What is your preferred (less than 2") utility knife design and why?

[googlebutt]

As the title says, what's your preferred small utility knife (breaking down boxes, cutting table ties, etc) design (grind type/thickness/steel/geometry/profile) and why?

I'm planning on making a non-threatening fixed blade specifically for utility purposes in the IT field (don't want to go around scaring people now!) and I thought I'd see what you guys like.

 

[Randy3000]

I know its IT but one time i cut myself on the job with my own knife and needed stitches. I had to foot the bill on that. If i had used a box cutter razor thing the company provides i would have got workmans comp.

 

[Justin Schmidt]

Love this little guy I just finished

3.25in blade 80crv2.

 

[JTknives]

I make these baby’s and love them. It’s what I carry every day. AEBL at 61-62RC. Just tucks away on your belt. Thy are called the Q3

 

[Drew Riley]

Personally, I'd probably go with something like a slipjoint or a "gentleman's folder". I did the pocket fixed blade carry for a while, and even though they were relatively small, they still seemed to take up a little more space in the pocket.

That said, here's a couple pics of some fixies I've made and/or carried:
Untitled by AR Custom Knives (Andrew Riley)
Untitled by AR Custom Knives (Andrew Riley)
Untitled by AR Custom Knives (Andrew Riley)
Untitled by AR Custom Knives (Andrew Riley)

 

[AVigil]

 

[Robert Erickson]

Nice stuff guys!
I'm partial to Kiridashis.

fullsizeoutput_543 by Robert Erickson, on Flickr

 

[googlebutt]

Nice stuff guys!
I'm partial to Kiridashis.

fullsizeoutput_543 by Robert Erickson, on Flickr

Interesting Kiridashi, much poke-ier than I've seen.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

For a 2" utility blade, a kiridashi would be a good style/shape. something about 1" wide would give a pretty steep angle, which will look les like a stabbing knife and more like a tool.

Use 1/8" damascus to make it look prettier and less "threatening".

If using a mono-steel, 1084/1095 would work for carbon steel choices, and AEB-L or S35VN for stainless.

For the handle, a nice colorful paracord wrap would be good. 4" would be sufficient for the handle.

A simple and enclosed sheath (top flap with snap) on the belt says "workman's tool".

 

[E.Carlson]

I can't make enough of my thick bellies. Mostly going to small businesses owners.
.125 15n20, just over 2" blade, 4.75" overall.

 

[butcher_block]

hawk or sheepsfoot blade in my eyes for that small a blade have made a ton of "neckers" that are 2.75 inch blade that woudl be no problem scaled down to 2 inch

 

[Horsewright]

While far, far away from the IT world I have 3 designs that seem pretty close to what you are talking about. First is the Gordo, (Spanish slang around here for chubby boy), 5.25" oal with 2" blade:

Make em out of stainless too and then they are called...wait for it.... The Stainless Gordo: (AEB-L @62)

One in Ironwood playing prop for this holster pic:

I sell a bunch of these, mostly waaay outside the IT world but they are handy for us. My son using one castrating this calf:

I carry one too as my own personal EDC. After a long day of branding:

The wife does too:

I make a variation that is even smaller. I call this the "Poco" which is Dave Spanish for not enough steel left to make another Gordo. Usually under 5" oal and under 2" blade. The specs vary because its made out of left over steel. These are also extremely popular.

A couple in some of Hoss's steel:

Couple more in Damasteel:

The third thought is my Vaquero. I make this with or without a handle. With out the handle its called a Vaquero Ultralite. This one is also 5.25" oal with a blade of 2". Just a little straighter design than the Gordo. With a handle:

Without, the Vaquero Ultralite:

Because of its flatness its an ideal candidate for a boot sheath type carry that can be tucked in any pocket or waist band.

Hope this helps with ideas. The why? Because they are always with you so you have it when ya need it. Big enough to really do anything that needs doing, small enough ya got it with ya. For us in the ranching world, having that small little sharp knife with you all the time is a safety deal. You can get into what we call "live action cowboy shi.."

I have cut 3 guys and 4 horses out of wrecks and I've sold quite a few knives the day after wrecks. I have been reaching for it myself a couple of times when things worked out. Like I said way far away from IT. Between the 3 designs I've probably sold a couple thousand of these little guys with the Gordo being the most popular, so I'm not alone in thinking they are handy.

