Why do people EDC big knives?

[Insipid Moniker]

Big knife thing.... First of all, I would prefer we reference knives, folder and fixed by blade length (or closed length in a folder + blade length) versus overall length. Handle lengths vary and larger handles tend to be more comfortable for using and that usually means it has a longer blade. But how long is right? I think it mostly boils down to personal preference and what you get used to.

What do you actually use a folder for that requires a longer blade? Or does it matter? Probably the latter for most of us.

I carry a 111mm SAK every day. Many people say these are too large for pocket carry (even a two layer). I used to carry the Tinker size (93mm I believe). Does the longer blade increase the utility of my larger SAK over the middle size? I think so. But if they made a 140mm SAK, would I buy one and use it as my edc? Probably not. Why? The 111mm size fits my hand and allows me to apply as much pressure or force cutting as I deem necessary more easily than a 93mm sak. So, those that like or prefer longer blades in folders, go for it.

Why don't we all carry utility knives with about a 1" or even less blade length? You often get a larger handle for a more comfortable grip... I don't like the blade length for most things and a longer disposable blade in a utility knife breaks easily and may be a safety hazard for the kinds of cutting often done with them.

So, I am part of the 85% mentioned above. But I have rational reasons for my preferences. I don't particularly like to carry a folder with a 4" or larger blade. It just brings more attention to the knife than I want. But if you have large hands, this may work better for you or perhaps a longer blade is better for you based on the kind of use you have. I am really not aware of any dominant uses where the 4"+ blade length in a folder makes much difference in terms of cutting other that self defense.

Only other one I can think of is food prep. An extra inch of blade can make a big difference in keeping mayo out of your pivot.

 

[22-rimfire]

I thought of that after I posted and then added the cantaloupe thing at the end. Certainly I prefer a larger knife for food prep over a smaller one unless it is for say pealing a potato or apple. Then paring knife size is good.

 

[GIRLYmann]

When we look back in history,
Everything our ancestors had was larger.
It was basic presumption that more of anything
Had to be better.
Big houses, big cars, large family, big dreams, big ideas,
Big knife...
And then the japanese taught us this concept of miniaturization
Or was it that everything they made
came basically smaller being asian in size?
So We looked at compact cars, started oogling at anorexic figures,
And zen out the old mind set
With many Starving on salads instead of hearty meals.
Shrinking in so many ways
That we now have pocket knives
Instead of a hefty frontiers man's knives at steak houses
We can only talk in terms of large knives
When the world we live in is large and untamed.
In the eyes of a real man
A large pocket knife by any other name
Is still just a pocket knife
No matter how large and deep
Our pockets might be.
That and the large hand of the law
Which has for the largest part
Tamed our large ambitions.
But it also has had the reverse effect
Of summoning the primordial psyche
For the unbounded fascination of raw cutting power
"i think therefore i am".
We may well question
If the system has successfully rewired logical choices
To a set conformity directed not by our instinct
But set about in a process of subliminal conditioning.

 

[powernoodle]

Size is but one of many factors we consider when carrying a knife. Others include its intended usage, ease of carry, ability to carry discretely, cost, cool factor (which varies among individuals), scare factor, and on and on. I'm 53 years old and have never "needed" more than maybe a 2" blade. Ever. Not only that, but smaller blades are generally better and more nimble for EDC. I get that many guys prefer large scales for a good grip. That makes perfect sense. But absent a specific need for a 5" blade - and I'm not sure what that would be other than processing pineapples or self-defense - a smaller blade has many advantages.

When I carry a giant blade, its just for fun, and because I'm exercising what little is left of my dwindling freedom. Thwacking open a giant Cold Steel Recon 1 is just plain fun. But I don't feel under-knifed with a Spyderco Cat. Not at all. And in most respects, a large blade is sub-optimal for daily tasks like opening a clam shell package or a bag of cat food. Try opening a clam shell with a 5.5" Talwar without bleeding. And I carry so much other dang stuff (pocket gun, 2x lights, Swiss Army Knife, mini Sharpie, smart phone, etc.) that size and weight are big factors for me.

I love big knives because they have more of everything we love about folders, but I generally carry in the 3" range.

 

[22-rimfire]

When we look back in history,
Everything our ancestors had was larger.
It was basic presumption that more of anything
Had to be better.
<snip>
When the world we live in is large and untamed.
In the eyes of a real man
A large pocket knife by any other name
Is still just a pocket knife
<snip>
But it also has had the reverse effect
Of summoning the primordial psyche
For the unbounded fascination of raw cutting power
"i think therefore i am".
<snip>
But set about in a process of subliminal conditioning.

Pretty good post and thought provoking. The large hand of the law.... cool statement. Subliminal conditioning... The primordial psyche? Another cool concept!

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, But Jack fell over the candle stick. Jack knife??

 

[bdmicarta]

I don't feel handicapped carrying a 3" folder at all...
In TX I can legally carry a 5" blade folder, but I would never do that because it would be uncomfortable and bring way too much attention.

