Regardless of what you choose, I have always believed in the "right tool for the job". Sure any knife of any size will work on roots. But to get to the root that knife is going to be going through dirt. And dirt can dull an edge like sandpaper. And now that knife is unable to do all the other tasks that a knife normally does without resharpening. Whereas a dedicated root knife will do just that and only that.
Another point is that a "root knife" should have serrations. Either wholly or partially. Cutting through roots that are alive and contain moisture and flex is similar to cutting wet rope underwater. And for that reason nearly all scuba diving knives have serrations.
Another option I eventually reached was not to use a knife for cutting roots. Using a shovel (2 sizes) I would do what shovels do- dig. And when I hit a root I would clear it with the shovel and cut the root with my folding silky saw. Not as much fun as using a knife perhaps but it was the the fastest and most efficient method I found.
Anyway, have fun digging
Another point is that a "root knife" should have serrations. Either wholly or partially. Cutting through roots that are alive and contain moisture and flex is similar to cutting wet rope underwater. And for that reason nearly all scuba diving knives have serrations.
Another option I eventually reached was not to use a knife for cutting roots. Using a shovel (2 sizes) I would do what shovels do- dig. And when I hit a root I would clear it with the shovel and cut the root with my folding silky saw. Not as much fun as using a knife perhaps but it was the the fastest and most efficient method I found.
Anyway, have fun digging
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