Poll

ep3757

ep3757

Joined
May 7, 2009
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289
Hello to all of you members. I would like to know what you all think about the size of knives. I like to make big slipjoint knives. The type that you could not carry in your pocket but could really use out in the woods or just admire. I would like to take a poll here and ask what is the size of slipjoint knife you like and maybe the pattern as well. If you use your knives how do you sharpen them. I have been thinking about making a knife belt sharppener like the one that used to be called The Little Sharpie and sell them. Here is a picture of one of my smaller knifes.

BLADE MATERIAL CPM 154
HANDLE MATERIAL AMBER REMINGTON JIGGED BONE
BOLSTERS, LINNERS AND SHIELD 416 STAINLESS STEEL
CLOSED LENGHT 3 7/8''
HALF STOPS WITH EXCELLENT ACTION AND WALK AND TALK


​

8x1020new20knife1.jpg
 
Well I am close to being over the hill so I am moving to those I can carry in my pocket. For office carry I have to be under a 3" blade, my backpocket from Kerry H is a little over that, but I just have to carry it anyway, but that is about as big as I will go. I alternate between the backpocket, a swayback gent, and a med stockman, mostly the first two. As far as sharpening I have a wet stone and a leather strop that take care of most of my needs.
 
I said this on another thread, but for everyday carry I prefer a single blade and a closed length of 3 5/8" or less, around 3 1/4" is perfect. If I'm going to be doing something that needs a bigger knife I will take one.
 
I like to be able to edc my nice knives. Where I work and live it pretty much needs to be a knife I can carry comfortably in my pocket. My maximum is 3 3/4" and I prefer 3 1/2". My favorite patterns are the swayback jack (one and two blade), two blade wharncliffe trapper with clip and wharncliffe blades. I have my eye on the Lanny's Clip and Zulu patterns that Tony Bose is making famous, although I'd like smaller versions. I prefer natural materials in this order; stag (amber is my favorite), mammoth ivory, jigged bone and wood. I rarely buy micarta etc.

I maintain my edges with a leather strop. If they need more then that I use a number of jig type shapeners or if the knife is a real user I'll sharpen it freehand.

Thanks for asking.
 
Peregrin said:
I like to be able to edc my nice knives. Where I work and live it pretty much needs to be a knife I can carry comfortably in my pocket. My maximum is 3 3/4" and I prefer 3 1/2". My favorite patterns are the swayback jack (one and two blade), two blade wharncliffe trapper with clip and wharncliffe blades.
Click to expand...

What he said! :thumbup: (Although I just got a 4 1/8" GEC that rides amazingly well in the pocket - kinda surprised me)!

I use benchstones and a strop, but I'd be open to trying a belt sharpener.

BTW, that is an absolutely drop dead gorgeous knife you posted here, Enrique! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
In general, I like them 4" or under for EDC, but do have a few larger ones that rarely gets used.
If I need a larger knife I go with a fixed blade.

The patterns I like seem to change alot, so I'll just say i like most all patterns.

Sharpening...I keep a spyderco sharpmaker set up in the kitchen. Every time I use a knife I will lightly draw it across UF rods about 10 times a side, and that will usually always bring it right back were it was.
Never let a knife get very dull, and keeping them sharp will be a breeze.
If I let one get very dull(which is Rare), I'll break out one of my stones from my meatcutting days.


Your knife looks great:thumbup:
 
I prefer a slipjoint that is between 3.5-4.25" closed. It is a pocketknife after all. If I need anything bigger than that I'll reach for a modern locking folder or a fixed blade.
 
I like large folders for collecting, displaying and hunting, but my EDC will NEVER be over 3 1/4" and preferably 3" to 3 1/8" closed.
 
4 1/4 is about my limit, with 3 7/8 being more towards what I prefer. I sharpen with a water stone and strop. Its all about them razor sharp blades on the great knives.
 
Most of my life, my pocket knives have all been in the 3 and something inch range. My old scout knife I grew up with was 3 5/8ths or so, my Buck 301 was 3 7/8ths. My favorite sodbusters were 3 5/8ths. My old sak tinker was the old 3 1/4 one. For a couple of years there I was under the peanut spell, but some problems with arthitis has knocked them out of the running for everyday carry, so I'm back to the small soddie for easier handling. Older fingers need a bit bigger things to grip well, like fat Pilot G2 pens instead of the skinny Cross carried for almost 40 years, and telling the pharmisist NOT to use childproof caps on the bottles.

From 3 1/4 to 3 1/2 is a good range for a pocket knife.

I sharpen almost exlusively with a small red Eze-lap model L I carry in my wallet. I can hone and touch up my knife anywhere, and finish it off on the back of my belt. At home I have some diamond hones in a box, but rarely use them.
 
My personal preference is a closed length of 3 1/2" to 3 3/4". I sharpen my knives on DMT diamond stones.

BTW, what you call your smaller knife is absolutely stunning work!
 
My preference is around 3 1/2 , but I have a few that are just shy of 4 inches.
The ones that I have over 4 inches very rarely leave the house.

I have some old stones that I have had so long, I don't remember exactly what they are. I have tried a couple Diamonds, but just haven't gotten the results I like . Maybe I just need to spend a little more time with them.

It is nice to see pics of your work. You are making some terrific slip joints
 
I like my slipjoints to be 3 1/8 to 3 5/8. 2 common references for me are the Victorinox alox Cadet (84mm / 3 1/4) which I consider to be just about the ideal size/thickness, and the Soldier/Pioneer (closer to 3 5/8) on the large side of my range. Anything larger just seems too big in the pocket to me.

For patterns I like the Case pen knife or jack knife, medium stockman with pen blade, or mini-trapper although I would rather have a wharncliffe than spey blade. I also like the canoe and whittler patterns. However, as far as customs go, I have 2 and both are single-blade (1 wharncliffe, 1 clip-point).

For sharpening, I narrow the edge angle on virtually every knife I buy using DMT diamond stones. I usually finish up and maintain with the Spyderco sharpmaker, or Spyderco ceramic benchstones.
 
I like the window of 3 3/4" to 4" for EDC slipjoint handle length, and the blade never more than 3".
I prefer ceramic rods for light sharpening use. If I have to really take off some steel I'll use EZE Lap diamond hones.
I'll finish the edge by stropping on some really fine 3M lapping paper.
 
Hey Enrique
Big is good, Medium is good, Small is good. If a knifemaker only makes one size knife he excludes many potential buyers.
Bill Ruple
 
I prefer a closed length between 3 and 4 1/8in. I carry a sodbuster or trapper most often. I've been considering going the paper wheel route for sharpening (I currently use either diamond stones or mousepad/sandpaper). Your work looks very nice.
 
Nothing much less than 3 1/2 for the pocket. I do like larger knife designs although not to carry.

Russell
 
I carry from 3 1/4" to 3 9/16". I especially like the 3 3/8" Case round bolstered stockman.
 
I generally like to carry anything from 3 1/2 to 4 inches, but I don't limit myself, if I like the pattern, I will find the time to carry it!!!
 
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