I understand that Spyderco is working on a mini military, great, I want two.
But is there any interest or hope for a Mega Military? Say a scaled up version with a 5" blade?
Howzabout a matching Mega Police as well?
All you need is love, a sharp blade and a full clip
Mega Folder Military/Police
And who is going to carry these Mega folding blades...which part of the USA population?
hmm soldiers? SWAT? Counter /anti terrorist squads? or are you ( you, in a general sense)saying the general public is going to carry these Mega folders?
And where is anyone going to carry them?
in public places? on the street?
I do not want to confuse the fact that one "can" carry anything one wants regardless of the fact that one "may not" be allowed to carry something...by statutue or law..
I'm really curious...truly..
I know one can manufacture big folding knives..one can possess big folding knives...
but where can one legally carry a big folding knife?
I realize that at the opposite end of the spectrum are the really outrageous places that let one have by municiple/city Law 1/2" - 1" of blade....
and I don't mean those places..But most of what I see is that 3" is almost a sure bet to be carried..3.5"-4" starts to end the "you can carry it"
Enlighten me please...
And WHY would you want a mega Blade...???
I don't understand the thought process in that as well...
thank you ahead of time for explaining it to me!!!
hmm soldiers? SWAT? Counter /anti terrorist squads? or are you ( you, in a general sense)saying the general public is going to carry these Mega folders?
And where is anyone going to carry them?
in public places? on the street?
I do not want to confuse the fact that one "can" carry anything one wants regardless of the fact that one "may not" be allowed to carry something...by statutue or law..
I'm really curious...truly..
I know one can manufacture big folding knives..one can possess big folding knives...
but where can one legally carry a big folding knife?
I realize that at the opposite end of the spectrum are the really outrageous places that let one have by municiple/city Law 1/2" - 1" of blade....
and I don't mean those places..But most of what I see is that 3" is almost a sure bet to be carried..3.5"-4" starts to end the "you can carry it"
Enlighten me please...
And WHY would you want a mega Blade...???
I don't understand the thought process in that as well...
thank you ahead of time for explaining it to me!!!
Hi Bram, thanks for your input. I personally would like a folder with a 5 inch blade, or larger,(but not much), for backpacking, and hiking. Both times when you are trying to keep weight down. I know there are a couple of other companies that make large folders in this size range, but i really like the blade shape and durability of the military.
A 4-4.5 inch blade would be good. Fat liners made for some prying would be nice too.
Why?
Well if my HK91 gets FUBAR when the Russians come crawling through the mountains, well at least I would be able to cut through their winter clothing. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Seriously, thicker clothes need more penetration.
Laws?
Are not they social constructions to ensure the power of the few and to ensure that ED:s get locked away <b>after </b> the violence? I do not depend on our (understaffed) policeforce to help me in the time of need. As I have stated before:
My survival is priority one and the responsibility of preserving my life lies with me.
Everyone have a good day <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
/Colinz
BTW: You could always go custom, there are a lot of good makers out there who are willing to listen. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Why?
Well if my HK91 gets FUBAR when the Russians come crawling through the mountains, well at least I would be able to cut through their winter clothing. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Seriously, thicker clothes need more penetration.
Laws?
Are not they social constructions to ensure the power of the few and to ensure that ED:s get locked away <b>after </b> the violence? I do not depend on our (understaffed) policeforce to help me in the time of need. As I have stated before:
My survival is priority one and the responsibility of preserving my life lies with me.
Everyone have a good day <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
/Colinz
BTW: You could always go custom, there are a lot of good makers out there who are willing to listen. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
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Michael Janich
- Member
- Posts: 2995
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: Longmont, CO USA
- Contact:
I just spent a day discussing knife designs, engineering, lock strength and a number of other topics with Sal. In addition to having a great time, I learned a lot about the leverage involved in designing a good lock.
In case you don't know, MBC-rated locks must be able to withstand pressures of 200 pounds per inch of blade length. For example, the Gunting, with its 3-inch blade, must (and does) withstand 600 inch-pounds of pressure.
Once you get into the realm of blades over 4 inches in length, this is very hard to achieve without beefing up the knife so much that it becomes to burdensome to carry.