I don't have a problem carrying a Military or Manix 2 XL to my office. I sliced up my sandwich at lunch today with a Manix 2 XL. I have an injury to my teeth to I have to cut up my food into little pieces and I've done that every day for the past 4 weeks using my large folders, with no comments from anyone. I do feel handicapped with folders under 3.5" when doing things like slicing an apple or cutting up a sandwich, and even for things like slicing boxes. My EDC ranges from PM2 and Manix 2 on the small end to Manix 2 XL, Military and ZT 0561 on the big end. (I've even been eyeing the Spyderco Tatanka!)

 

[tiguy7]

I have to be ready for watermelons, wedding cakes, and tall grass. I carry CUDAs with 5, 7, and 9" blades. But not usually at the same time.

 

[Charlie Mike]

I have to be ready for watermelons, wedding cakes, and tall grass. I carry CUDAs with 5, 7, and 9" blades. But not usually at the same time.

Darrel Ralph is a genius.

 

[dozer2025]

I like big blades and I can not lie,
You other brothers can’t deny,
When a girl walks in with a fixed blade on her waist,
And a Busse up in your face,
You get sprung...
Wanna pull up tough
Cause you know that sheath was stuffed

I may have found my new signature

 

[stabman]

I like big blades and I can not lie,
You other brothers can’t deny,
When a girl walks in with a fixed blade on her waist,
And a Busse up in your face,
You get sprung...
Wanna pull up tough
Cause you know that sheath was stuffed

Song of the day.

1 - 85% of us: its fun; big blades have more big blade goodness (Stabman)

They sure do.

 

[G. Scott H.]

I admit that I fall into the "coolness" camp. I carry knives as large as a CS Rajah II, Large Espada, or XL Talwar from time to time, not because I have any real need to carry one, but just because it's fun to occasionally carry a folding pocket sword. My smaller knives get more pocket time and are more useful for many tasks, but to quote Miles from Risky Business, "Sometime you gotta say what the f***."

 

[not2sharp]

This....

n2s

 

[Scurvy092]

This thread comes up a lot. The best answer I have seen is what I will use here:


Because I can't carry a sword.

 

[Ironman]

When I was young, a cute girl asked if I had a knife. I did! I pulled it out and she said " I figured you would have a bigger knife". Every since then I like to carry the legal limit.

 

[Smooth_Operater]

This thread comes up a lot. The best answer I have seen is what I will use here:


Because I can't carry a sword.

Yeah, I figured it comes up alot. I was more curious if it was a work thing, or just cause it is "Badass" like a few members said. Someone else said for food prep, ie. cutting melons or big fruits. That was something I didnt even consider and made a lot of sense. Another question for you guys. Anyone with small hands carry a big knife for edc?

 

[Skimo]

I don't have a problem carrying a Military or Manix 2 XL to my office. I sliced up my sandwich at lunch today with a Manix 2 XL. I have an injury to my teeth to I have to cut up my food into little pieces and I've done that every day for the past 4 weeks using my large folders, with no comments from anyone. I do feel handicapped with folders under 3.5" when doing things like slicing an apple or cutting up a sandwich, and even for things like slicing boxes. My EDC ranges from PM2 and Manix 2 on the small end to Manix 2 XL, Military and ZT 0561 on the big end. (I've even been eyeing the Spyderco Tatanka!)

At this point Manix2 XL seems like a normal size pocket knife and so does the Contego and I use my LFK in the kitchen for small cutting tasks like chicken breasts and French bread.

I want a big pocket knife now, what I'd use it for when I have machetes and hatchets... dunno.

 

[bld522]

cause its badass and there's tactical bushcrafting to attend to thats why. also, because it's there, mom wouldn't let me, i can afford it, murika, rambo movies. mostly cause of awesome though...just sayin...and cause busse made me do it.

LOL. Perfect! :thumbup: :thumbup:

 

[FA1BladeGuy]

I've got big mitts, so I'm planning, when my large Sebenza 21 comes in, to go car keys, wallet, iPhone, knife. "Forgetta bout it".

 

[cbach8tw]

Maybe it is just a guy thing, like big knives just like some guys like big monster trucks, hot rods' etc...you get the idea. That being said, I like butcher size knives or Hudson Bay knives, because the weight feels you can accomplish just about any job and the energy it can generate in a swing is very efficient. And they are not so big enough where I cannot do smaller tasks. Now I do not carry them on my belt, but you can be sure they will be close by in my truck or camp site. My favorite is my ML Hudson Bay knife and a 7inch buthcer style knife from Swamp Fox knives. I may not EDC them (as per the OP's question), but they are are first on my mind when I am heading out to the outdoors, camping. I also carry a smaller fixed blade in my pocket more than I do mySA. I think there is something to be said more for the Nessmuk trio idea (three most used tools).

 

[jrawk]

I have a cushiony desk job so, yeah, it's importance to have a big blade when cutting this in half everyday for lunch.

serious answer: I rarely carry anything larger than 3.5" blade. However I use my Cold Steel Code-4 quite frequently during DIY home improvement projects. I do carry a traditional slip joint every day as well.