One blade - Two blade

[mrjefe2u]

After looking through my knives, it looks like I prefer singles over two/multi-blade knives.
Probably for the same reasons as modern day and fixed blades.

Blade is centered
No secondary to allow for in the grip
All time spent sharpening is on just the one blade

What are your reasons for liking single blade user knives?

On Two blade knives I find myself using the secondary as much as the primary.
But there are things that I don't like about multi-blades.

Blade lineup, scrape, krink (certain stockmans) and a proud sheepsfoot can affect grip while using the other blade.

Do you carry and use more single or multi-blades? Do you use all the blades?

 

[Shotgun]

The one thing I really like about alox SAK's is that the main blade is more or less centered even when you have a double layer. I use the electrician model and I use the main blade most. I keep a high polish on the secondary blade and use it for random things that I need a precise cut on.

 

[pertinux]

Single Blade or Multiblade knife?

Here's another!

Single blades vs. Multi-Blades

Feel free to join the discussion.

-- Both were on the first page of results by searching thus:

(Sometimes you have to be a little creative to find what you're looking for, but a modicum of effort almost always pays off.)

~ P.

 

[Shotgun]

Single Blade or Multiblade knife?

Here's another!

Single blades vs. Multi-Blades

Feel free to join the discussion.

-- Both were on the first page of results by searching thus:

(Sometimes you have to be a little creative to find what you're looking for, but a modicum of effort almost always pays off.)

~ P.

Why can't he start a new thread? Those threads are over a year old. Sometimes bringing up the same conversation can lead to new insights from older members and allows newer members to chime in.

 

[jackknife]

Why can't he start a new thread? Those threads are over a year old. Sometimes bringing up the same conversation can lead to new insights from older members and allows newer members to chime in.

Well, I know that I've had a new insight, and changed my mind. I can blame it on Fausto, or I can own up to being an old fart that was set in his ways and needed to be introduced to a new concept. In my case I got my head turned by sheer beauty of the old country style. I used to go with two blades at least. If it wasn't a two blade jack, I wasn't interested. The sole exception was the Opinel. I was drawn to the simple construction and uniqueness of it. Then Fausto posted some of those Sardinian Patadese's.

Now, after carrying one, I can't see myself going back to the old jack's. I've come to like the way a single blade knife can have the handle shaped for a far better more comfortable grip, not to mention sculpting for the sheer beauty of artful design. I've become enlightened to the single blade folder, wheres last year at this time I was still a sceptic. Sometimes a decision is revisited.
Before;

After;

Carl.

 

[pinnah]

First, all forums are cyclic. Wikis are useful but not as fun as cyclic discussions.

I'm pretty solidly in the single blade camp. I like simplicity.

Opinel by Pinnah, on Flickr


Full disclosure though. I may like single blade for my primary knife but I'm also a 2 knife person. As posted in the traditional modern combo thread, I carry a Micra in my LFP. sometimes a small blade is better.


EDC Pair by Pinnah, on Flickr

 

[mrjefe2u]

Actually I did use a modicum of effort and read 3 different threads.

Thanks for your handy tips.

I'll know not to start a thread in the future.

I'll go back to being an occasional lurker.

 

[pertinux]

Why can't he start a new thread? Those threads are over a year old. Sometimes bringing up the same conversation can lead to new insights from older members and allows newer members to chime in.

Hmmm. It's not that he can't start a new thread, it's that I though the existing threads would provide him with some potentially resonant starting points from which to join a discussion.

First, all forums are cyclic. Wikis are useful but not as fun as cyclic discussions.

Agreed! The subject of whether or not to revive a latent thread or start a new one is outside the scope of this thread, let alone this subforum. For myself, I consider a thread which has been active in the last year and/or full of the responses of currently-active forum participants to be "current" discussion, perfect for enlivening new voices. Thus, the pointers to (what I consider) current discussions, as well as how I found them.

Actually I did use a modicum of effort and read 3 different threads.

Thanks for your handy tips.

Thanks for making the effort, and for reading. We all benefit that way. As for "tips," I was here for quite some time before I realized I could do "Traditional-subforum-specific" searches, and that after having it patiently pointed out to me after asking about it in Tech Support-- I'd entirely missed the Search field within the forum (as opposed to the forum-wide search available on every page).

That said, the forum software search function is flaky, and one doesn't always know the right words to enter into a site:bladeforums.com Google search. If we're all working on it (including understanding the sometimes-merging of new threads into existing ones with the same topic, or letting a "new" one go if there turns out to be a different one ongoing that will hit the spot), we can make the most of our resources here.

~ P.

 

[Jack Black]

Since we now have 2 1 blade or more blades threads running on the same page, a merger might not be a bad idea IMO.

Recently we seem to have had multiple threads started about the same knife, sometimes one that hasn't even been purchased, and by the same poster.

 

[kamagong]

Actually I did use a modicum of effort and read 3 different threads.

Thanks for your handy tips.

I'll know not to start a thread in the future.

I'll go back to being an occasional lurker.

Don't be so sensitive. She was only trying to help.

Thanks for doing some research prior to starting your thread. It seems that you are the exception, there have been too many times recently when people start threads on topics recently discussed. It can get tiresome answering the same questions over and over again. That's not the case here.

As to your original query, give me the single blade. I don't need the versatility of a stockman for my daily tasks. Besides plenty of people get along everyday without a cutting tool of any sort; I can get along just fine with the blade on my Charlow or Scout.

I also prefer the comfort and lighter weight single blade knives offer.

- Christian

 

[midnight flyer]

Since we now have 2 1 blade or more blades threads running on the same page, a merger might not be a bad idea IMO.

