Pocket knife weight maximum

D

DaveD

Joined
Oct 26, 2018
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So I was wondering what your weight limit is to consider a folder an EDC. I use to be right around 4.5 oz's, but as time has gone by I find myself gravitating to lighter knives. I prefer knives around 3.0 or less but probably max out around 3.5 oz. This kinda sucks as it really limits the knives I am willing to carry. I still have heavier knives but use them much less frequently.

Lets hear it - what is the max EDC folder weight you LIKE to carry.
 
10.19 ounces in bananas, or 288.88 grams, if you're into Science measurements.

It's more about legal blade length and the size of my pocket than weight, for me. I equate weight with skookumness, and I'm the guy who sometimes pocket carries a TOPS Lil' Roughneck. So I don't see weight being the deciding number any time in the future, either. If I could find a version of the 5Max with 0.375" blade stock, I would buy a heavier belt, and give it a shot.
 
It depends on form factor as much as weight, but my rule of thumb for any knife I'm going to clip to my pocket is a max of about 5.5 oz. in jeans and 4.5 oz. in shorts.

For slipjoints, SAKs, etc. that I drop into the bottom of my pocket, 3 oz. is my practical max.
 
If it has a clip, I worry about overall size more than weight, as I still want to be able to fit my hand into my pocket. If no clip, then weight is more of a factor when just sitting loose at the bottom of the pocket. But don't have numbers off the top of my head.
 
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I’ve never really set a quantified “too heavy” metric for myself. A knife can be heavy, but carry very well, due to dimension, shape, clip style, clip placement, and other factors. Some are indeed straight up bricks. I personally appreciate at least a certain amount of noticeable heft, because I don’t want to forget a knife is in my pocket, or realize far too late that it isn’t when it should be. My perspective might be somewhat skewed, though, since my work dictates wearing a lot of equipment, and anything I carry off duty is usually far lighter than anything I had to carry at work. That said, even if I’m not working, I’m usually wearing a belt.

One particular comfort issue I recall having was with a ZT0909. Yes, a relatively heavy knife, but it wasn’t the weight that bothered me about it. I REALLY wanted it to work for me as I loved everything EXCEPT the corners of the hex nut pivot, which irritated the heck out of my thigh through the fabric of my pants pockets. Man, a domed or countersunk pivot would have made that particular model downright ideal for me, even though it is heavy by a lot of folks’ standards at 7.5 oz.
 
I agree with the dimensions of the knife being at least as important as the weight. I really like the BM 940 for its slim profile. I have a few "slim" style knives that are very enjoyable in the pocket so to speak.
 
DaveD said:
So I was wondering what your weight limit is to consider a folder an EDC. I use to be right around 4.5 oz's, but as time has gone by I find myself gravitating to lighter knives. I prefer knives around 3.0 or less but probably max out around 3.5 oz. This kinda sucks as it really limits the knives I am willing to carry. I still have heavier knives but use them much less frequently.

Lets hear it - what is the max EDC folder weight you LIKE to carry.
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I’d say sub 3 oz is ideal, but I’m fine with some of my knives in the 4-5oz range.

Over 6oz for a folder? Fuhgeddabouditt
 
IN the pocket, I don't like to carry anything larger or heavier than a medium stockman. If we're talking about a modern folder, clipped to my pocket, then I can go heavier with a large Sebenza, or, at most a 3 1/2" Hinderer.
 
Centermass said:
I’ve never really set a quantified “too heavy” metric for myself. A knife can be heavy, but carry very well, due to dimension, shape, clip style, clip placement, and other factors. Some are indeed straight up bricks. I personally appreciate at least a certain amount of noticeable heft, because I don’t want to forget a knife is in my pocket, or realize far too late that it isn’t when it should be. My perspective might be somewhat skewed, though, since my work dictates wearing a lot of equipment, and anything I carry off duty is usually far lighter than anything I had to carry at work. That said, even if I’m not working, I’m usually wearing a belt.

One particular comfort issue I recall having was with a ZT0909. Yes, a relatively heavy knife, but it wasn’t the weight that bothered me about it. I REALLY wanted it to work for me as I loved everything EXCEPT the corners of the hex nut pivot, which irritated the heck out of my thigh through the fabric of my pants pockets. Man, a domed or countersunk pivot would have made that particular model downright ideal for me, even though it is heavy by a lot of folks’ standards at 7.5 oz.
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Sounds like you need to try a Talos!
 
I'm about 6'7" and 275 lbs (on a good day..) so I don't fret over ounces too much. Not sure what my heaviest folder is tbh. I'd guess 6 or 7 ounces.

If I'm hiking (which is rare with 2 kids in college atm), I'm more careful counting ounces on gear.
 
I think 3-4oz is optimal. A little lighter for a 'fun' knife as opposed to a 'work' knife. More crucial to me is that a knife not scrape my hand while I'm reaching into my pocket; I'm amazed at how many knives do that.
 
For a pocketknife, 6-7oz if it has a clip. I do enjoy days where I just toss a medium stockman in my pocket and go about my day. Belt carry, it doesn't really matter. I habitually carry a full size Leatherman or Gerber multi tool on my belt, and short of it bothering me to sit against my kidney on long car trips, I routinely forget it's there.
 
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