I agree that longer is better (get your minds out of the gutter - you know who you are), but the best fighting knife remains the one that you can guarantee you'll have with you when the fight starts. If your dress and personal image allow you to carry something larger, go for it. However, when you try to tuck a Vaquero Grande in your Speedos, you may choose to reconsider.
By the way, if you're wanting a large knife from Spyderco, ask Sal about fixed blades. Obviously, lock strength won't be an issue with those and longer blades are a definite possibility.
Stay safe,
mike j
In case you don't know, MBC-rated locks must be able to withstand pressures of 200 pounds per inch of blade length. For example, the Gunting, with its 3-inch blade, must (and does) withstand 600 inch-pounds of pressure.
Once you get into the realm of blades over 4 inches in length, this is very hard to achieve without beefing up the knife so much that it becomes to burdensome to carry.
I agree that longer is better (get your minds out of the gutter - you know who you are), but the best fighting knife remains the one that you can guarantee you'll have with you when the fight starts. If your dress and personal image allow you to carry something larger, go for it. However, when you try to tuck a Vaquero Grande in your Speedos, you may choose to reconsider.
By the way, if you're wanting a large knife from Spyderco, ask Sal about fixed blades. Obviously, lock strength won't be an issue with those and longer blades are a definite possibility.
Stay safe,
mike j
Wow Bram, Mega-Folders really seem to jerk your chain. Why?
How should I know what percentage the knife carrying population would purchase and /or carry a mega-military? That isn't what I asked anyway. I asked if there was any interest in one. If Cold Steel can do it, why not Spyderco if they so desired.
There is no length restriction under Oregon law either. And speaking of the Vaquero Grande, it is part of my daily carry. I figure if I'm interested in them, then there may be others interested as well. I didn't figure it would hurt to ask.
Quite frankly, I find your demand for "enlightenment" as well as the tone of your entire posting rather rude and disrespectful.
Michael- I don't know how Spyderco views their standards, but Cold Steel and REKAT both seem to be having success with their mega-folders, would Spyderco's be so much different? And as far as Speedo's go, that would definitely be a ridiculous situation, so why even bring it up? But the slacks I wear offer a very good carry option. The point is, IMHO, if you give some thought too what you want to carry, you dress accordingly, whether it's knives or guns.
Fixed blades? You bet! Is Sal considering a line of tactical fixed blades? If he is I would love to have some input into them.
All you need is love, a sharp blade and a full clip
How should I know what percentage the knife carrying population would purchase and /or carry a mega-military? That isn't what I asked anyway. I asked if there was any interest in one. If Cold Steel can do it, why not Spyderco if they so desired.
There is no length restriction under Oregon law either. And speaking of the Vaquero Grande, it is part of my daily carry. I figure if I'm interested in them, then there may be others interested as well. I didn't figure it would hurt to ask.
Quite frankly, I find your demand for "enlightenment" as well as the tone of your entire posting rather rude and disrespectful.
Michael- I don't know how Spyderco views their standards, but Cold Steel and REKAT both seem to be having success with their mega-folders, would Spyderco's be so much different? And as far as Speedo's go, that would definitely be a ridiculous situation, so why even bring it up? But the slacks I wear offer a very good carry option. The point is, IMHO, if you give some thought too what you want to carry, you dress accordingly, whether it's knives or guns.
Fixed blades? You bet! Is Sal considering a line of tactical fixed blades? If he is I would love to have some input into them.
All you need is love, a sharp blade and a full clip
I could be mistaken, but i thought OR law limited folder length to 4" in a concealed meathod (ie, in the pocket), though didn't limit in "overt" carry, such as a belt sheath. Also, to my understanding, FB's, when carried overtly, are of unlimited length, but i could be mistaken. Interesting, I, in theory, would have a harder time carrying a super small toothpick of a knife under my clothing then a sword on the bus. Well, we seem pretty libral here, and I see a fair number of neck knives and large blades strapped to peoples sides, even in urban Portland. We (that is, people who cary knives, not just in OR) do, however, have to worry about limits in citys/towns, etc, that might be more strict then state law.
afee- After I started training and began carrying, I went to the law library here in Eugene and went through the Oregon Statutes regarding weapons, the use of force, etc, and printed them all out. I also gave a copy to my instructor. I also personally contacted all three jurisdictions, city county and state and spoke with two officers from each. They each assured me that they use the state regs and concurred with the conclusions I had drawn.
