Trad Gang

Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: Ron LaClair on July 25, 2010, 12:56:00 PM

Title: How small is too small?
Post by: Ron LaClair on July 25, 2010, 12:56:00 PM

Here's a smaller version of the Shrew knife that I posted in an earlier thread.

I'm thinking this would be a nice size for a neck knife. It is 6 3/8" OA with a 3" blade. This one has unpolished walrus tusk handle slabs.

   (http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/time%20for%20a%20change.JPG)

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: Roughcountry on July 25, 2010, 03:50:00 PM

I like the size of that one Ron. I find a blade about that size and a handle that fits right in the palm of my hand real handy. I've made a couple with rawhide knots to fit in my palm and really like them.

Once folks use one I think the word will get out.

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: Steve Nuckels on July 25, 2010, 07:33:00 PM

I think that is almost the perfect size for field dressing chores!

But I still love BIG knives!!!

Steve
--------
Potomac Forge

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: PASSTHRU2 on July 25, 2010, 08:43:00 PM

If the tool gets the job done, it's the right size.

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: kbaknife on July 25, 2010, 10:59:00 PM

I like bigger knives for the most part, too, Steve.
But this one here looks like it would be right at home performing whatever task was asked of it.
You knocked that one right out of the park, Ron.

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: Ron LaClair on July 26, 2010, 09:07:00 AM

Thanks guys. I like big knives too....and  medium sized blades...and small ones... I guess I'm just a hopeless knifeaholic...   :dunno:

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: Lamey on July 26, 2010, 06:14:00 PM

HI Ron,  I think thats a real good size knife.  I like big knives,  most knives I make are 10+ inches in blade length.  BUT the perfect mate to a BIG knife is a small knife, with no more than a 4" blade, or at least thats my favorite combo.

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: Ragnarok Forge on July 28, 2010, 05:12:00 PM

I make lots of big knives.  I use a 3.5 inch bladed knife for all of my cleaning and skinning chores.  Same size for all around camp and field use.  Most people only use 2 inches of the blade on any knife.  

We all love the big ones, but having spent some time in the military I learned early that big knives are far better suited for fighting than field use.  The upside of a big knife is that your ready if Sasqautch decides to pick a fight!

Ron, I think that knife is perfectly sized for all around use and for cleaning and skinning an animal.

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: robtattoo on July 28, 2010, 06:14:00 PM

I like that one Ron. I was just looking at it on the muzzleloader forum. Very handy size!

Big knives are nice, but I do all my chores with a little 2-1/2" knife I made. Here he is along with mah killin' knife.....

  (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/knives005.jpg)

  (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/knives003.jpg)

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: ridgerunner_sc on July 29, 2010, 08:45:00 AM

I think the smaller ones are the perfect size and have the appearance of hve been used for a long time... very nice thats the kind of knives i prefer to carry

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: David Ricke on August 23, 2010, 09:35:00 PM

Ron, In my country very few deer are cut up in the woods, a three inch blade is all that is required. Good Hunting Knifemaker

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: JMR on August 23, 2010, 11:12:00 PM

I think that is the perfect size for field dressing. I have been doing all of mine with a Buck pocketknife for the last few years.

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: sticshooter on August 23, 2010, 11:20:00 PM

these all have about a 3" 3.5" blade. IMO perfect for deer.<><
   (http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/40782/2937556530051876912S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2937556530051876912jPjwuS)

   (http://inlinethumb21.webshots.com/45460/2012092900051876912S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2012092900051876912HJZKTe)


   (http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/23740/2109048190051876912S600x600Q85.jpg) (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2109048190051876912lDjFJD)

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: Tom I. on August 24, 2010, 10:08:00 AM

This one might be too small....overall length is just over 4" and the blade is just under 2" total.
 (http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/win1885-1/01-1.jpg)

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: Lamey on August 25, 2010, 05:47:00 AM

Ron,  getting back to your main question of "How small is too small?"

I have given it much more thought,  and what ive come up with is this-

 If it gets lost in your beard its too small.

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: Montauks on August 25, 2010, 05:11:00 PM

This "Micro Bowie" is to small
   (http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j319/Screamin_Eagle/microbowie.jpg)

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: coaster500 on August 27, 2010, 04:18:00 PM

If you're talking about Rons beard "6 3/8" OA with a 3" blade"  is way to small  :)

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: Lamey on August 29, 2010, 10:02:00 AM

You know im the odd guy that likes REALLY big knives, and fairly small ones.    The typical knife I would make for myself or sell has a 10-11" blade.... OR a 3 to 4" blade.   For me those 2 covers any possible cutting task that would ever arise.

Title: Re: How small is too small?
Post by: toppredator on September 02, 2010, 12:25:00 AM

I like a small knife, I like a big knife, I like all knives.  They all look great.