Have your EDC gone too far?

[Padre]

As pretty much everyone comments on various forums, people tend to EDC knives far too large for their needs. Is this true? My largest EDC knife ZT0452CF has been sitting home for quite a while, as it was too big. You dont really need much for your daily small tasks do you? I have been quite impressed by my Style CS, and that blade isn't much. So, legal issues aside, would half an inch blade usually be enough for 99% of your knife tasks, or do you REALLY need 3-4 inches? And no, she didn't mention anything, didn't say a word.

[Brock O Lee]

A tiny blade might be sufficient to open mail, open packages or to trim a hang nail, but they are near useless for on-the-go food prep...

I am very happy to carry a 3-4 inch one hand opener. Not only is the blade large enough to be useful for many different types of tasks, but the handle is large enough to provide a full and comfortable and secure grip.

Everyone has different requirements, but "EDC gone too far" IMO is when I look with amusement at some pocket dumps and I see load-outs weighing multiple pounds, and consisting of ridiculous layers of redundancy: large tools, small tools, medium tools, pry-tools, just in-case tools, different knives, backup-for-your-backup flashlights etc.

I like to travel light, so if I need to hang tools from my belt or wear "tactical pants" for the pocket space, I know I am taking it way too far...

But to be fair, in the eyes of the typical non-knife person, my SAK and 3-inch folder and AAA light puts me squarely in the "EDC gone too far" category. 

[eamo]

each to their own - rarely will i encounter something that can't be handled by the small blade on my Squirt P4 - though I carry a Leatherman Juice now and there is nothing in my current daily life it can't handle. I also sometimes carry an opinel #7 which i've grown fond of, it's used for slicing apples and not much else

[alexTOOL]

Absolutely agree

For EU members are excesive many of the EDC loadouts seen here.

In my case the most demanding task could be cutting an apple and a Vic Executive or LM Juice would be enough...

Vanitas vanitatis... (not in all cases)

[magentus]

Yup - I'd feel well overprepared carrying anything more than my Pikachu, Spirit and Mini mag LED as far as tools go.

[WWW]

For a good couple of years my SRM 605 was my only knife, and with a 2,5 inch blade is more than enough for most of my tasks.

[powernoodle]

I rarely, and I mean rarely, need anything bigger than a Victorinox Classic.  But there are those times when I want to cut a sandwich in half for my son, and that pretty much requires a 4" blade.  For EDC, I am more concerned with the spine to edge dimension (for easy carry) than blade length.  Right now I'm carrying a Spyderco Ulize, which is 4.1", but it carries easily due to its thin profile.  If a larger blade can be carried more or less as easily as a smaller one, then for me there is no reason not to carry the bigger blade.

[kkokkolis]

It had been. I used an ultra-heavy and super-capable EDC of a Skinth CatchAll for over a year. But when I added a pair of full size binoculars I reconsidered and downsized to a smaller size Skinth and other items (I EDC other optics too, e-cigs, electronic gadgets etc). The move to a Spirit plus a scissored Alox Hiraethus made for me (I thank him) I lost almost nothing in functionality but much in space and weight. All items except Binoculars and Tablet fit in a medium sized bag in bag and all together fit to any of my Victorinox bags, the Work briefcase, Travel backpack and Leisure teardrop monisling. One of the three (or, rarely, one of the reserve three, Victorinox too) is always with me.

[Demel]

This is a good topic. One thing about being prepared is you will always have more than you need. For me the sweet spot is a between a 58mm Vic and a  folder with a three inch blade. I've learned that is what I need and what I'm comfortable with. If I feel using a folder to open a package would make some people uneasy I just use my Executive. It's a fine balance between utility and invisibility. Although I have been tempted to carry my new Kabar to the grocery store....

[ducttapetech]

I use my 3 inch plus blades daily. Everything from food prep to farm work. I can make a big knife small, can't make a small knife big.

[Fortytwo]

Probably in numbers but not in size. Rarely do I carry anything larger than an 91mm unless I'm in the woods (and even there I'm seldom carrying anything really big). I have however started carrying more and more blades so that if I have my bag with me I could count 4 different knives/tools.

Wenger Wood Commander
Vic Classic
Vic Swisscard Lite
SOG PPP

Looking at consolidating and rebuilding the Swisscard not to have the knife but a nailfile instead, Replacing the Wenger with a Modern Viking (non-locking Vic Evo101 with a more traditional shape) and remove the Classic for a total of three tools, one without blade and almost no redundancy.

[cody6268]

A blade length between two and three inches is about right for most jobs I do.   Under that is too small, over that they're so bulky they make a lousy "pocket" knife unless they've got a clip.   Out in the woods, I do occasionally carry a Case Folding Hunter or Buck 110.

