Small folders with decently sized handles

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DangerZone98

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Dec 7, 2019
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Hey friends. My preferred EDC is generally around the 3.5” to 4” range for folding blades since they accommodate my medium sized hands well. I don’t go outta my way to avoid small folders but I noticed that I only have the Para 3 in that category.

Are there small blades out there (around 3” blades) that are comfy for larger hands? What works for you? Pics would be awesome.
 
In general the shape is more important. You will want a more neutral handle shape, so look for something Sebenza-like. I find that most of the ergonomic issues or discomfort when using small knives can be attributed to unnecessary curves, choil and grooves in the handle.
In addition, if you are looking for 3” blade length, look for something no shorter than 7” total. A 7-7.3” knife with neutral handle should give you a full 4 finger grip.
 
I typically where large gloves and my preference veers towards a smaller folder around 7” OAL. I agree handles can sometimes be a little small for this size, but here are a couple of my favorites with comfortably sized handles:

- Enzo Birk
- Quiet Carry Drift
- Hogue Deka
- TRM Neutron
- XM-18 3”
- Small Sebenza
 
I'm a lot like you, I have large hands and generally avoid smaller knives because my hand feels crowdedon their handles. The SOG Terminus XR is just under 3" of blade, but has enough handle for a comfortable grip. The SOG Kiku XR is just over 3", but feels much bigger than it is because of how tall the handle and blade are. It's a beefy knife that's as comfortable or more comfortable than some of my bigger knives. Finally, the Spartan Talos is a good thin lightweight knife with a comfortable grip. The finger grooves on it don't fit my hands perfectly in the saber grip, but it feels amazing in a pinch grip.
 
I wear a size L glove, and there are plenty of 3" folders I can get a good grip on -- but their handles don't tend to feel roomy or accommodating, just large enough to be comfortable. The Emerson Mini CQC-7 is the only exception I can think of off the top of my head.

My sweet spot for blade length is 3.25", and sizing up just that small amount opens up more choices with genuinely roomy handles. The Emerson CQC-7 and Demko AD20.5 are my two current favorite examples.
 
This is an area where Spyderco excels. Even my tiny little Kopa is comfortable to hold because the way it's designed. If the Para 3 fits you, there'll be a number of others that do as well. Caly 3, Native, Sage, to name a few.
 
I don't have one anymore but the Emerson mini CQC 7 is a relatively larger handle. Also the Spyderco PM2 has a decent size handle.
 
Lots of Eka knives of Sweden have large hand filling handles compared to blade size, supposed to be usable for gloved hands. Old style slipjoints & backlocks Some of the models are no longer made sadly, also look up "Normark" as some Eka's were branded this as well.

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The Benchmade Valor, CRK Mnandi, and the WE Vapor...
 

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All these work great in my hands. Top to bottom: Small 21, FlyTi scaled Bugout, CRKT Razelcliffe, Medford Smooth Criminal, Spartan Shoto, Spyderco Tasman Salt, Olamic Busker.

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