Spyderco Forums

I like knives around the 3" blade size, mostly because that usually gives just enough handle for me to get a 100% secure grip. Knives that are bigger than the Stretch are what I consider 'big' and I generally do not carry them because I don't need the extra blade length.

However, small knives with good ergos (one of Spyderco's niches) have a lot of advantages. Many times I don't need a lot of blade length and small knives are easy to carry and can be carried loose in pocket quite comfortably. Also when cutting in tight places, a small blade like the Cricket is really nice.

Knives like the Kopa or Cricket hit a sweet spot between size and capability for me so I carry them often, and especially at the office. But my 'default' is the 3" size (lately G-10 Standard) - it has the right mix of grip, blade length, and size for me.

To be honest I have never carried a really big knife (folder). The largest I have is the Stretch 2 and that is about as large as I am comfortable with. I have no problem with large knives I was just curious as for the reason for the popularity. For me I use a folding knife for the convenience over a fixed blade. When the knife gets to large then I would go ahead and carry a fixed blade. My edc is a cricket (as if you couldn't guess). I love my stretch but find I only use it when I know I will need it. Thanks for all of your responses.

I tend to NOT have a larger blade on me for the most part. I do, however, carry a larger folder in my daypack, briefcase, whatever. I find that 3 inches or smaller is adequate for most of the things I do. There are times, when a larger folder is better suited. Yes, I do EDC multiples:-) My normal EDC is a Delica/UKPK/SAK & FRN Dragonfly. I sometimes will add my Tasman Salt or CF Harpy. My daypak usually will have both/either/some combination therein - my Pacific Salt SE/Police 3 SE/or an Endura 4 in either CE/PE/SE.

Weekends - depending on what I do, I will have one of the larger folders in my back pocket.

To be honest on the weekends I often carry one of my 2 Millies/SE just because I like the knife so much :)

You know, there really is no right or wrong in this picture................I guess. :confused: :o What most consider large folders are just folders to me. Folders are very convenient to carry. I have to put myself in other folks shoes. I am a little larger in stature roughly 6'3 and 245-250 after tomorrow, closer to the latter weight :o .

The ergos have to be spot on for me to feel comfortable with small knives. Right now I am wearing a twin pair of Police 3's and for the life of me, I tend to forget that they are there. The nice choil is there if there is a need for fine cutting. These are my duty pieces and they serve admirably. The "BIG Blades" are in the trunk, for large debree etc.

The larger/normal for me folders, like the P'3 and the Kris, and Millie with its open body are great edc's. Now if you need to go smaller which sometime there is a need. Adventura, Lava and some of the above mentioned would work in a pinch/clinch! :D That is why I love this company. Something for us all. Take care all and God Bless and Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!

nuubee wrote:I've always wondered that, too. I have resistance to carrying anything with a blade over 3 inches, but then I don't edc for self-defense, where the extra size could definitely make a difference. Thank you for the clarification, SimpleIsGood!

You're welcome. For me, SD is a secondary purpose for knives. At best, a knife is a back up to your sidearm, which is a back up to your shoulder weapon.

Cricket Bite wrote:For me I use a folding knife for the convenience over a fixed blade. When the knife gets to large then I would go ahead and carry a fixed blade.

If that works for you, fine. It would present legal problems for some, since there are places were carrying a folder is acceptable, but carrying a fixed blade would not be. It's also easier to conceal a folder, important in those places where concealed carry is required. It also just seems illogical. Unless it's very poorly designed a folder of any given blade length will be several inches shorter, when closed, than a fixed blade of the blade length.

With me, it's...

Big Hands
Big Fish
Big Rain Forest
Big Adventures
NO carry restrictions!

They say that in Alaska, everything is bigger... that's definitely true of many of my cutting tasks, and prefered spydies... :D

I like having a range of knife sizes and blade profiles at my disposal. Different knives for different times, modes of dress, where they will be carried, season of the year, etc.

Agent Starling :D

The way the knife lays in my hand is #1, for if does not feel good it gets put back on the shelf, so that usually pushes me into the larger framed knives. I am not a large guy, and would consider my hands normal if not on the small side, but it all about comfort. I am not an "operator" so what steel I get will for the most part work, and blade shape as well. I EDC a Native SE FRN handle and it does a nice job, it works in my hand better than any other blade I currently own, go figure, but then Sal and the boys designed it to do so.

