What blade length do you find most useful for EDC?

[Carlos]

Legalities aside, which blade length do you find most useful and efficient for your everyday cutting chores?

 

[Colinz]

*girlish scream of anxiety*

A Gunting with a four inch blade would be nice, thanks.



/Colinz, happy Gunting owner (live and soon the trainer version too).

 

[m@thew]

Good post Carlos, i chose the 2 1/2" option, it seems i appreciate the solidity and intimidation factor of larger knives, but i always feel that i have much more knife than i need in terms of blade length, the smallest i've used for EDC has been my Salsa (around 2 1/2"), i sometimes feel that i could make do with an even smaller blade, but of course grip comfort is then compromised.

 

[Architect]

Although I could get by with a smaller blade than the 2.75 - 3.25 inche category that I voted for, I generally find that the handle and one-hand opening device (such as a Spyderhole) generally do not function particularly well for me on blades under 2.75 inches.

I have also found that for certain chores like box cutting and string etc. that a sub 2.5 inch blade is actually better than a larger blade.

But for most other utility chores, I have found myself preferring a 3 - 3.5 inch blade these days.

Bring back the Worker.

 

[John Watson]

I normally like something in the 3 to 4 inch range for normal EDC if there is not legal limit causing me to alter my norm. I do carry smaller depending on the circumstances, such as at work the sheeple are aghast at anything nearing 4 inches. I recently carried my full size Calypso SE to a meeting a they had pastries there. I took out my knife to cut the pastries to share with others and got a range of looks and comments. I do however work with mostly women, not that there is anything wrong with that. I have had equally odd stares and comments from male coworkers.

 

[martin j]

I prefer 3-3.5", however I don't work in office style environment, I provide maintenance work in apartment bldgs and therefore frequently need more length and strength than necessary in office carry knifes.
Martin

 

[Sal Glesser]

Great survey Carlos, thanx. Let's try to get as many responses as possible.

This type of survey can find out more realistically the effect of PC in our EDCs.

sal

 

[Sierra1]

As I spend my days in an urban (PC) office environment, my EDC is a Spyderco Experimental (about the size of a Co-Pilot), used as a money clip. Even then, I get comments from people.

Outside the office, I augment that with either a BM 710, or a large plain Sebenza.

I have seen a definite change in public perception since 9-11. Now the prevailing view seems to be knife=terrorist. I miss the old days, when common sense still had a foot in the door.

Sierra1

 

[James Y]

I always have a bunch of knives on me, if not in my pocket(s), than tucked away in my fanny pack (or both!). For general everyday cutting use, such as boxes, string, packages, etc., I could get by with a small knife such as my Ladybug on my keyring. However, I feel most comfortable with at least a 2.9" to 3" blade like a Delica.

What I find myself reaching for the most, though is blades up to about the Endura length (3.9"?). It seems more versatile and a bit more sturdy. I always have one of the Benchmade Griptilians on me (3.5" blade or mini). Lately, my larger-carry Spydie has been a fully-serrated Endura. Especially on the weekends I prefer a larger blade, but nothing longer than the Police.
Jim

 

[Mitchell Knives]

For general use, a 4 inch blade will do just about everything I require. When I want to be a little more preicise, I might go with a 3 inch blade. Anything under 3 seems too small for me.

 

[Ric24581]

My rotation includes folders between 3.1" and 5.5".

My vote for the perfect all around EDC length is 4".

 

[KBR]

I've been carrying my Military for quite awhile now, even around the house, and I love that 4" blade. It's my favorite, hands down!! Although the blade is a hefty length, I find that the choil and textured spine allow me to do precision cuts with ease. Great knife!!!!

IMHO, I think that the 4" blade is the ideal length for EDC. However, if a smaller knife would be more appropriate, I'll use my Native or Delica(until my Vesuvius 50/50 comes in). I wouldn't go with anything less than 3" for EDC, though.

 

[DB1]

Most of my EDC blades run ~ 3"

 

[VampyreWolf]

My carry normally consists of a few sizes...

Delica, FRN, PE
Calypso jr lt, PE
Cricket, Tufram(until my SS handles are done), SE
Dragonfly, SS, PE
CRKT BearClaw, PE
POS Multitool

and if I plan to do any hard work, requiring prying or chopping, my 4" tanto(fixed), back/horizontal/left carry.

 

[DAFOX]

While I can get by most of the time with a Copilot, I still require a blade of 3.0" +/-.25". Solution- I carry both!!

 

[Allen E. Treat]

For me it's the 2" of "Cricket". I am considering a "Salsa"
as well for "rotation" Love those small knives!

A.E.T.

 

[Joe Talmadge]

My answer is: 3.5" blade. My more accurate answer is: biggest blade that can be stuffed into a 4.5" handle.

My tradeoffs are:

1. Carryability: perhaps the most limiting factor. Anything with a handle bigger than 4.5" starts to bother me, 5" is my max. handle size for EDC, anything bigger is specialty-carry.
2. Big enough: I want the blade to be as big as possible, since defensive use might be a backup application in mind for an EDC
   [/list=1]
   
   So I'm always trying to balance off getting the biggest blade I can, into a package with a 4.5" handle. That usually means a 3.5" blade, but some knifemakers do a better job on blade-to-handle ratio (e.g., Elishewitz), though probably at the detriment to strength. Guys like Elishewitz can get a 3.75" blade into a 4.5" handle.
   
   Unfortunately, there's no great solution in the production market for the EDC knife I'd like:
   
   • reliable lock (not a liner lock)
   • 4.5" handle w/ at least 3.5" blade
   • maximum carryability (handles not too thick, overall package not too heavy).
   • useful blade shape for everyday use
   • strong enough blade for backup defensive applications
   • Not totally required, but a plus would be to be premium materials and good styling.
   
   If you think of a bunch of good knives off the top of your head, you'll see one or the other on this list knock that knife off. BM Osbourne, blade too thin and narrow for defensive use. Spyderco Keating, too big & heavy. Spyderco Military, handle too big and liner lock. BM Axis AFCK, handle too big. Endura? A bit bigger than I'd like. Delica? A bit too small. ETc.
   
   Joe

 

[numberthree]

The upcoming Spyderco Paramilitary might just be the ticket for you, Joe...give or take a 1/4" of blade or so...

Also the Native is nice middle ground between the Delica and the Endura, and is very comfortable to use as well. If you haven't tried one, I recommend it strongly...

when do I get my commission check, Sal?!

 

[Joe Talmadge]

Is the paramilitary a smaller version of the Military? The Military's blade-to-handle ratio is abysmal, but if they've fixed that, and it's not a liner lock, could be good!

I admire the native in pics, but the handle shape doesn't work for me at all, unfortunately.

Thanks for the suggestions

Joe

 

[KBR]

Don't let its' size fool you, the Native is a great little workhorse of a knife. As far as the handle goes, it's an excellent ergonomic design that's made to fit the hand. I was skeptical from seeing the knife in pics too, until I found one at a local dealer and found the grip to be very natural and comfortable. I liked it so much that I bought it!

Just my .02 cents...Good Luck