 

[E.Carlson]

I know its IT but one time i cut myself on the job with my own knife and needed stitches. I had to foot the bill on that. If i had used a box cutter razor thing the company provides i would have got workmans comp.

Funny thing about those is that the quarter Inch or so of razor that sticks out of those "safety cutters" is more than enough to slice you open pretty good. They are intended to protect the product not the worker.

 

[12345678910]

https://www.smartknives.com/Victorinox-Knives/Victorinox-Mechanic.htm

 

[Mitchell Knives]

As the title says, what's your preferred small utility knife (breaking down boxes, cutting table ties, etc) design (grind type/thickness/steel/geometry/profile) and why?

I'm planning on making a non-threatening fixed blade specifically for utility purposes in the IT field (don't want to go around scaring people now!) and I thought I'd see what you guys like.

I work in IT, and I use a cheap razor blade knife for this kind of work.

If I'm cutting zip ties, wire cutters work best.

I haven't found anything that works better, and I wouldn't want to use a nice custom knife to open boxes unless I absolutely had to.

Many IT guys are really into guns and knives (At least all the ones I know.), so they will likely be fascinated rather than scared of any knife you use.

 

[googlebutt]

Horsewright I ended up drawing inspiration from your Vaquero Ultralight, thanks! My take on it is 5.25" OAL, 1084, and stabilized big leaf maple scales. This is #003, still a ton of noob flaws all over the place! Scratches on the lower bevel from learning my how to use my Hapstone, scratches on the ricasso, plunge lines aren't the same height (first attempt at cutting in the plunges from start to finish on my 2x42) etc, but I'm still super happy with the end result.

It fits beautifully in my hand, solid 3 finger grip and I can tuck the tip of the butt under my pinky for a ton of control.

I already have version two ready to profile, removing the finger choil and adding a sharpening choil. The finger choil is a real pain the ass without some sort of small wheel attachment, curious to see if it's still as comfortable.

Here's version 2:

 

[Horsewright]

Looks pretty darn good. Specially for number three! Its always been interesting to me the effect that equipment has on design. I lke your new one too. Now it needs pants.

 

[Minnesota Man]

While far, far away from the IT world I have 3 designs that seem pretty close to what you are talking about. First is the Gordo, (Spanish slang around here for chubby boy), 5.25" oal with 2" blade:

Make em out of stainless too and then they are called...wait for it.... The Stainless Gordo: (AEB-L @62)

One in Ironwood playing prop for this holster pic:

I sell a bunch of these, mostly waaay outside the IT world but they are handy for us. My son using one castrating this calf:

I carry one too as my own personal EDC. After a long day of branding:

The wife does too:

I make a variation that is even smaller. I call this the "Poco" which is Dave Spanish for not enough steel left to make another Gordo. Usually under 5" oal and under 2" blade. The specs vary because its made out of left over steel. These are also extremely popular.

A couple in some of Hoss's steel:

Couple more in Damasteel:

The third thought is my Vaquero. I make this with or without a handle. With out the handle its called a Vaquero Ultralite. This one is also 5.25" oal with a blade of 2". Just a little straighter design than the Gordo. With a handle:

Without, the Vaquero Ultralite:

Because of its flatness its an ideal candidate for a boot sheath type carry that can be tucked in any pocket or waist band.

Hope this helps with ideas. The why? Because they are always with you so you have it when ya need it. Big enough to really do anything that needs doing, small enough ya got it with ya. For us in the ranching world, having that small little sharp knife with you all the time is a safety deal. You can get into what we call "live action cowboy shi.."

I have cut 3 guys and 4 horses out of wrecks and I've sold quite a few knives the day after wrecks. I have been reaching for it myself a couple of times when things worked out. Like I said way far away from IT. Between the 3 designs I've probably sold a couple thousand of these little guys with the Gordo being the most popular, so I'm not alone in thinking they are handy.

What's it like to always be the manliest guy in the room? Does it get old after awhile? Or are you just used to it?

Great work dude!

 

[Horsewright]

Thanks. I make knives, leatherwork and steaks! I use to ride tough horses too but I'm old now! Like em smooth and reliable these days. I leave that for the young guys @Minnestoa Man besides, here's the boss on our outfit:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnEWz_jBhbF/?taken-by=horsewrightclothing

Have your speakers on.