practical, depending on use. 4” - 6” is most useful.
 
My personal minimum blade length is 3" for a fixed blade. My EDC is a 4-1/2" White River Sendero Classic. Just a really good all-around cutting tool.
 
Just realized I didn't answer the op, I too fall into the group that finds 3 to 4 inches optimum for daily carry.
 
000Robert said:
I like my EDC fixed blade to be as large as possible. I'm nearly 5' 10" so a 4.5" blade at a forward cant on my right side OWB sheath works great for me. The tip of sheath touches the cushion when I sit but it doesn't try to dig in and annoy me.

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What's the story with that sheath? Did it come with the knife; or can it be found on the market?
 
Really depends on the context of use, but I find longer than 3" makes tip work a lot more of a challenge. The total length can be shortened by designing the grip to fill the hollow of the palm rather than extending beyond it. My Grimalkin design here has a 3" blade but is only a little under 6" in end to end length. Being able to brace the butt of the handle against the palm allows be to apply considerable force with the point, like a palm chisel.

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Don’t discount the value and convenience of a small fixed blade, here are a few that I really find useful-

a Mora Eldris, a homemade Lauri 42mm, and a Cypress Creek Backpacker……

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