Why is it?

jakemex

jakemex

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Oct 19, 2011
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Why is it when you get nipped it's always a smaller knife that gets you?
 
I always figured it was respect.
A big knife tends to get it, while the small knife tends to earn it. And quick!
 
Thin sharp little blades with very little distance between open and closed position. People sometimes aren't used to half stops either. I've been cut many a time, but none requiring stitches. Still haven't been cut with the pen blade on my peanut like everyone complains about.
 
I looked at this thread last night, and it made me think a bit more about it. I think I've been bitten more times, when trying to open small blades on small knives. Very little 'purchase' on something like a pen blade in a barlow or other small jack (Peanut also comes to mind). Combine that with a tiny and/or shallow nail nick, and no chance of actually getting two fingers on the blade (because it's snugged up close to the 'main' blade behind it), and an alligator-snapper of a backspring (again, Peanut & Barlow). This leaves basically the thumbnail to get control over it, until it's opened enough to get two fingers on it. Just about the time the 2nd finger is getting into position on the backside of the blade, the blade gets away from the thumbnail and snaps shut, glancing off the knuckle of my thumb in the process (again).

Sort of reminds me of snakes. The very small ones are always tougher to catch & control, without getting bitten. It's much easier to get a 'fistful' of grip on a bigger snake, and with a bigger blade too.
 
I guess it's carelessness. "Meh, it's only a tiny knife. What harm could it possibly do?"

I can't relate to this, though. I got bit deep twice by my pocket bushman and once by a big axe I was sharpening. My canoes and tiny barlows on the other hand: Not even a playfull nibble.
 
I also have been cut more times handling a small knife than a large. In my mind it is because a small knife doesn't have as large an area to grab. Your fingers are automatically closer to the edge.
 
FLymon said:
I always figured it was respect.
A big knife tends to get it, while the small knife tends to earn it. And quick!
Click to expand...

I have a different theory........Or at least another reason in addition to the lack of respect.


My fat stubby fingers! Those tiny little blades have no space for good purchase with my fingers!
 
Because you love fondling it and playing with it. I can't keep my hands off my slipppies. My BM Ritter Grip is always on me but I only touch it to use it. My Peanuts and other slippies I love to hold, open and close and simply F around with more than my "modern" one hand openers.
They feel so good.

I like the little dog comparison. A Peanut is like a cool Jack Russell.
 
FLymon said:
I always figured it was respect.
A big knife tends to get it, while the small knife tends to earn it. And quick!
Click to expand...

I like this idea, although I've bitten by both equally. The smallest folder I own bit me because I didn't think a little tiny carbon blade could cut you by just touching it- I didn't give it enough respect. Now I look both ways before crossing that little knife's road. The largest folder I own struck me while I was cleanin 60 panfish because of slippery hands.
 
I've gotten myself bitten by a Peanut a couple times. The little pen blade is hard to control (even with a half-stop), and it'll nip you good if you're not careful.
 
GRIM 62 said:
Little knives nip you more because their feelings get hurt easier.;)
Click to expand...

That's got to be it! My Case Slimline Trapper is a snappy fellow too even though he's on the longer/larger side. Yesterday after sharpening him he just about got me when I closed him up. They must get "edgy" when my Endura or other larger knives are also in pocket! :p
 
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