What Size Stockman Do You Like Best?

[afishhunter]

What size Stockman do you prefer?

I'm rather fond of the large 4 inch and larger closed. Preferably larger than 4 inch.
To me, they just "feel" better in hand, and seem more solid/durable to me.

I know I am probably in the minority, preferring the large/extra large sizes.

Poll closes in seven days.
You get two selections. You can change your vote(s).

 

[TheChunk91]

I like all sizes of stockmans but my favorite is the standard large 3 7/8''-4''.

 

[Ernie1980]

I find a large stockman too heavy to pocket carry, the 3.5” is a nice overall size to me.

 

[Old Hunter]

Own a selection of Stockman pocketknives in all four sizes, and find uses for all four sizes. However my EDC is most often the 3-1/2” size with occasional EDC of the 3-7/8” size. Only use the penknife size for watch pocket carrying a supplemental and the 4-1/4” size while hunting. OH

 

[marantz]

My preference depends on what role the stockman is filling. Most of the time it's the medium size, since my Buck 303, 3 5/16", is the largest knife that's comfortable in my jeans watch pocket, if I'm not carrying a small SAK there. A larger stockman would be to replace the Spyderco usually clipped to my other pocket.

 

[315]

I voted for two, because the rules allowed it I went for the large and medium. I love the feel of the large stockman pattern and for a truly working class knife this would be my ultimate pick. As a young kid working on a dairy farm I had a 34OT in my pocket. It worked for everything I ever needed but I think an 8OT would have done it just a bit better. Jack O’Connor was an outdoor writer and author. He probably made the .270 Winchester one of the more popular cartridges of the modern era from his writings. Even Jack said, the .30-06 can do everything a .270 can do, but better. (Something along those lines) That’s how I view the 34OT vs the 8OT, the 8OT is the .30-06 of stockman knives.
Having said all that, there are some medium sized stockman knives that are a touch bigger than the 34OT, but smaller than an 8OT. Some of the Case patterns, Schrade 825(and associated OT and UH knives), Jr Cattle Knife from Ulster, and the 66 Calf Ropers come to mind. If I could, or had to pick only one stockman pattern to possess, regardless of any sentimental feelings, it would be one from that size. It’s not too big for almost any type of carry and not too small to handle any task. Let’s call that one the 7x57 Mauser of the knife world. Another cartridge Jack O’Connor was fond of,and me too

 

[Ironbut]

I have all three sizes, but find that mediums, like the Case medium, or the GEC 66 to suit my needs the best.

 

[afishhunter]

Even Jack said, the .30-06 can do everything a .270 can do, but better.

I believe it was Jack who also said if you had a .22 rimfire rifle, a .30-06, and a 12 guage, (with the proper loads) you were set to hunt any game animal in The Americas. (or words to that effect.)

Personally, I prefer a .45-70 over the small bore .270 and .30-06.
I like big bores, seeing as I are a big bore.
(at least my friends and family say I'm mighty boring. )

 

[315]

Personally, I prefer a .45-70 over the small bore .270 and .30-06.

Since you hijacked your own thread, I’ll help derail it I absolutely love my 7x57’s, but have a few larger bores in .348, .35, .375 and .458 And a fine stockman would pair up with any of them.

 

[gaj999]

4 1/4" FTW

 

[abcdef]

3 5/8

 

[black mamba]

Stockman is my pattern, but I currently don't own any smaller than 3.34" closed. I'm a big guy, with big hands (now arthritic from shooting big bore handguns!), so I like bigger knives. They handle easier and can do a few more cutting jobs. I don't mind carrying the larger ones, so they are my favorites. I checked both large and jumbo in the poll, as they make up the majority of my accumulation and carries.

Here's an old pic with stockers from 3-1/3 to 4-3/8 inches closed.

And a few of my individual favorites:
Boker 4"

Tidioute 4-1/8"

Queen 4-1/4"

Moore Maker 4-3/8"

 

[ddavis]

3.5" for me. Same size my grandpa carried.
And 30-06 for the win...

 

[black mamba]

Oh, and if you can't kill it with a 30-06, then . . . . maybe you aughta leave it alone!!

 

[315]

Oh, and if you can't kill it with a 30-06, then . . . . maybe you aughta leave it alone!!

Touché

 

[TheChunk91]

I really like all stockmans.

This one is huge at 4 5/8''



4 1/4''



4'', goldilocks.



My favorite medium pattern. 3 1/2''.



2 3/4'' stocks are highly capable.

 

[black mamba]

The "jumbo-est" one I've had was the #98 Tidioute @ 4.82" closed. More a cattle knife, but I count it.

 

[Tx308]

My usual edc is a GEC Dixie (which I classify as an extra large as it is over 4") as it gives me the blade length and selection I feel most comfortable with but with thinness of blade that makes cutting tasks a breeze. I usually carry it and my other xl stockman in a belt sheath, I have one of the Caped Barthes sheaths that allow carrying whichever I feel like toting. Any stockman under 4" goes straight into a pocket.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

All of the stockman patterns I carry & use are in the 3-7/8" - 4-1/4" ballpark. Includes Schrade 8OT, Buck 301/307, Queen 49 ('Cattle King') and the Case '75 pattern.

Main consideration for me is a handle that's long enough for a full, 4-finger grip in use. That's what dictates size preference for me, for virtually all the knives I carry.

 

[JohnDF]

Medium for me...