Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025

[nate j]

We’re a few months away, but as other challenges are starting to go up for June, it’s time to gauge interest in this one.

The challenge is this:  For the month of June, carry and use only a knife or knives that have a minimum 4” blade length.  Use the same knife all month, or switch as often as you would like.  Fixed or folding, traditional or modern, all are welcome.

If you’ve always preferred smaller knives, here’s your chance to get out of your comfort zone and channel your inner Crocodile Dundee.

Of course, no one should risk legal trouble or their job, so if the only place you can carry and use a knife this size is your own home/yard, it would still be great to have you participate.

Use the AKTI Protocol for Measuring Blade Length (link below) to determine whether a given knife meets the minimum 4” blade requirement.

https://www.akti.org/resources/akti-protocol-for-measuring-knife-blade-length/

All the other usual challenge rules apply.

[Farmer X]

Whether my participation in a challenge is practical beyond this month is up in the air. But if it ends up being practical, I'm in.

[nate j]

Whether my participation in a challenge is practical beyond this month is up in the air. But if it ends up being practical, I'm in.

FX!

[Antti Lammi]

I missed this challenge last year and i still own only 1 knife over 4". im just affraid do i find enough use for such big knife

[nate j]

I missed this challenge last year and i still own only 1 knife over 4". im just affraid do i find enough use for such big knife

It would be great to have you AL!

One of the myths we’ll attempt to bust with this challenge is that bigger knives are only good for “big knife stuff”.  On the contrary, my experience is that a larger knife (say 4”-8” blade, not a sword) can generally handle anything a smaller knife can, with no more than a grip adjustment.

[Farmer X]

This challenge is a great excuse to buy an Opinel No. 12. Its length is over the minimum for this challenge, but without a lot of height. In my opinion, it's great for both big knife and small knife tasks.

[nate j]

This challenge is a great excuse to buy an Opinel No. 12. Its length is over the minimum for this challenge, but without a lot of height. In my opinion, it's great for both big knife and small knife tasks.

I’ll add that at only 3.9 oz, it helps bust the myth that large knives must be stupidly heavy.

It may very well be the best 4”+ blade available under $30.

Mine rides comfortably in my right front pocket next to my wallet.  (Another myth, big knives must be uncomfortable to carry, busted.)

[Farmer X]

 

[gra_farmer]

I am in, cannot see a list, so I'll start it.

1. Gra_farmer

[nate j]

I am in, cannot see a list, so I'll start it.

1. Gra_farmer

Glad to have you!
 

Thanks for starting the list; I hadn’t gotten to it.

1. Gra_farmer
2. nate j

[cody6268]

Looking my work knives, I think pretty much all of them have a minimum 4-inch blade length. While mostly fixed blades, Heck, there's even a couple machetes in that group for woods clearing. When I'm in the woods, the 7" blade MKII/Kabar is often on my hip.  If not, it's two other military legends--the MK1 Deck Knife or Jet Pilot's Survival Knife.



Been looking at these long and hard ever since Sportsman's Guide started listing them close to a decade ago. Yes, I understand they're probably blunt, but I've slowly been going from knife ruiner to mediocre sharpener.

[nate j]

Looking my work knives, I think pretty much all of them have a minimum 4-inch blade length. While mostly fixed blades, Heck, there's even a couple machetes in that group for woods clearing. When I'm in the woods, the 7" blade MKII/Kabar is often on my hip.  If not, it's two other military legends--the MK1 Deck Knife or Jet Pilot's Survival Knife.



Been looking at these long and hard ever since Sportsman's Guide started listing them close to a decade ago. Yes, I understand they're probably blunt, but I've slowly been going from knife ruiner to mediocre sharpener.

Would be great to have you in the challenge!

[cody6268]

Would be great to have you in the challenge!

Looks like very much so.


1. Gra_farmer
2. nate j
3. cody6268

[nate j]

Looks like very much so.


1. Gra_farmer
2. nate j
3. cody6268

[JonesE]

1. Gra_farmer
2. nate j
3. cody6268
4. JonesE

[nate j]

1. Gra_farmer
2. nate j
3. cody6268
4. JonesE

Glad to have you, JonesE!

[nate j]

I see the mighty Opinel No. 12 is currently less than $23 on the big river site, with the classic beechwood handle and your choice of carbon or stainless blade.

If you’re reading this, you (yes, YOU) know you want to order one and join this challenge!
 

[Farmer X]

Yes, you do. The No. 12 is a perfect food-prep folder.

[BPRoberts]

Was thinking about the Mag Glass challenge, but if I can carry an Opi...

Will have to measure at home, but the 12 outdoor and the 10 slims are also listed at 4+ inches.

[nate j]

Was thinking about the Mag Glass challenge, but if I can carry an Opi...

Will have to measure at home, but the 12 outdoor and the 10 slims are also listed at 4+ inches.

Would be great to have you!

Opinels are certainly welcome, as long as they meet the 4” minimum blade length requirement.

[BPRoberts]

The 12 OD is exactly 4 by my measurement. I don't think it's really a knife I want to carry for a month, but if anyone else was wondering, it's an option.

I don't have a 10 slim, which seems much more reasonable. Might have to pick one up.

[BPRoberts]

Continuing to ponder this, and looking at a few of the larger Spydercos (the Police has been on my radar for a while, and is listed at 4"). When we do the combo edge challenge in February, people often say that a combo edge is too little of either edge to be practical. But with a 4+ inch blade, a half and half would put each section around the length of the blade on a lot of knives (SAK main blades are just over 2" on 84-91mm models, secondaries around 1.5".  Case puts a ~2.5" masters and ~1.75" secondaries on a lot of their mid sized multi blades.)

Is a big knife a chance to run a worthwhile combo edge?

[JonesE]

If you are interested in a combo edge, the Spyderco Police looks to be a good choice. You get a good amount of plain edge and serrated edge. Also, the blade tip is strong. The handle is comfortable and it has a robust back lock.

JonesE

[nate j]

Is a big knife a chance to run a worthwhile combo edge?

My personal opinion is that a large CE makes more sense than a small CE, but still not as much sense as a PE for most applications (and a separate SE blade if needed).

For this challenge, any edges are welcome, as long as the blade is at least 4”.
 

P.S.  Re larger Spydercos, I have a Stainless  Police and a couple Native Chiefs.  All are good knives, though all of mine are PE.

[BPRoberts]

Did a bit more measuring. The OD 12 is right on the line. Opinel lists it as 4", and I'd give it the nod. The 130mm Rangers fall prey to the "shortest distance" part of the AKTI protocol. Due the the angle of the handle, they lose around a quarter inch. Longest path would be a smidge over 4", but shortest is about 3.75".

Anyone planning on carrying a fixie? Obviously a ton in the 4-5 inch range there.

[nate j]

Anyone planning on carrying a fixie?

I’ll probably be carrying one on my hiking/camping pack.

I may try carrying one on my person, but I generally find folders much more convenient.