:spyder: :spyder: :cool: :spyder: :spyder:I also prefer various blade shapes/styles/lengths, depending on my day to day tasks. As much as I love the Bigger "Sharpies" like my Manix, Chinook, and my beloved Ti-Atrs(to name a few), I am limited to blade length, so edcing large Spyders is not possible outside, but I did try carrying my 1 Millie(a cf/cpm-s90v)around the house, and my only response was, and still is....W :eek: W I wish I could edc this Sycotic "Sharpie" everywhere/anywhere :D So, to make up for the loss, I edc my UKPK, Caly3, and my new D2 Para, and(sniffle :D sniffle) it helps ease the pain! lol

Cricket Bite wrote:I was wondering why so many prefer a larger knife such as the Military, Endura, Pacific Salt, ect. when there smaller sibling seem like they would do the same things without the bulk. I understand if you are a big guy and need more handle purchase but for the regular sized folk what gives. This isn't intended to be negative as much as curious. Thanks.

I think it`s more a personal preference than anything else. "The force is strong with this one"

The longer I am "into" knives the more I realize that some are just made big "just because".

I have a Military and even though I love the knife I think......."dang this thing is huge" and I just cannot bring myself to carry it.

I end up carrying knives that have about a 3" blade.

The main reason I like my bigger knives is leverage and greater reach, and I won't deny I think they just look cool. I do believe that a large knife can do all the jobs a small knife can and more.
That being said I always have small Ladybug or similar sized knife no matter larger knife I carry.

DM

Walk softly and carry a big knife. "May the force be with you" .

David Lowry wrote:The longer I am "into" knives the more I realize that some are just made big "just because".

I have a Military and even though I love the knife I think......."dang this thing is huge" and I just cannot bring myself to carry it.

I end up carrying knives that have about a 3" blade.

I agree, I was all into the Endura then I saw how large it was and felt the Delica 4 was a better choice. There is a place in this world for bigger knives, and if I was still in the Army a Military would have been just fine, what's another big heavy object to carry :rolleyes:

Agent Starling wrote:I like having a range of knife sizes and blade profiles at my disposal. Different knives for different times, modes of dress, where they will be carried, season of the year, etc.

Agent Starling :D

There are MANY reasons, but the above is probably as close to my real-world answer as posted.


While I tend to often carry smaller knives, carrying the smaller knives is not a preference. As I generally prefer to "Use" BOTH folders and fixed bladed knives with 3.5" 4.0" blades. The "Unfortunate" reasons for me having to carry smaller knives is that it isn't always practical to carry larger knives due to certain clothing types and WORSE: Sheeple!!!! :mad:


Other very relevant reasons why I prefer longer bladed knives:

- I have large hands and like a full sized handle with a very secure grip.

- I find a 3.5" - 4.0" blade to be about the most versatile sized blades all-around for ANY use and chore regardless of folder or fixed blade.


So, a folder with a 3.5" - 4.0" blade is the ideal EDC blade IMO.

*However, while there are times I prefer a slightly smaller blade for more control and detail, there are at least as many times I prefer a 5" = 7" fixed bladed knife. In the end, I still consider 3.5" - 4.0" blades the MOST versatile size for actual "use". Actual "Carry" is a different story.
At times, like when wearing dress pants, I just can't realistically carry a larger knife clipped into a rear pocket. - So, I often carry a smaller blade. And ultimately, I typically carry the smaller front pocket folder 100% of the time even when I can and do have a larger folder = more options. I have EDC carried a SAK Executive for MANY years. Maybe 20 or so (?????). I actually use the scissors, tweezors, phillips, etc. a lot, but I have never liked the blade. But, the Executive is just very easy to carry. The Executive is a good size for front pocket carry at 3.0" closed. The larger SAKS are just too large IMO for front pocket carry at 3.5" closed and I can't stand the piddly little 2.25" (closed) Mini SAKS. I have to wear dress pants a lot and I have determined that a closed folder can't be much more than 3.25" for front pocket carry for my uses. 3.0" closed is actually better for front pocket carry and if designed right, a well designed 3.0" handled knife should give a solid, secure grip on a handle. But, I have compromised (for now) at 3.25" as I currently have been carrying a HIghly modified Leek in my front pocket. Because of the shape of the Leek and the mechanism, the smallest I could grind it down while maintaining mechanical function and like the fit and feel was at about 3.25". I don't like the Chive. I do like the assisted opening feature and the edge belly curve of the Leek. The Leek is a little more pointy than I personally need. So, I ground down the handle to about 3.25" and ground the blade into a more traditional Wharnie type blade at about 2.25" = about 5.5" open. My modified Leeks blade is actually similar in shape to the upcoming Leaf's blade, but not quite as tall and *** NO Choil!!!



