Favorite blade size

[John C Keith]

Hey guys.  I usually lurk and gawk at the knives you all post.  Many, many great knife makers here, professional and shade tree makers.

One thing I noticed was it seems most make knives that are on the "big" side.  Maybe its me and my style, but I do not see a need for a big knife with most hunting (small game, deer and probably bear).

I personally prefer a smaller knife (blade 3-5 inches, not real wide or thick and not a large belly curve to them).  Am I alone in this?

What size/type of knife do you prefer for general hunting tasks?

Stay safe and thanks for sharing all of your work.

[Leftieshot]

I like and carry a 4" long 1/8" thick drop point blade with a slight curve in the handle.

[Lin Rhea]

John,
        I also like smaller knives with little belly to the blade. Here is one I made that I particularly like the shape of.
 

If I feel more like a straight back, I like this one.
 
                              Lin

[RGK]

A blade a long as my index finger is my favorite size.

[varmint]

I prefer blades 3" and below,about 2 1/2" being my favorite.

[dave hiltz]

I am with you John, the knifes that I have been making are 5-6 inches long, I have made a few larger ones but the ones I use and carry are smaller.

[Jeremy]

My favorite blade length is right around 3.5"
 
 
A couple of Fisk/Primos inspired knives - my favorite design

[MYSTIKBOW]

Not very fancy but this has been my knife of choice since I was 16yrs. old. Thats over 30yrs. ago. 3.5" blade OAL is just a hair over 7.5"
Even after that many years this knife still takes and holds a razor sharp edge.
 

[JEFF B]

3 1/2" long or 5" does most jobs here in new zealand.

[Ru]

I love small knives      As far as skinning I use general razer blades:sharp,disposable and cheap.
Here is a few photos of knives I've made, they    average 3 inches overall.

[MYSTIKBOW]

Ru, Those little knives are cool as heck. Are you gonna make a couple of those for the swap?

[brettlandon]

I just love knives.  I have carried a pocket knife since I was eight years old and still do today.  Let's see, that's about 32 years or so and I have carried everything from some wicked looking lock backs, to the very humane swiss army knife, to the standard three (and two) blade pocket folder.  Much the same can be said for the sheath knives I have carried into the field, both hunting and while in the service.  They have ranged from boot knives to bowies to my Serengeti Skinner.  My current favorite is my Kershaw 1660 which I feel naked without.
I've said all this because almost any good knife I've carried, would do in a pinch and some are really good all around knives.  I think a 3 to 4 inch blade is probably going to get you from your truck to your stand and back, but if your going to be out in it for several days, I would like to carry something a little more substantial.  But then, I love knives!  And I also love MAKING knives!  So basicly, I'm set!  

[Lin Rhea]

Jeremy,
        Great hunters! I can see the Fisk and Primos influence.
                                        Lin

[kbaknife]

Here are two I just finished in the 4 1/2" range:

 

 

[Lin Rhea]

Karl,
      Perfect all around size. The fact that they look great is just a bonus.
                                  Lin

[DW]

LET'S SEE......Lins' 2nd one, Jeremy's 2nd, and Karl's 1st..That's as good as it gets!!!!! All are works of art...    Don and Skyler

[DW]

Ru, Skyler loves your little Osage gut hook...Cool knife!

[tippit]

Jeremy,  I really like the looks of that 2nd one    Doc

[tippit]

I tend to prefer blades my index finger length.  They give me more control in the field gutting & skinning...feels more like scalpel for me.  Doc

 

[robtattoo]

About 3-4" does well for me. I can happily go shorter to 2" but any longer & it feels unwieldy & I get fatigued more easily. These are my favourite 2 for hunting/game work...