Suggest me a small < 3 inch traditional, or an easy way to carry something larger

tdkfm

tdkfm

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I've been drooling over posts here for a while. Normally I carry one of many spyderco, benchmade, or microtech knives. I would like to add a small traditional in the watch pocket of my jeans for when a civilian or ultratech just isnt practical to take out (or just as an excuse to buy a new knife maybe)

I like so many knives here, but hate carrying a knife without a clip in my front pocket, so I think something small for the watch pocket is the way to go. Right now the only semi traditional knife I get to carry is the trapperlock because it has a clip. I love my normal trappers, but hate how they turn sideways in my jean pocket.

Any suggestions for small patterns, preferably 1-2 blades? Not overly concerned on price. Definitely interested in something nice looking with more handle options.

Also, any ideas or suggestions on how you carry these? Back pocket always scares me losing them and they still turn sideways at the bottom of your pocket. Front pockets are full of keys, phone, smokes, etc that will beat up the knive and it still ends up sideways at the bottom of my pocket.

Sorry for the long rambling new guy post. Just really liking the knives here and hating that I don't see a practical way to comfortably carry them. (Not wearing them on my belt)

Edit: I promise I understand < and >, blaming lack of sleep or fat fingers and not knowing how to change a thread title.
 
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Your title says greater than, not less than. Wrong symbol.

Check out a Case peanut, tiny toothpick, mini copperhead.

GEC has the #06 Pemberton and the #22 Magnum.

Rough Rider makes a decent peanut for under $10.
 
I have a mini copperhead and it's small enough it doesn't bother me when sideways at the bottom of the pocket, peanuts are similar size if im not mistaken
 
The moccasin pouch from KSF is perfect imho. Add a Northwoods or GEC and you are set.
 
Lots of choices out there but any of the #25 or #26 patterns from Great Eastern Cutlery would ride nicely in a watch pocket. Great little knives too. They are right at 3 inches closed. The stainless steel GEC versions are getting hard to find but there are still several Northfield and Tidioute versions in carbon steel available on various websites.

Knivesshipfree.com has a good selection of #26 patterns with either Clip, Spear, or Wharncliffe blades. Click on "Great Eastern Cutlery" then click on the #26 pattern.
 
I really like my Watchpocket Sunfish (GEC pattern 26). It's 3" closed and just fun to have/use.

Edit.... here is a pic.

 
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A Case Yeller, or your favorite color, Sodbuster Jr.
As mentioned, try a belt pouch. I carry my Red :D AGR Cowboy in one, made of Nylon.
rolf
 
Here's an opportunity to buy NOT ONE but THREE watch pocket knives :D Three fit standing up.:thumbup:
Magnum 22 and the Pemberton.
Best regards

Robin

 
Welcome to the world of traditionals!

I think you have basically 2 options: entirely swap your modern knife for a traditional or add a small traditional to your EDC to supplement your modern knife.

If you're interested in a straight up replacement of your modern knife, then it may be the case that you're over-thinking things. The simplest way to carry a pocket knife is <plunk> right in your pocket. They say it takes about 21 days to get used to something. I suspect that you commit to carrying a traditional pocket knife in your strong side front pocket for a month, it will feel "normal" after that. This has certainly been my experience when changing knives. I really can't comment on my preference unless I give the knife a solid month's worth of carry. I'm not saying that you can learn to like anything. Just saying that I've found it takes a bit to something new.

If you are dead set against front pocket carry, there are a few alternatives. Going small and carrying something in the watch pocket is quite common. Less common, but possible, is to sew a seam up the middle of one of your rear pockets and carry a large folder there.

Untitled by Pinnah, on Flickr

If you look close, you can see the vertical seam. I sew mine to leave the top 1" of my cell phone sticking out, which makes it easy to grab either the phone or knife (or multi-tool). I've never lost a phone or knife this way, unless I'm rolling on the ground (doing back exercises - be glad you're young - or crawling under a car).

The other alternative is to carry a small traditional to supplement your big modern EDC. This gives you access to smaller pen blades which are more useful in some circumstances, a people friendly option that can be used without causing panic and a safe loaner for when somebody asks, "Hey, can I borrow your knife?"

Just drop it in your weak side front pocket and get used to it.

Lots of good ideas here:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/980449-Traditional-and-Modern-pairings


This is my preferred combo.

Schrade 51OT by Pinnah, on Flickr
 
No belt pouches, you said, but lots of people seem to carry their fancy knives in pouches in the pocket. Prevents dinging up and maybe prevents some sliding around in pockets.
 
I carry a peanut in my watch pocket daily. -- Bought it on a whim, now I never leave home without it.
 
I'm a little biased because I like my Case peanut so well, but I think the 'nut is definitely one to think about. When you get it, you'll think it's too small to handle much of anything. You'll be wrong. ;)

IMG_25261_zps999f2f43.jpg


-- Mark
 
Case Peanut with CV (Chrome Vanadium) steel, all the way.

For a larger knife, you can always get a leather pocket sheath, and use a short length of cord/lanyard, to tie it to your belt, so it won't fall over in your pocket. If the knife has a bail/lanyard hole etc, you can do the same with just the knife.
 
I wear slacks most days so generally I put my knives in the change pocket. Thinking of also ordering a slip from a couple of different makers. As for knives, I have a few good one's that I carry. I think limiting yourself to under 3 is kind of tough, I think anything under 3.5 rides really well in my pocket. Here are some production and custom options:

1. Hiroaki Ohta makes some gorgeous small blades that are under 3 inches and makes a bunch under 3.5. If you do a search you can find his website.
2. My most carried knife is a JH Lloyd Wharnie Trapper, attached a pic below, it's about 3 3/8" but rides real small.
3. I'd also throw the Sodbuster Jr. in here, though it's 3 5/8, it rides much smaller in pocket.

Those are the 3 that most closely fit your requirements, but if you go bigger to ~3 5/8 and look for knives that handle smaller you can find something great either custom or production.

unnamed (6).jpg
 
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