Under Oregon law, as best as I can interpret it, there is no restriction on the length of blade you can carry concealed. There are many other types of restrictions on the types of knives, weapons, guns, you can carry concealed. Open carry is pretty much unrestricted, but not totally. The information I have does not address any other county or city.
Does this mean I have an iron clad legal position? Nope. From what I've been able to determine, police officers are not responsible for the interpretation of the law, just it's enforcement. The court interprets the law.
If you decide to study the laws that affect the jurisdictions you live in, I would be interested in hearing your results, we could do some information swapping.
All you need is love, a sharp blade and a full clip
Under Oregon law, as best as I can interpret it, there is no restriction on the length of blade you can carry concealed. There are many other types of restrictions on the types of knives, weapons, guns, you can carry concealed. Open carry is pretty much unrestricted, but not totally. The information I have does not address any other county or city.
Does this mean I have an iron clad legal position? Nope. From what I've been able to determine, police officers are not responsible for the interpretation of the law, just it's enforcement. The court interprets the law.
If you decide to study the laws that affect the jurisdictions you live in, I would be interested in hearing your results, we could do some information swapping.
All you need is love, a sharp blade and a full clip
Regarding the current issue of blade length. I'll share some thoughts with you, but I don't think that there is a "right" answer to this question of size, only different opinions. This is just my opinion.
When I designed the Military model, there was not a blade size restriction to the goal. In woriking with a variety of sizes, I decided that (for me) the largest practical folder is a 4" blade length. Anything larger than 4" would be far more effective as a fixed blade.
Some of the reasons being;
For ergonomics and control, the handle of a very sharp knife shouldn't be longer that 5.5" with 5.25 being closer to "ideal" for the majority of hands.
As the blade of a folder exceeds 5", the handle starts to exceed 6".
The dynamics of the lock strength that Spyderco would require to make such a large folder would be greater than I would consider really safe for the intended action. To make it really safe (by our standards) it would get very heavy.
The very long leverage arm would constantly play on the lock and would eventually cause something to loosen up (become less safe)...far sooner than a smaller blade or a FB. Hopefully not at a time of need.
Personally, I like my knives to be light and fast (like my cars, motorcycles and ...?) performance is prime.
The Fixed Blade Temperance. A 4.5" FB knive with a 4mm (.158) thick blade, full contollable handle of 5.25" (130mm) is an very strong package weighing in at 160gm (5.7 oz). Even with a kydex sheath it's still under 8oz.
In an MBC piece, control, reliability and a very sharp edge are core, IMO.
Lynn (Thompson) told me that his big Vaquero when opened was a foot long. long and thin.
I imagine that there would be some intimidation value, asssuming you were facing someone with no training.
The bust would be the same if apprehended with a large knife fixed or folded. At least with a fixed Blade, you could take off your coat and it wouldn'ty be concealed. in question perhaps, but usually not illegal.
I guess in the last analysis, I have to look in the mirror and decide if I am being responsible to my customers.
Just some of my own thoughts on the subject. Sorry for the rant.
Besides, if Spyderco made megafolders, what would happen to the Vaqueros and Sifus?
sal
When I designed the Military model, there was not a blade size restriction to the goal. In woriking with a variety of sizes, I decided that (for me) the largest practical folder is a 4" blade length. Anything larger than 4" would be far more effective as a fixed blade.
Some of the reasons being;
For ergonomics and control, the handle of a very sharp knife shouldn't be longer that 5.5" with 5.25 being closer to "ideal" for the majority of hands.
As the blade of a folder exceeds 5", the handle starts to exceed 6".
The dynamics of the lock strength that Spyderco would require to make such a large folder would be greater than I would consider really safe for the intended action. To make it really safe (by our standards) it would get very heavy.
The very long leverage arm would constantly play on the lock and would eventually cause something to loosen up (become less safe)...far sooner than a smaller blade or a FB. Hopefully not at a time of need.