Recently we seem to have had multiple threads started about the same knife, sometimes one that hasn't even been purchased, and by the same poster.

I certainly agree with the assessment that threads and trends in forums of any kind are cyclic. A lot can change in a year or 18 months. Personally, I have found that the archives of any group are usually the most valuable asset for research as it allows the searcher the opportunity to quickly scan through the cute responses, the replies made after making a quick Google search, or the guys that post because they like to see their name on the net.

That being said, I could have fallen out of my chair when I read Carl's post as I thought of him as the Leader of the Cult of Peanut. I know he sure made a lot of converts to the mini knife! So then to see that he has changed completely to a single blade, (stainless?), friction only folder not made in the USA was a startling to say the least. That alone made it worth a new thread!

But the "does anyone like GEC around here", or "which GEC for me", or "how is GEC's warranty" or "do you think GEC will ever use a premium steel" (with the resulting full on debate from the carbon steel defenders...), or "does anyone know anything about this GEC" followed by a model number of a heavily produced and quite common model are all topics that could sure use their own sticky.

Back on topic, I get away from but always come back to a three bladed stockman. In 50+ years of carrying a knife, no pattern seems to permanently replace it. The large clip works great for trimming wood moldings, sharpening my carpenter's pencils and cutting up food at lunch. The sheepsfoot is great for opening boxes and packages, a bit of fine trimming or cutting, and all the other things that a little sheepsfoot is good at. And the spey is perfect for slicing where you don't want to take a chance on digging in the point of a blade.

I carry others because I appreciate and like the knives, but I always get back to the stockman patterns for their utility value.

Robert

 

[pertinux]

That being said, I could have fallen out of my chair when I read Carl's post as I thought of him as the Leader of the Cult of Peanut. I know he sure made a lot of converts to the mini knife! So then to see that he has changed completely to a single blade, (stainless?), friction only folder not made in the USA was a startling to say the least. That alone made it worth a new thread!

While this may not rival the shock factor for entertainment, it's still fun to go back and behold the beginning of the end (in chronological order):

Thank you, Fausto!!!

Pattadese for two and a half days.

The ultimate traditional pocket knife?

Pattadese for two months

Dueling singles



~ P.

 

[jc57]

I like multi-blade traditionals. 2 or 3 blades. I do use them.

 

[leghog]

On Two blade knives I find myself using the secondary as much as the primary.

Which is precisely why I prefer two blades. Better yet, two opposing blades on a single spring.

 

[rma100]

Lots of self appointed MODS talking about Threads rather than knives.

As for me, I carried multi-blade traditionals for years but as I got deeper into the hobby and the business end of it, I find I prefer a single blade knife. One blade is enough for casual use.

 

[timberweasel]

I think another big advantage to single bladed folders is how slim they can be. Much more comfortable to carry in pocket. That said, I do love my Jacks and Swiss Army Knives...

ETA: A smaller blade is nice to have on reserve, but I think I'd prefer a secondary blade to serve a completely different function, such as a caplifter/screwdriver, awl, scraper, etc.

-Brett

 

[2Dead]

My typical knife uses come down in 2 separate categories... Clean blade cutting like for food, or dirty blade cutting like cutting down/opening boxes etc. I can carry separate knives for each if I know I will definitely need it but sometimes you don't know so I've been carrying a 2 blade jack or pen knife. Its easier to carry 1 knife than 2 separate knives.

For example, I used to carry a CSC Half Moon Trapper and a GEC #61 Half Congress. The HMT for food with its long stainless blade and the #61 with a short sheepsfoot But I found it easier to just carry a #48 Jack instead of 2 knives. The pen blade is long and strong enough for the typical box or two. I'm not cutting down a warehouse full of boxes on a regular basis. Or even carrying a #33 has been perfectly adequate. Now, when I know I do need to do some specific dirty work, I'll carry a single blade folder like a #73ECL, #72, or #47 (although I've been carrying the 2 blade #47 more so than the single blade, both blades are used for the dirty stuff). Or a modern OHO.

A 3 blade knife like a Queen #26 3 3/8" stockman is big enough to cover both tasks but I too prefer a non crinked blade normally.

 

[puukkoman]

Hah! Thanks for posting the documentation of Carl's progression, Sarah!
And Carl, I can relate to the transformation you've experienced. I, too, have dabbled in various directions, sometimes thinking I'd found what really works for me, only to find my tastes evolving yet again!

So, to answer the OP, I do like a single-blade knife of decent size as my main tool. Something large enough to fill my hand, and robust enough to be like a metaphorical tent stake that holds up the proverbial guy-wires of my life.
However, I do like to also have a smaller multi-blade backup, like a trapper, barlow, or whittler. This one is mostly unnecessary, but hey... I like 'em. And, sometimes it's nicer to use a smaller blade if there are squeamish folks present.

 

[Hammer67]

I only own a couple knives with more than two blades, and the truth is they never seem to make it into my pocket. The right single or two-blade knife seems to cover my needs just fine, with less bulk/weight.

 

[quattromori]

While this may not rival the shock factor for entertainment, it's still fun to go back and behold the beginning of the end (in chronological order):

Thank you, Fausto!!!

Pattadese for two and a half days.

The ultimate traditional pocket knife?

Pattadese for two months

Dueling singles



~ P.

Funny what a knife can produce, isn't it?

As for myself, I'm not strict on the topic.
I was raised with single blades, and I don't think I will ever feel like I'm lacking anything when carrying a single bladed folder. Yet, and thanks to this forum, I've come to discover the good points of carrying a knife with a main blade and a smaller, secondary blade (on the same end). I don't really like pen knives,nor three bladed knives (meaning, I don't want one in my pocket).

Fausto