When and why would you need a folder bigger than a Rat-2 ?

[Pilsner]

Why stop at a RAT-2? Compared with a Vic Classic or Leatherman PS4, the RAT-2 is just overkill in my view. Why would anyone want such a huge knife? Come to think of it, the Vic Classic is looking a bit hefty to me now. I think I'll just stick to using my teeth and nails.

 

[eugenechia1989]

I had to cut a whole bunch of thick rope once and the longer blade on the Ontario RAT Model 1 I was carrying that day really helped. Would have taken more time and effort with a shorter blade and since it was an entangled crocodile we were dealing with, time was of the essence. I hate to keep bringing up my crocodile story but it is by far the most demanding task I've ever subjected one of my knives to, and anything less than a Model 1 (both in blade length and overall robustness) wouldn't do. Can't imagine if all I had was a SAK that day!

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Any kind of extended cutting or cutting particularly tough media and I want a larger folder. Partly because a longer blade can span thicker media, partly for greater leverage, but mostly because a larger, hand-filling handle makes those tasks much, much more comfortable and easier.

 

[Quiet]

What's this "we" stuff white man ?
I carry SAKs at work but they cannot begin to hold up to the cutting I have to do edge wear wise and actually need M4 (Para2 and Military) or M390 (710 and Griptillian) or at a minimum CTS-XHP (full flat ground Cold Steel Ti Lite IV).

PS : link to the punch line.

Well see, that's good! You have some articulable need you can state whenever the knife police demand to see your papers. LOL

 

[Quiet]

Would need something more substantial.

Also fair.

 

[reppans]

I was just looking for over-built/hard-use folders for practicing bushcrafting and wood processing incl. light batoning - as close as I could get to a folding fixed blade. CS SR1/4Max, BM Adamas level stuff - they're all built around 4". I know a fixed blade is better for that, but open carry is not acceptable in my lifestyle and I haven't found a comfortable/safe way to deep conceal one.

 

[midnight flyer]

Being in construction, sometimes having a longer blade is needed. With blown in foam insulation in a 3 1/2” wall and needing to cut out a section, a longer blade is more useful.

And more useful for other things, too. When I am on site, I want a handful of handle, something my sweaty and slippery or cold and numb hands can grasp well. Small knives have small handles (for the most part, yes... I have seen the CS Tuff Lite) and I have large hands. Small handles less than 4" aren't optimum for me and my mitts for a working knife. I have a few knives with 4" handles that are just too small due to their design to be comfortable.

I prefer the larger knives for their ability to perform, too. Think of all the things you shouldn't do with a knife, and an honest work knife will find itself doing those things from time to time. I find the larger blades can be found more easily in a thicker size, making them more sturdy overall for daily on-site chores.

Robert

 

[marchone]

Maybe the OP went to buy a larger folder?

 

[evilgreg]

Well see, that's good! You have some articulable need you can state whenever the knife police demand to see your papers. LOL

My backup justification for defending my pocket knife as a tool and not a weapon is almost always that I'm carrying an actual weapon (e.g. a Walther PPS M2 today) as well. I mean, why would I use that cute little Southard as a weapon when I have eight 9mm hollow points on tap for that purpose?

Our crummy knife laws do make for some weird situations, though. I'll be in Chicago later today, where my concealed handgun is legal but the Spyderco Southard I'm currently carrying is not (the adult blade length limit is 2.5"). It's truly bizarre.

You're a CCL holder carrying a double stack nine and pockets full of backup mags? No problem, citizen, carry on. You also have a Benchmade Mini Griptilian? Why do you have that deadly weapon unless it's to go on a murder death kill spree? Off to jail with you.

Note: Don't worry about that weapon of mass destruction Southard folks. To maintain the safety of the residents of Chicago (such a safe place, lol) I'll leave the Southard at home and grab my Olamic Busker instead when I head in to the city (with my handgun of course) later today.

 

[marchone]

Truth be told, as much as I am jonesing for a custom Laconico EZC, I have serious doubts about the overall usefulness of a sub-3-inch pinprick of a blade.