Fixed blades are really better for out in the woods-for that I prefer my Bahco 2444 Carpenter or Camillus MK II Fighting Knife.    The Bahco is really better for carry as it is way lighter.  The Camillus is built like a tank and indestructible.

[getahl]

My daily carry is pretty light, working in under half a pound total. I don't like I be bogged down if I can help it.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[strmliner]

Has my  EDC gone too far?   No.

I always have an SAK and a lighter in my pocket.  My flashlight and multitool are in my work backpack.  If it's a weekend, then I'm probably not shouldering the work backpack, but between my hiking rucksack or the car, I'm covered.

No need to carry 2-3lbs of "stuff" everyday just to seem like a prepared boy scout...I'm already prepared....   

[sLaughterMed]

Honestly, I could get by with nothing more than a Victorinox Classic. No, i do not need pliers, saws, files, multiple blades and screwdrivers, can openers or even a bottle opener on me all the time. I don't need a knife larger  than 1", and I certainly don't need a OHO, locking knife.

But I like them. I carry, and occasionally use, my SAKs, folders, and multi's everywhere, and I get a huge amount of pleasure out of doing it. So no, my EDC has not gone too far.

[detron]

I do not think I have gone too far,  though many would tell me I am in denial.   

[sir_mike]

My normal and daily carry is just a small Olight on my house keychain and the Vic Explorer with Plus scales.  I think the almost 3 inch main blade size is perfect for daly use whether cutting an apple or doing some actual work with it.  It never lets me down nor do I ever think it is too small or too big for the job.  If I need a smaller blade for light work, then I have that too on the sak so all set.

I used to carry a separate folder along time ago but it has been missed.  Now if I go hiking or gonna do something specific, I will add to my EDC like a folder or fixed blade or MT, depending on the plan.

[metasyntax]

Yes, definitely. Not so much in the blade length, although my Endura has been getting some action lately, but more in how much I carry. I have a backpack which is a convenient excuse to carry more multi-tool firepower than I'll ever need, but it's fun. I can carry a LM OHT and a PowerLock, and most days they won't even leave their sheaths, but it still makes me happy to have them with me.

[rivercity]

The older Ive gotten, the less stuff I like to carry. I have dialed my EDC down quite a bit. Used to, it was 2 large keyrings (work keys), 2 wallets (1 was my work cards etc), a SAK, few bucks in loose change, a 3-4" folder, and sometimes a LM Wave.

Now I carry this, and sometimes skip the notebook and tape roll. If I leave the house I take my wallet.
 

[Kampfer]

Most people on this planet EDC NOTHING and still live their life just fine, our EDC reallt gone too far in their eyes.

I been using SOG key knife a lot, it is fine for most task, but a 5.5 inches Espada makes me feel proud and prepared.

[Padre]

And I'm not talking about camping, working or military stuff...
I'm talking common boring western world life, where you wont fight against criminals and live without fear for your life.  Sure the Zero Tolerance is with me while hiking.

[Dean51]

For boring every day use the simple answer is ½ inch is not enough   Or so I was told.
On any given day I may cut twine, cardboard, reinforced water, radiator, fuel hose, strip electrical wire or nothing but an apple.

I know some people get by with a Vic classic or case peanut but I find them to limiting. Even if I could get by with a classic or peanut, I wouldn't do it. Why would I want to. I'm a knife nut and proud of it.

3 ¼ closed is the minimum. My 3 favorite daily knives are 3 5/8 to 3 7/8 closed, with blades measuring 2 ½  to 2 15/16. The heaviest is only 2.33 oz., the lightest is 1.9 oz.

I have a folding knife that is 4.5 closed but it's not carried very often. It's more for camp/hike use or when a little more blade reach is handy.
For me over 4” is getting into brick status and requires a clip or sheath. (I don't like pocket clips) and I don't always want a sheath.

I even consider my mini-barrage at 4” a small brick. Not because it's to long but because it's to thick from edge to spine. To much wasted steel that accomplishes nothing other adding weight and taking up space in your pocket.

[ThePeacent]

I'm with Kampfer, I find the executive/batnam to be enough for most cutting I do on a daily basis, but carry large (or XLarge) folders for other reasons, and it usually is a combination of Pocket + Bag carry that covers all possible tool needs I may encounter

Pocket carry: SAK/MT + OPT + Folder or Fixed Blade, like







Bag carry: Another SAK/MT + another OPT + another Folder/Fixed blade and other EDC items, such as



All in all, sumed up, gives me a large combo of tools/gadgets that go along with me when I'm out of home, totaling something similar to





May seem excessive, I agree, but it's fun and gives me confidence. Do whatever floats your boat, right? 