Personally, I like my knives to be light and fast (like my cars, motorcycles and ...?) performance is prime.
The Fixed Blade Temperance. A 4.5" FB knive with a 4mm (.158) thick blade, full contollable handle of 5.25" (130mm) is an very strong package weighing in at 160gm (5.7 oz). Even with a kydex sheath it's still under 8oz.
In an MBC piece, control, reliability and a very sharp edge are core, IMO.
Lynn (Thompson) told me that his big Vaquero when opened was a foot long. long and thin.
I imagine that there would be some intimidation value, asssuming you were facing someone with no training.
The bust would be the same if apprehended with a large knife fixed or folded. At least with a fixed Blade, you could take off your coat and it wouldn'ty be concealed. in question perhaps, but usually not illegal.
I guess in the last analysis, I have to look in the mirror and decide if I am being responsible to my customers.
Just some of my own thoughts on the subject. Sorry for the rant.
Besides, if Spyderco made megafolders, what would happen to the Vaqueros and Sifus?
sal
-
Brian Lavin
- Member
- Posts: 69
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: San Diego, Ca. USA
TonieN..no they don't jerk my chain..and I'm sorry if you read into my comments as demanding or insulting..
wasn't meant that way..But if thats how you took it..oh well...
I have had many people ask about "Mega folders" ( in many forums)..no one ever explained why..they just told me "its better" I was hoping from your post you'd give me a clearer explaination instead you took it as a remark that needed defending..
Oh well..
To the coment 2" would have made a difference..I guess thats training perspective. ..understanding range and use of range..out of contect "oh If I had a longer reach...longer blade this cut would have reached? Thats like if my arm was longer my jab would have reached.."
no offense meant in this reply either.
As we train we do in real time...
Those of you that know me. know IF I COULD..I'd carry my RANDALLS..only most places wouldn't allow it..I could but I may not..
no lock to break..
great knives..combat & hunting proven to do the job..
Personally I do like knives I can carry..and for many years SPYDERCO has consistently made and continues to make Less than 4" blades that cut through and deeper than the blade size logically would dictate..
they're light, fast and easy to use..
The locks hold up and they give me no conflict with the law..
For those of you that live where you tell me one can carry bigger, hey go for it..
I'm jealous..
but its not reality where I've lived or currently live..
And "like Mike".. I use what I can carry...
and I carry what I "may use"
Forumites that insist that bigger is better jerk my chain..ROFL..not the knives themselves.Steel is steel...
hmm I always thought its not the size of your tool but how you use it...
"Speed costs money..How fast do you want to go?"
worked in cars..works in knives..and cubic inches wasn't the best way...
Sal and Mike have explained the leverage problems, locking problems..etc..
I learned the hard way as Sal explained to me the force that was going to be applied to the lock in my proposed Gunting Mega Folder..
leverage & physics made me go.."OOOHHHHHHH"
But personally I have nothing against them- big folders..
I have a few..they sit in my knife cases for me to look at...
have a great 4th of July..
By the way If I insulted anyone..with this reply...then don't read anything into my posts..theres no attitude nor intent to insult...
wasn't meant that way..But if thats how you took it..oh well...
I have had many people ask about "Mega folders" ( in many forums)..no one ever explained why..they just told me "its better" I was hoping from your post you'd give me a clearer explaination instead you took it as a remark that needed defending..
Oh well..
To the coment 2" would have made a difference..I guess thats training perspective. ..understanding range and use of range..out of contect "oh If I had a longer reach...longer blade this cut would have reached? Thats like if my arm was longer my jab would have reached.."
no offense meant in this reply either.
As we train we do in real time...
Those of you that know me. know IF I COULD..I'd carry my RANDALLS..only most places wouldn't allow it..I could but I may not..
no lock to break..
great knives..combat & hunting proven to do the job..
Personally I do like knives I can carry..and for many years SPYDERCO has consistently made and continues to make Less than 4" blades that cut through and deeper than the blade size logically would dictate..
they're light, fast and easy to use..
The locks hold up and they give me no conflict with the law..
