Perfect Length for a Traditional Pocket Knife

I have come to the conclusion that I dont like anything shorter then 3.5". I can just get four fingers on it but not for hard use. 4.125" is the biggest I own and never feel like its way too big. I dont think I would front pocket carry anything bigger then 4.25 though, seems like that would max out most of my pockets horizontal space. I can not wear pants that are so tight my knife stays vertical, to each his own.
 
rockgolfer said:
I have come to the conclusion that I dont like anything shorter then 3.5". I can just get four fingers on it but not for hard use.
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Agreed, for the same reason. I generally like to be able to get my whole hand around a knife if I'm really going to be using it. The #25 is the only sub 3.5" knife that has grown on me, but I still find I reach for something larger for most things.
 
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Ya know Smith I enjoyed the 25 I had as well. Its a great knife with a great feel but I too always grabbed something else. I figured I would use it for golf or hiking when I dont really NEED a blade but it didnt work, I grabbed my Charlow everytime instead.
 
rockgolfer said:
....I figured I would use it for golf or hiking when I dont really NEED a blade but it didnt work, I grabbed my Charlow everytime instead.
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Ha - I'm finding the exact same thing. Not sure what kind of secret juju Charlie put into those barlows, but it's ruining me on most everything else (except my beloved #92 in smooth bone). :D
 
I swapped one 3.5 out for another with my 55. Been missing the charlow though for some reason, juju indeed :D. I still think 3.75 would probably be my most ideal size and if I know I have a lot of cutting my Oeser(3.75) or my GEC 53(4.125) come along. I have a little more room then needed with the 53 which is nice when I am doing remodel work. Dont think I would want too cut more then one piece of sheetrock with a 3.5 knife. All the more reason to jave a good selection around ;)
 
2" makes it a little hard to hit what yer shootin' at, 6" is hard to conceal so. . . . . what?. . . . . oh . . . . . :D. Traditional knives. I prefer 3-3.5" in general but 4.25" for heavy use weekend days wearing jeans. If I need more than that it's time to go fixed.
 
Around 3 & 4" is about right. 3 3/4" is perfect. Although, I have no problem going larger or smaller if I take a notion. Oh, heck..I love 'em all!
 
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4" seems about perfect but still carry 3.5 and they seem to get the job done.
 
Depending on tasks and clothing between 3.5" and 4-1/8" works best for me.
They always seem too large in the pocket but small in hand...
 
I was going to carry a 4 1/4" Case Stockman (75 pattern) this week but found it just too big for my needs now-a-days so I swapped it out for a 3 7/8" Case Stockman (47 pattern). Much more comfortable (my .02¢) in my pocket.
 
rockgolfer said:
I can not wear pants that are so tight my knife stays vertical, to each his own.
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Wait, you're not Mick Jagger?? ;)

Jokes aside, I like my jeans on the snug side, so my knives generally stay put in my pockets without dropping to lay horizontally at the bottom.
 
I think Id have to say 3 5/8- 4 1/4 for me. Any smaller and I prefer to have it as my secondary knife.
 
3.5" for me but I do like them down to 3". I like smaller and as thin as possible when I'm wearing my dress pants at work.
 
3-4inches closed.....weight is a big issue (not too light or too heavy either)...the Sodbuster jr is almost perfect for me ( I would like to have one that locks and has two blades )
 
3.5" closed is a very nice length for me. Granted, I haven't tried anything smaller than that yet, but 3.5" fits nicely in hand and in pocket. 2.5-3" cutting edge is quite good for most things. I'm comfortable with a larger knife in pocket, like a No. 8 or a GEC 42, but public use in an urban area like Toronto the smaller knife raises less eyebrows. Even something just shy of 4" like my Bullnose sodbuster is perfect in hand and in pocket and fine to use in public without raised eyebrows, usually, but gives a little more cutting edge.
 
The long and the short of it for me is something between 4" on the big end and 3" on the short end, all of my carry is left front pocket of my jeans. For the most part my favorite EDC will be a knife that is either 3-3/8" or 3-1/2". OH
 
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