[rdub934]

I believe blades in the 2-3" are primo for EDC, in most cases. The handles on knives this small can be uncomfortable, though, so the main reason I like a 3.5" or larger blade would be to gain a handle long enough for a full and comfy grip. Everyone has a different outlook, though, so some would say carrying knife at all for what they would deem as no specific reason is crazy.

Others feel that a folding sword is perfect for EDC
(Hi Kampfer )

It's all in what you want to carry.

[Aloha]

My Wave covers everything I'd need day to day.  I do like taking a SAK along however just because.  Funny thing is the day you stop carrying an item is the day you need it.  I say carry what you like and enjoy it. 

[Toolslinger]

My Wave covers everything I'd need day to day.  I do like taking a SAK along however just because.  Funny thing is the day you stop carrying an item is the day you need it.  I say carry what you like and enjoy it.

^Nailed it.

Everything I carry, is carried for a reason. Usually that I have needed it on a semi-regular basis in the past. I do try to balance functionality with carryability as I don't want to be lugging a ton of stuff. My goal is maximum function in minimal kit.

[ToolJoe]

I've found a Vic OH Soldier to be a good all around daily blade for cutting almost anything. LM C33T is my backup in this dept.

[Spey]

Padre,

Your questions appear to be loaded. Example ... yes, I would agree that most "small" daily cutting tasks can be accomplished with a "small" blade length. Smaller task, smaller tool is pretty typical in many applications.

My diminutively sized ZDP-Dragonfly (daily carry as money-clip) could easily perform many daily tasks, but I prefer to exercise myself by using a larger blade for smaller tasks (4.6" K2 or a Millie).

When it comes to a simple task like cutting a hoagie in half, etc. it's been my experience that longer blades are simply more efficient. Using a short blade is kinda ridiculously frustrating by comparison. On the other hand, I chose the smaller Dragonfly for tasks like fitting a hickory handle to a hawk head (because the edge geometry I keep on it makes the task somewhat effortless).

I think much is the same when it comes to other daily carry tools. Example: The front screen on my phone along with the camera LED (along with an app that controls the output of both/either) work pretty well in many circumstances as a lighting tool. However I still carry & daily use a small Ti LED torch, because well ... there's just a number of uses that a flashlight just does a much better job at (like finding my phone in the dark ... ;-) or needing both hands free by clipping torch to backpack shoulder-strap or belt-loop, mouth-hold, etc.).

I "think" the funniest thing about this subject is how little it seems most peep's actually think about application and use vs. choice based on physical appearance or perceived need based what's currently socially popular. Example: how many users tailor the cutting geometry of there daily carry knives based on actual usage requirements vs. current industry trends ...

Everyone has their own reasons for what they choose to carry, and many different reasons for their choices (as silly as this seems, I do my best to focus on my needs unless someone specifically asks ;-)


Regards,

[strmliner]

First off, welcome to the forum Spey!   

I "think" the funniest thing about this subject is how little it seems most peep's actually think about application and use vs. choice based on physical appearance or perceived need based what's in socially popular. Example: how many users tailor the cutting geometry of there daily carry knives based on actual usage requirements.

Everyone has their own reasons for what they choose to carry, and many different reasons for their choices (as silly as this seems, I do my best to focus on my needs unless someone specifically asks ;-)

You might want to be careful here as with this crowd they are thinking about their needs and usage requirements.  Most everybody here is passionate about their SAKs, multitools, and/or knives.  And give it some thought as to what and why they "carry".  And they also share their ideas and knowledge, which makes this a great place to learn.

Again, welcome to MTO and thanks for sharing your thoughts...   

[Spey]

strmliner,

Thank you for your welcome and your caution.

To this forum, please accept my apologies for not making an introductory 1st post (a socially more acceptable intro).

If I have offended anyone with my previous post here, I am sure I will read about it ;-)

I have been using tools all my life and carried carried a folding knife (one or typically more) daily since about the age of six when I learned to also sharpen and maintain it.

For well over a decade I dailied a SwissChamp SAK along with a maintenance steel. In any given week 80+% of those tools got used, and was an excellent overall backup tool on jobsites and in wilderness environments.

I hope this forum/thread chooses to acknowledge my efforts to make what I believe to be positive contributions to a question. If not, then ..., well that's a good reflection to determine my future contribution efforts. I hope to find true, that this forum is "a great place to learn" from folks that put effort into understanding first-hand usage applications vs. parroting that is found on so many other forums (please do not read that to indicate ANY prejudice twoards this forum), and perhaps a good place to share experiences & knowledge earned.

Thanks again for your constructive comments.

Regards,