For those of you that live where you tell me one can carry bigger, hey go for it..
I'm jealous..
but its not reality where I've lived or currently live..
And "like Mike".. I use what I can carry...
and I carry what I "may use"
Forumites that insist that bigger is better jerk my chain..ROFL..not the knives themselves.Steel is steel...
hmm I always thought its not the size of your tool but how you use it...
"Speed costs money..How fast do you want to go?"
worked in cars..works in knives..and cubic inches wasn't the best way...
Sal and Mike have explained the leverage problems, locking problems..etc..
I learned the hard way as Sal explained to me the force that was going to be applied to the lock in my proposed Gunting Mega Folder..
leverage & physics made me go.."OOOHHHHHHH"
But personally I have nothing against them- big folders..
I have a few..they sit in my knife cases for me to look at...
have a great 4th of July..
By the way If I insulted anyone..with this reply...then don't read anything into my posts..theres no attitude nor intent to insult...
Sorry, not sure I understood you correctly.
1. What about carrying a big blade in a small package = a folder.
2. Long blade = deeper "slicing" penetration through thick clothing, when pushcutting doesn´t do the trick.
3. Thicker liners = tougher lock. Maybe good enough for some prying too.
Just curious about your thougths on these points, BRAM.
/Colinz <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
--double tap due to forum software glitch--
Edited by - Colinz on 7/3/2001 4:56:14 PM
Edited by - Colinz on 7/3/2001 4:57:17 PM
1. What about carrying a big blade in a small package = a folder.
2. Long blade = deeper "slicing" penetration through thick clothing, when pushcutting doesn´t do the trick.
3. Thicker liners = tougher lock. Maybe good enough for some prying too.
Just curious about your thougths on these points, BRAM.
/Colinz <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
--double tap due to forum software glitch--
Edited by - Colinz on 7/3/2001 4:56:14 PM
Edited by - Colinz on 7/3/2001 4:57:17 PM
Bram Im highly insulted by your reply....LOL <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> , just kidding mate, I admit I lurv the big blades, just for show, not really for use.
A 4" blade to me is the ideal size for hard and not so hard work that may involve cutting things from paper/cardboard to wood.
Personally I dont believe that carring a longer blade is going to save your @$$ if you are attacked, every "advantage" has its "disadvantages" far as Im concerned, if I where to be attacked the 4" civie or Matriarch I carry in my opinion would be fine for the job.
I donno, I can see why people would like walking around with a broadsword (Sal wanna make me one of these? <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> hehe) but if you think about it, if this knife had a blade of say over 5", as Sal said the handle would be well over 6".
Now drawing that out of your pocket or belt and drawing your Civilian/Military, would the longer handle (which is quite a length) not slow your reponce down?
The smaller versions should get out quicker if Im not wrong, and Id say it would be better to have something out when you need it rather than nothing.
Ill go with Sals comment on, for a blade over 5", try out a full blade with no lock(not a folder), and just have the sheath on yar belt or down the leg of ya pants (like I do with my Gerber MarkII)
This is just my opinion and I may very well be wrong, but Im just offering my takings on this, hope it helped.
Seeya guys
MaNcEr
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
A 4" blade to me is the ideal size for hard and not so hard work that may involve cutting things from paper/cardboard to wood.
Personally I dont believe that carring a longer blade is going to save your @$$ if you are attacked, every "advantage" has its "disadvantages" far as Im concerned, if I where to be attacked the 4" civie or Matriarch I carry in my opinion would be fine for the job.
I donno, I can see why people would like walking around with a broadsword (Sal wanna make me one of these? <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> hehe) but if you think about it, if this knife had a blade of say over 5", as Sal said the handle would be well over 6".
Now drawing that out of your pocket or belt and drawing your Civilian/Military, would the longer handle (which is quite a length) not slow your reponce down?
The smaller versions should get out quicker if Im not wrong, and Id say it would be better to have something out when you need it rather than nothing.
Ill go with Sals comment on, for a blade over 5", try out a full blade with no lock(not a folder), and just have the sheath on yar belt or down the leg of ya pants (like I do with my Gerber MarkII)
This is just my opinion and I may very well be wrong, but Im just offering my takings on this, hope it helped.
