DOWNSizing

[spydutch]

Greetings you all :)

When I first started to collect Spyders, I was for the main part attracted by the big models. Since over here in the Netherlands we're still allowed to carry any folder as long as it doesn't exceed 28 cm when opened(balisong is the exception), I wasn't worried by not obeying the law. I confidently walked around carrying my Mili, Endura or Police.

However, when cutting had to be done, I found my Cricket or my Jester much handier for those general cutting chores(envelopes, toy packages, boxes ect.) I found those big blades a little awkward to handle on those cutting chores.

So a month ago I decided to put my big Spyders away and only carry the little big knives with the top 2 of the picture the biggest. BTW after using only the small blades exclusively, the Delica and the Tasman look huge.

Futhermore, by only carrying those little knives, I don't have to worry that I scare other people when I have to cut in public.

For the last month I haven't missed my bigger blades one bit. I get by very fine by carrying/using just my Navigator or/and Cricket, so I won't think I will carry a big blade again very soon(this may change when I get "my" serrated Captain though :D )

I'm curious: are there anymore of you who only carry and use the little big Spyders?

Here is a picture of my current EDC rotation.

[Hannibal Lecter]

My Dear Friend,

I can legally carry up to 3.5" concealed in my jurisdiction, but generally never exceed 3". The Harpy SE and Yojimbo are my most common EDCs, followed closely by a Cricket PE and Blue Almite Walker.

In contrast, I have been EDCing a Manix PE of late and it is admittedly a LOT of knife to pack around in one's pocket. :D

It is a rare occurence that I purchase anything with over a 3.5" blade length, as I want to be able to actually carry and use my knives. Anything over 3.5" is legal for open carry here, but it is in a grey area of the law in which the LEO has some opportunity for interpretation as to what constitutes "concealed" or not.

--------
Hannibal

[fishtale]

Yup, The Cricket and navigator rock. I always have one of each on me. Unless I'm fishing or working in the yard, I never really need more than a 2 1/2 inch blade. Small is cool.

[Piet.S]

There is some Norwegian saying about the size of your knife. It says the bigger the blade you carry, the less you understand about knives. This may not allways be true but I believe there is some wisdom in it.

[BlackNinja]

Hey Dutch,
I pretty much only use my Cricket. I've found the same results you did when carrying a bigger model (not people friendly, and awkward for most cutting chores). I do always have a SD knife with me, as well, ie; ATR, Chinook, Millie, etc... Instead of having to whip out one of those models to cut cardboard, I have my handy dandy Cricket.

[markg]

I'm with BlackNinja on this one...

I carry a larger knife for those things that would take a larger knife. In reality those things rarely happen! :)

I carry a Cricket for 99.9% of all my cutting needs. The reverse S curve of the Cricket is perfect for most urban cutting needs... It makes quick work of the worst material BLISTER PACKS!!!

[surawut]

I recently got SPIN. I really like it a lot. I think for most of the EDC use (especially in the urban and office environment), 2 inches of blade will do the job. As for SPIN, many people around me, including girls that is easily scared, think SPIN is a cute knife. The blade shape also make it less offensive in public usage.

I will get a Seratted Jester soon when it is in VG-10 as well.

For camping and outdoor, I still prefer something bigger to ease the tasks. In most case, I take Delica.

[Halfneck]

Only time I carry a smaller knife is while wearing a suit. At those times it was usually my William Henry 3" Spear point or a custom 3" lockback by W.C. Davis. Lately it has been a Spyderco Kiwi. Of course I don't wear a suit too often.

I am sure the smaller knives would suit my everyday cutting needs just as well. I just prefer not to go smaller than a Delica size knife. Currently EDC a 93mm Blue Rescue at work and a Endura 4 outside of work while I await my Spyderco Kris.

Got to admit I really like the looks of the Navigator though.

[Civilian]

Nope! Military, Civilian, ATR, Police, Lum Tanto(folding). Though I will admit that the ZDP Caly Jr has crept in a little as of late.

[smcfalls13]

The Dodo is fast becoming the primary EDC, despite it's second string location on my person. I do seem to prefer smaller blades, though I can't quite figure out why. :confused: It's a whole bunch of reasons actually.

[rcbalt2]

I usually have a main knife and a back-up. The back up is a D-fly. When people ar around I don't pull out the persian or native or other full sized folder, I go for the d-fly. It does the job and does it well. I have a Cricket on the way so we will see if that takes the D-fly's place. I do think smaller knives are underrated but the big ones tend to fit my hands better. What I really need to do is get a dodo.

[dialex]

Well, to me it was the opposite thing. I started with the smaller spydies and in time I found myself using bigger ones. But I still love the little ones as well.

[Simple Man]

Nope, I end up cutting/nicking myself more with smaller knives. The Endura is the perfect size for me.

[gull wing]

Up until now, I didn't even have a small knife. Delica, Salt 1, CalypsoJr, being the smallest I had. It just so happens I have a Dragonfly on the way (due in Friday). I find myself in need of a small, very sharp knife, so the Dragonfly should fill that need. Yes, I guess I am downsizing.

[Mr Blonde]

Yes, I had a similar experience. Started with a Military, but after the Li'l Temp I got hooked on 3-inch folders. I gravitate toward 3 inch or less for most of my users, but still like to slip a big cutter in my pocket every once in a while.

Wouter

[Plowboy]

The Para is the largest spyder I own. It is actually a bit more than I like to carry, although when I'm hiking in the woods it's usually with me.

I prefer knives in the 2.5 - 3" range. I own a few dodos and lil'temps, but I really am looking forward to some of the new smaller knives that are slated to appear in the next year or two.

For me small is big! :confused:

:) :)

[Gamo]

I prefer bigger knives. You can do small choirs as well as any other with them. Thank God, there is also no precise law on the size of the knife where i live. So Spyderco Military is in my right pocket and endura in my left pocket all the time.
If i feel adventerous, i even carry vaquero grande. :eek: I love big knives :D

[bh49]

I also started with larger knives and still like them. In my state you can carry blade under 4". My primary EDC is Native, and 3" blade, in my opinion, is optimal and it should not scare people. 2.5" should be fine also, I just do not have EDC smaller than Native, but I am thinking about getting Dodo or Cricket.
R

[SoCal Operator]

My first :spyder: was an Endura, and boy did I use it! But now, it seems to find most of it's work while camping, or cutting in the yard. My Caly Jr. or Tazzie Salt have been able to completely fill my needs. Heck, the largest knife I EDC is a Chinese Lum! Smaller knives just fit the bill, and they don't raise as many eyebrows. (Good thing when you happen to be seventeen )

[rcbalt2]

I just got a Cricket. FRN PE. I know I should have gone SE. It cuts really well. There is a soft spot in my heart for the little guys. I can't wait for the LAVA