Since the late 80's I have carried a large and a small folder. Since the late 80's my small folder has taken care of 99% of my knife tasks. So why carry the large folder? Because I love large folders and carry one because it gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction to have a knife of higher caliber than what I am likely to meet on a day to day basis. And going to gun and knife shows I always like to have something big, nice, and unique in my pocket, and I am speaking of knives!!
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Big vs Small EDC Folder Use - Knife Philosophy Question
- Thread starter MaxFactor
- Start date
Sweet spot for my edc is usually a blade edge about 2.5"-3". I like having a longer blade, but I have a lower tolerance for bulking up my pockets these days, so I tend to keep it in that range. There are a few exceptions in rotation, but they tend to be large blades that are unusually pocketable for their size.
I have to say I've never actually been under-knifed when carrying small knives such as a SAK Classic or Chive. Unless you're trying to cut something from a distance, a workaround can usually be figured out.
I have to say I've never actually been under-knifed when carrying small knives such as a SAK Classic or Chive. Unless you're trying to cut something from a distance, a workaround can usually be figured out.
EDC tasks are easily done with a 3" blade. Some tasks are easier with a small blade. To those who say that big blades can do everything small blades can, I can only say that I hope you look forward to having the doc do your vasectomy with a machete. 
The popularity of choils speaks to this. If you lose half an inch off the heel of a 3.5 inch blade to a choil, you've got no more cutting ability than a 3 inch blade. And the function of that choil is to make the large blade handle like a smaller one. So....
The exception is cutting food. Slicing tasks in general demand more edge. But personally, I don't do food prep with a folder.
All that said, most of my folders have 3-1/2 inch blades. Just cause I like em.
The popularity of choils speaks to this. If you lose half an inch off the heel of a 3.5 inch blade to a choil, you've got no more cutting ability than a 3 inch blade. And the function of that choil is to make the large blade handle like a smaller one. So....
The exception is cutting food. Slicing tasks in general demand more edge. But personally, I don't do food prep with a folder.
All that said, most of my folders have 3-1/2 inch blades. Just cause I like em.
Here's my philosophy.
1. Why limit yourself?
It's the same thing as saying "buy as much truck as you can afford." If you have never had a truck before, you can't possibly understand how stinking useful they are. Buy a compact truck, and I almost guarantee you will wish on a regular basis you had that quad cab diesel 3/4 ton......(until you get to the pump)......when you start wanting to buy landscaping stones, pull trailers, etc.
I'd rather carry an extra inch of blade, and considering legality of knives in my area is 3.5", I just carry knives that are that length. I might not NEED it, but then again, I might. If I don't have it, I promise you I will wish I did at some point.
2) The knives I appreciate are generally larger because I have large hands. I like strong knives because I tend to use them pretty roughly at times, especially when I work on the house, or go camping (which I do pretty often). I carry pretty much the same knives everywhere, and my profession is outdoorsy so my stuff tends to get used/carried a lot.
1. Why limit yourself?
It's the same thing as saying "buy as much truck as you can afford." If you have never had a truck before, you can't possibly understand how stinking useful they are. Buy a compact truck, and I almost guarantee you will wish on a regular basis you had that quad cab diesel 3/4 ton......(until you get to the pump)......when you start wanting to buy landscaping stones, pull trailers, etc.
I'd rather carry an extra inch of blade, and considering legality of knives in my area is 3.5", I just carry knives that are that length. I might not NEED it, but then again, I might. If I don't have it, I promise you I will wish I did at some point.
2) The knives I appreciate are generally larger because I have large hands. I like strong knives because I tend to use them pretty roughly at times, especially when I work on the house, or go camping (which I do pretty often). I carry pretty much the same knives everywhere, and my profession is outdoorsy so my stuff tends to get used/carried a lot.
I think 3- 3.5 is best all around for my needs. I have been carrying a Sage lately, a little smaller than I'm used to but It hasn't been out tasked yet. I think application is everything. I would carry a larger blade if I thought I might need it. I sometimes wish I did...need to that is.