 

[jstrange]

My wife is more than satisfied with 3". At least that's what she tells me.

 

[Dean51]

I can see a longer blade when more reach is needed, cutting into blown in foam insulation was mentioned or watermelons. Other than that I see no reason for a large folder.

I have a Rat 1 and a Manly Wasp If I'm cutting heavy double wall cardboard or radiator hose, I'll pick the smaller Wasp everytime. (2.8” vs 3.5” blade) The Wasp's blade geometry is much better, so it cuts with less effort and doesn't need a 5” handle to hold on to.

A lot of large folders are built with thick saber ground stock and then a large handels is needed for cutting thick heavy material.

I prefer handle lenghts from 3.8” to 4 1/4” and a blade length of 2.8” to 3 1/4”. With good blade geometry so a 5' handle is not necessary for cutting chores.

 

[The_Iron_Joe]

I agree with the majority work /Task specific needs for the larger blade.

-I'm curious what you use your
Ulu for ?

I have used it anywhere a longer cutting edge wasn't needed, really. I've used it to open clamshell cases, as well as cardboard, tape and other plastics, cut my steak, making feather-sticks for fires, scraping stickers off glass, opening packages... Mostly regular stuff you'd expect to cut with any EDC blade. I have also done much more abusive things such as prying things open. I thought I may miss having a more acute tip, but I've found the two available to be sufficient for most tasks. One thing I'm waiting on feedback for is how it fares as a hunting knife.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Truth be told, as much as I am jonesing for a custom Laconico EZC, I have serious doubts about the overall usefulness of a sub-3-inch pinprick of a blade.

I suspect you'll be pleasantly surprised. I typically carry two knives, one sub 3" slicer for most of my cutting and a larger folder for larger jobs. Moat of the time I could get by very happily with only my Bestech Goblin, which is pretty minuscule.

 

[mwhich50]

Because it all just boils down to personal preference. I don't like folders with blades smaller than 3", so I wonder why folks carry knives that are so small?

I have a SAK Classic on my key chain, so I don't need to carry another little knife. I don't like carrying XL knives in shorts (Florida). I prefer 3.75"-4". I have never used a knife to defend myself, and probably never will, but if I am going to carry a knife why not have that option? I have a couple dozen smaller knives in my collection. I will probably start carrying them when I am a senior .

 

[115Italian]

With most folders, blade length and handle length go together. I have many fixed blades with 3 inch blades. A three inche blade does work fine for me. But with most folders i need a 3.25 inch blade to get my comfortable handle length.
This is all personal preference.

 

[GB940Rookie]

I prefer 3.5ish blades for work. I’ve tried 2-4” knives and have found that sub 3” knives are inadequate for the type of work I do. (construction)
At home, just fartin around, a 3” blade works fine.

 

[jmh33]

I have many fixed blades with 3 inch blades. A three inche blade does work fine for me.

Yep.. I agree!! This is where 95% of my FBs fall... John

 

[jbmonkey]

When I'm stabbing people, I need more reach.

better be a tri-ad if ya are......

back to op's question.....i find bigger folders more useful. more edge to cut more. larger handle for more grip area. that is more relative to the knife and ones hand size than anything else. no need for Mr. big hands to post his squeezed all fingers on tiny folder handle picture.......

 

[cbrstar]

OP, a little while back I wasn't particularly interested in larger folders either. I just thought they were too big to fit comfortably in the pocket, and maybe too noticeable and bring unwanted attention.

Well that changed when I got my blurple Spyderco military. Honestly I bought it for the price as a novelty. But that knife has completely changed my view and has become my goto EDC. I now find it hard to go back to a smaller knife like my PM3.

I hate to admit it, but it does make me feel more secure. I live in a rural part of Canada and I enjoy getting out in nature. Even though there's a slim to little chance of getting attacked by a wild animal. I do feel better with a larger knife being out in the middle of nowhere by myself.
I also feel like a large knife makes certain cutting tasks easier. A longer blade = more leverage.

I'm not the type of guy who likes doubles of anything. But when a slightly different Military came up for sale I jumped at it, as its that good!