What Size You Packin'?

[CVamberbonehead]

You may have something there.
Maybe my need for a longer blade is my way of compensating for lack of...AHEM! No lack of anything here. Nosirree!

haha Thats alright, Im wearing a Kabar USMC when Im just sitting around my house right now lol

 

[MarkN86]

I usually carry a folder around 3", but can go half an inch bigger or smaller depending on design. It's enough blade to do what I need, short enough to be easy to control, and it's less likely to draw negative attention.

If I need a bigger knife I tend to prefer a fixed blade anyway.

 

[K.O.D.]

I want at least 3.5" of blade.
OAL less than 9" though I'll make an exception.
My theory has been that you may as well make it count; no sissy blades here.
Transitioning to all fixed has me rethinking this.
I mean it's not like I can walk around with a Bowie strapped to my belt (well, technically I think I can, but you know what I mean).
On the other hand, I just can't see myself whipping out some two incher.

What length are you comfortable with and why?

I haven't whipped out a two incher since elementary school...

Oh knives...

3.5" is about my max. Typical day around 3" depending. Summer is definitely smaller and lighter. That's for folders. I generally don't carry a fixed unless I'm going camping or somewhere I need more than a folder/OTF. FWIW, my only fixed is a Spyderco Aqua Salt, and a Becker BK5 which I sorta gifted to my dad, but since I'm living at home again, its the same thing.

 

[The_Knife_Man]

I just can't see myself whipping out some two incher.

I need at least 3.5 inches to be satisfied.

 

[Cvrobinson]

Always pack 3 blades....fixed, 3” approx folder, an a small folder
Covers about everything......Today’s carry

 

[flintrocker]

Today it is this one, about 2 5/8 inch blade. Made by Horsewright. Did everything I needed it to:

 

[Murphjd25]

3.6” CRK everyday . And usually a traditional or smaller knife in front pocket.

 

[Easyrider]

I prefer something in the 2” to 2.750” blade myself. If I need a big knife I go get one. For an edc a 2”-2.5” is ideal.

 

[Grandmaster]

3.3” to 3.5” is my preferred carry size, I dont use fixed blades, just my main edc folder and a custom SAK

 

[Hickory n steel]

I carried this the last 3 weeks and it was more than enough, It was quite pleasing knowing such a small knife was enough and didn't feel too small at all.

 

[Bastler]

The only time that I feel like I need more than 3 inches of blade is in the kitchen, or a machete.

 

[allenC]

For an everyday carry folder I prefer 2.25" to 3.75" of actual cutting edge, with 3.25" being nearly perfect.

For a fixed blade I prefer at least 6" of actual cutting edge.

Ideal handle length is about 4".

 

[jideta]

I was just thinking that it might be a stretch using anything less than 3" on a salami...

 

[Ironbut]

Just about all my modern folders are in the 3-3 1/2" range. That size seems about right for me for everyday use. For traditional knives, I prefer something like the medium stockman or Barlow.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

I usually carry 2 or 3 knives daily that range from around 1.5" to 5.5".

It's been mostly folders lately, but I do carry fixed blades as well.

This gives me some options and allows me to choose the best tool for the job.

For basic utility use, most people would be fine with a stockman or a SAK.