Seeya guys
MaNcEr
It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum
Interesting bits of discussion. Thanx to all involved.
Ken and Michael, yes, I agree that longer is better, to a point(pun intended), in that that it offers some degree of advantage in distance, range and measure.
Bram, I asked about the chances of a mega-folder and didn't make any comment about bigger is better, those are your words! If you really wanted to know why I thought it offered an advantage, why didn't you simply ask me instead of going through all the other histrionics?
But seeing as how you've finally asked so sweetly<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>, I'll be glad to share my opinion. And this is just that, my opinion, based on my training and fighting in the masks where I study.
First of all, let's get one thing out of the way, I don't see "longer as better" as an absolute. But "shorter is better" isn't true at all. If it was, the LadyBug would be the premier fighting folder on the market! And I do like some smaller knives. Even as I type I have a Merlin clipped into my shirt front. What a great little blade!!
The problem lays in how you define better. That is such a vague meaningless term that people kinda' plug whatever gut level emotional meaning they want into it. For me, in this case, better doesn't mean best, it means a degree of advantage. And in that respect, I think a five or six inch blade does offer an advantage over a three and a half inch blade. Not necesarily a devastating or insurmountable one, but an advantage none the less.
But it's only one factor in the myriad of factors that go into blade play. Control of range, control of measure, training, experience, style, skill level, all these and more, including blade length, make up these factors.
I just measured the distance from the tip of my Vaquero Grande to where my grip on it starts, it's nine inches. If you and I were blade tip to blade tip, my VG to your three and half inch Gunting you would have to expose your whole hand and wrist to my blade before you could touch my hand. This is an advantage for me and a disadvantage to you. Blade length is distance, reach, and time.
Like I said though, it wouldn't necessarily be an insurmountable advantage. Heck, against your skill and experience it might not be an effective advantage at all. But it is an advantage. And against lesser skilled opponents it could be a devastating advantage.
I've seen this played out time and time again in our sparring sessions in the fencing masks. In mixed length sparring, I've seen those one or two extra inches be the difference between a hit and a miss. And it wasn't because somebody misjudged the range or measure. It was because sparring is a fluid situation where things can change in literally a tenth of a second or less.
This is especially true when you throw the eight to ten inch Bowie knife into the mix. Every so often we like to spar with multiple attackers. We quite often start out with everyone armed with four inch trainers and go two on one. The only one who has ever survived "unscathed" was our instructor.
But if you give the monkey in the middle an eight or ten inch Bowie Knife, suddenly even the lesser practiced members of our class are successfully defending themselves. And yes, I do carry a Bowie. Right now it's a Cold Steel Bush Ranger. But sometime this next week I should be getting a custom made Bowie with an integral fighting guard, and it will be my regular carry.
Your comment about the 2" being nothing more than understanding range and use of range is only half true. My skill level is, whatever my skill level is and whatever it will become through training no matter what tool I have in my hand. Those two inches just give me another tool or dimension to work with. And if I can use it to my advantage, why shouldn't I seek it and make it mine? After all, the bottom line here isn't winning some kind of silly arguement, it's me being able to defend my life or the lives of my loved ones.
Putting aside all the little half truths we use, i.e. "it's not the size of your tool, but how you use it", go ahead, use a LadyBug against a Katana or maybe a Crossada, see how much truth is in it then! I'm going to seek every advantage I can get. Whether it's training in class, practicing with my targeting and cutting dummies at home, or even getting the most effective tools I can, I want that advantage.
Even you said that if you could, you would carry your Randalls. Well, here in Oregon you can. And the law allows you to carry it concealed as long as it's not double edged. So why not?
So Sal, have you thought about a fixed blade version of the Military with say a 5" blade and a 4.5" handle?
One of the design features I really like about the Military is the amount of usable blade it offers. Many times, as I've been working with my cutting dummy I've found that most blade designs don't consistently allow you to get the last inch or so of the blade nearest the handle into the cut. The synergy of the handle and blade designs of the Military almost eliminates that and allows for use of the whole blade. In my opinion it has cutting characteristics equal to some larger knives.