The current blade fits my hand well in a three finger hold.



For it's size, that is about the best I have come up with so far. While I like this modified Leek and carry it almost all of the time in front pocket carry with my SAK, the stainless scales make it heavier than I prefer for some dress carry. The weight is not a problem with jeans and many other types of casual pants. I have a Dragonfly that I had hoped would show up today, but didn't.... Maybe tomorrow. I am curious to see how it will compare/compete to my modified Leek.

I assume there will be compromises for each.

Modified Leek:

Pros:
- Assisted opening / ease of function
- Great blade shape
- Ease of closing frame lock
- Reasonably compact height and closed length at max at 3.25"
- Reasonably decent looking

Cons:

- Heavy stainless scales
- "Only" a 3 finger grip
- Hollow grind - not a huge problem since I reground it and put a deep convex edge. But, I still prefer flat grind.

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My best guesses on the FRN Dragonfly:

Pros:

- Super light-weight
- Choil grip forward of handle design should allow 4th finger stabilizing for more control
- Nice flat grind
- Great blade shape, but taller blade means not as compact as Leek when closed


Cons:

- FRN is not as nice looking (* Carbon Fiber would be much nicer!)
- Lock mechanism not quite as convenient for me for one hand use as scale or liner release
- Not a significant con, but while the traditional Spydie hole opening is VERY sufficient, it isn't quite as convenient, fast, natural and fun as the Leek's assisted feature.

The advantage I see the Dragonfly possibly having is the index finger choked up forward of the handle a bit giving a fourth finger purchase. I don't yet, but I don't think the little finger will actually securely grip the Dragonfly. But, it appears like it will at least aid in control. The lighter weight of the Dragonfly should also be a big plus for many situations.
But, I DO like the assisted opening of my Leek.

All smaller knife comparisons aside, I would rather carry a 3.5" - 4.0" blade along with my 3.25" handled front pocket "Detail" knife for when I need/want a larger blade with larger and more secure four-finger handled grip. I pretty much always do carry a 3.5" - 4.0" blade when wearing most types of casual pants. I just can't with dress pants.



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Personally, while I can appreciate certain compromises and can "Manage" many tasks with a smaller knife. And can I understand the easier ability, possible neccessity for certain clothing or dress (*** I DO NOT appreciate restrictive laws!!!!!) and or other certain justifications for carrying certain well designed smaller knives, I really can't understand why someone would actually "Prefer" having or using a smaller knife as often as a larger knife that fits and fills the hand more securely.
And further, I can't really see how a 2.0", 2.5" or 3.0" blade can offer "Nearly" the over-all function of a 3.5" - 4.0" blade.


....... but, I never really do understand everyone. :o

.

Over the years I have downsized my knives. Now I prefer 2-2.5 inch blades. They disappear into my pocket and cut just about all of my daily cutting requirements.

In an attempt to sort through more and more SD BS I have done several polls in different forums and here are my findings.

Just like gun forums, if you ask folks what gun they EDC they will usually say the 1911 they carry sometimes instead of the Kel Tec 32 or 38 snubby they carry every day. Why? Because nobody wants to look like a sissy

One of the most often heard phrases that you hear in the knife fighting world is "fixed in a fight". It is less said from those who know and more by those who wish to appear in the know. They say it without taking into consideration that fixed blades are illegal in many jurisdictions. And the truth is that many can be uncomfortable or impractical to carry. We have found that about 80%-85% of knife carriers who EDC a knife with the intent of using to back up a firearm or as a primary deadly force option carry a folder with less than a four inch blade.

The other thing I have found from visiting several prisons and seeing examples of seized weapons and comparing them to my collection of confiscated nasties showed some interesting things, most importantly that whether on the inside or outside bad guys carry edged weapons with an average length of sub four inches. Why? Because just like the good guys, they want something handy that does not attract a lot of attention.

The thing that I took from this was that what many are using for training knives are far too generous when it comes to size, sometimes being almost twice as big as what you are statistically going to face on the street.- George

I have carried 3" to 2 7/8" blades for a long time(Calypso Jr, Sage type), but lately a 3 1/2" thin, light knife isn't too bad either(Stretch CF).

Things were different when I used to hunt and fish....but now...
Large thick, bulky knives get in my way, unless I'm doing heavy yard work.