What blade length do you find most useful for EDC?

[Joe Talmadge]

Hi KBR, I agree the Native works for a lot of people. But, to be more clear, I've handled one, and it doesn't fit my hand well at all, I find it both uncomfortable and insecure for my hands. I realize most people find it quite the opposite.

Sorry to have brought the thread off track! BAck to our regularly scheduled program: the answer is, 3.5" blade!



Joe

 

[Revolvergeek]

Joe,

Have you looked at the full size BM Griptillians? Seems like it has many of the general features that you listed.

 

[Carlos]

bttt

 

[WD40]

4" for me.I like the Millie for the same reasons as KBR. The ability to "choke up" on the blade makes it one of my fav's for edc.
William

 

[calyth]

3-4" is a definate for me
Anything smaller I'd find opening/closing would be uncomfortable, anything longer is probably going to jab me in the pocket.

 

[V-1]

The best folder blade length for my uses are 3" to 4" +/- .25". This covers office, shop, home and woods environments. I can get by fine w/ blades at the lower end of the above range depending on the model. There are some 3" blade models out that cut BIG.

 

[marty123]

A blade length of 2.75" - 3.125" is my first choice for EDC. Longer or shorter is okay, but this range is my first choice. If I going to carry only one knife on me for EDC it will be something like my Native or the Buck Odyssey, both with a blade around 3" long.

It's not just, or primarily, PC. Around 3" of blade, with the handle consequently being around 4" to 4.5" long, works best for me, in use and in IWB carry. A longer blade, such as my Starmate or my large micarta Goddard, isn't quite as handy for my mostly occasional, urban, light-use knife needs, and they're bigger than I want to carry around IWB, PC aside. PC is also a consideration. A knife will draw attention, and the bigger the knife the more attention, some of it unwanted. So around 3 inches is the choice for me.

I also like to carry, at the same time, a shorter ~2" blade, such as the Dragonfly or the Cricket.

Send me free knives.

 

[Blilious]

Sal is right (as usual) - this thread can teach us all about the "right" size...

Alas - BF members are not a regular bunch of knife buyers...

They are all knife freaks...

I still think 3.5-4 is the way to go...don't care too much for these tiny folders...I am big guy - I like big toys!

 

[Carlos]

bttt

 

[Manji]

something between 3" and 3.5"

 

[joebe]

i usually carry the Endura IWB for Defense and then carry a small
"innocent looking" SAK with light for public cutting, i used a Dragonfly about a month ago and this 20-something kid almost freaked !! As far as SD a serrated Endura would be hard to beat...
i accidently cut myself with a serrated Gerber tool blade and it leaves a nasty gash. the serrated Calypso Jr. might be the best compromise of size and efficientcy.

 

[Sal Glesser]

Good info Carlos. Thanx. I wonder how this affects the number of knives that are carried? It seems that a number of ELUs (me included) seem to carry a more PC model if they are carrying a larger piece.

sal

 

[Kublai]

I'm like Sal in that respect...I often carry a fairly non PC fixed blade (4 - 5") IWB and a "respectable" folder (3 - 4") in my pocket. Lately, it's been a Warren Thomas FB (extremely easy carry) and Sal's Temperance folder.

 

[V-1]

Originally posted by Sal Glesser
I wonder how this affects the number of knives that are carried? It seems that a number of ELUs (me included) seem to carry a more PC model if they are carrying a larger piece.

sal

Yes, it's less hassle. I carry a micarta Jester along w/ a larger folder. I use the Jester when a larger blade would be out of place. It's also nice to have when someone asks to borrow a knife. It's sold a couple zytel Jesters after a few people have used it. Not to mention there are times that a small blade is more convenient then a larger blade even w/ out PC considerations.

 

[KevinGallagher]

Although a Calypso JR is the perfect length of a blade for average use the Calypso JR grip is a tad to short for use in a tactical situation for me. I feel more confortable if I could only carry one blade would be the Police, not because of the blade length but because of the handle size.