So would that synergy survive if it was scaled up?
All you need is love, a sharp blade and a full clip
Ken and Michael, yes, I agree that longer is better, to a point(pun intended), in that that it offers some degree of advantage in distance, range and measure.
Bram, I asked about the chances of a mega-folder and didn't make any comment about bigger is better, those are your words! If you really wanted to know why I thought it offered an advantage, why didn't you simply ask me instead of going through all the other histrionics?
But seeing as how you've finally asked so sweetly<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>, I'll be glad to share my opinion. And this is just that, my opinion, based on my training and fighting in the masks where I study.
First of all, let's get one thing out of the way, I don't see "longer as better" as an absolute. But "shorter is better" isn't true at all. If it was, the LadyBug would be the premier fighting folder on the market! And I do like some smaller knives. Even as I type I have a Merlin clipped into my shirt front. What a great little blade!!
The problem lays in how you define better. That is such a vague meaningless term that people kinda' plug whatever gut level emotional meaning they want into it. For me, in this case, better doesn't mean best, it means a degree of advantage. And in that respect, I think a five or six inch blade does offer an advantage over a three and a half inch blade. Not necesarily a devastating or insurmountable one, but an advantage none the less.
But it's only one factor in the myriad of factors that go into blade play. Control of range, control of measure, training, experience, style, skill level, all these and more, including blade length, make up these factors.
I just measured the distance from the tip of my Vaquero Grande to where my grip on it starts, it's nine inches. If you and I were blade tip to blade tip, my VG to your three and half inch Gunting you would have to expose your whole hand and wrist to my blade before you could touch my hand. This is an advantage for me and a disadvantage to you. Blade length is distance, reach, and time.
Like I said though, it wouldn't necessarily be an insurmountable advantage. Heck, against your skill and experience it might not be an effective advantage at all. But it is an advantage. And against lesser skilled opponents it could be a devastating advantage.
I've seen this played out time and time again in our sparring sessions in the fencing masks. In mixed length sparring, I've seen those one or two extra inches be the difference between a hit and a miss. And it wasn't because somebody misjudged the range or measure. It was because sparring is a fluid situation where things can change in literally a tenth of a second or less.
This is especially true when you throw the eight to ten inch Bowie knife into the mix. Every so often we like to spar with multiple attackers. We quite often start out with everyone armed with four inch trainers and go two on one. The only one who has ever survived "unscathed" was our instructor.
But if you give the monkey in the middle an eight or ten inch Bowie Knife, suddenly even the lesser practiced members of our class are successfully defending themselves. And yes, I do carry a Bowie. Right now it's a Cold Steel Bush Ranger. But sometime this next week I should be getting a custom made Bowie with an integral fighting guard, and it will be my regular carry.
Your comment about the 2" being nothing more than understanding range and use of range is only half true. My skill level is, whatever my skill level is and whatever it will become through training no matter what tool I have in my hand. Those two inches just give me another tool or dimension to work with. And if I can use it to my advantage, why shouldn't I seek it and make it mine? After all, the bottom line here isn't winning some kind of silly arguement, it's me being able to defend my life or the lives of my loved ones.
Putting aside all the little half truths we use, i.e. "it's not the size of your tool, but how you use it", go ahead, use a LadyBug against a Katana or maybe a Crossada, see how much truth is in it then! I'm going to seek every advantage I can get. Whether it's training in class, practicing with my targeting and cutting dummies at home, or even getting the most effective tools I can, I want that advantage.
Even you said that if you could, you would carry your Randalls. Well, here in Oregon you can. And the law allows you to carry it concealed as long as it's not double edged. So why not?
So Sal, have you thought about a fixed blade version of the Military with say a 5" blade and a 4.5" handle?
One of the design features I really like about the Military is the amount of usable blade it offers. Many times, as I've been working with my cutting dummy I've found that most blade designs don't consistently allow you to get the last inch or so of the blade nearest the handle into the cut. The synergy of the handle and blade designs of the Military almost eliminates that and allows for use of the whole blade. In my opinion it has cutting characteristics equal to some larger knives.
So would that synergy survive if it was scaled up?
All you need is love, a sharp blade and a full clip