Why do people EDC big knives?

I honestly dont think a reason needs to be given. People like what they like. Just like i dont ask why in the past ten years the case size of most watches has increased past the width of most human wrists and by 2020 we will be strapping grandfather clocks to our arms. I may not understand but the guy dragging his boat anchor seems to enjoy it so who am i to question it.
 
7" from tip to guard.

 
My sweet spot is 3.5". I don't mind going 3.25" or up to 3.75". Nearing 4" is where I think it starts to get a bit big for me. I can handle most 4" and I wouldn't mind in some cases, but some like the Manix 2 XL are awkward for me in deploying. That said, I don't think 3.5", which usually is 8.25" overall give or take, is big at all. I mean take a look at fixed blades. When you see a 3.5" fixed blade, big isn't the first thing that comes to mind. It is rather small compared to common fixed blades . So why should a 3.5" folder be too big. But in the end its all preference. I have nothing but respect for those who carry smaller and bigger.
 
To answer the original question of the thread: I could easily do my job (plumber) w/ a 3 or 3.5 in folder, but I like knives. I like using them, testing out different designs, steels and makers. I prefer fixed blades because they're simple. Latest EDCs are a Wimkler belt knife, Guardian 4, CPK Field knife and the venerable Busse S.O.B. While these are not really "big," in terms of blade length, they are admittedly larger than what I might "need". I carry what I *want* though!
 
Because a large knife can do the job of a small knife - though perhaps not as well all the time.

A small not cannot do the job of a large knife.
 
Joking aside, because my hands are extremely painful 100% of the time. It wasn't bad enough that I did stuff like dropped 1000lb tires on my fingers, crushed my hands with 400lb Atlas stones when I passed out with a stone at chest height and fell backwards, and more crap than I care to recall, but the cancer has caused severe nerve damage, and there are times when it is extremely difficult to pick up anything small and use it. Forget writing, it can't be done sometimes. I guess I can just be thankful that I'm well endowed and have something big enough to grab onto when I have to pay the water bill.

But a small knife? Yeah, that's not going to work in these hands. I just can't get my fingers to work that well.
 
I don't believe in carrying large knives. The biggest that I will normally carry is a Spyderco Military, or Manix 2 XL. And I normally carry tiny little knives like the Spyderco PM2.

But it looks like our state law may change soon and I'll have to carry a larger knife occasionally just because I can.
 
Never even realised i carry a "big" knife until now haha
(just feels more able... aaaand canada has strict gun laws too)
 
Last edited:
For me, bigger knives are just what end up in my pocket without me thinking. Over the past 2 years my most EDC'd knife is probably my ZT 0452cf. I guess my reason for it is partially for defense and partially because I just like them more. In my specific situation right now I don't think it would be practical to own or carry a gun, so I have always viewed my knife as my defensive option. Other than that I think it is because I prefer the ergonomics of bigger knives better, and I just think they're cool and get more satisfaction out of them. Everybody who knows me knows I always have a knife, so I don't worry much about scaring people.
 
I carry large (3.5"+) folders because:
a. They make my job easier
b. They cut food faster, better and more hygienically
c. I can't carry a gun in my country, two and four legged predators are in my country -as in every other-
d. They generally have large, longer handles that allow for more comfortable grip
e. More blade length means less abrasion per total length, which means less resharpening and more edge life
 
I am forced to carry a smaller knife because my enormous junk makes my pants too tight to fit a larger knife into the pocket. :D
Next: I have a bridge for sale.....
 
i like big folders, but only up to a certain point. more than 4 inches is too much for me, i like 3.5-4 inch knives best. one of the reasons is for self defense, and a knife that size gives me more confidence than a small one.
 
I agree that's it's just something you get used to. I like a nice full-sized handle and a one-handed open knife. I started with traditionals, moved on to modern knives and after carrying 4" blades for the last year or two, anything smaller just seems tiny. I know, that's what she said, but it's true. Anything larger is usually too heavy or doesn't fit in my pocket well, but 4" blades are just perfect for any occasion, be it fruit or paper or boxes or whatever. Maybe there's a "coolness factor" at work subconsciously, but no one else I know carries a knife or even is interested in them, so it's not like I carry it to impress anyone.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top