Short Knives?

[DancesWithKnives]

One of my pals from a wilderness forum has a collection of really cool looking little knives. They are customs with blades less than two inches, sometimes just a bit over one inch. Many of the blades are pretty deep and strong----just not long. The handles are also small (two or three finger size). Most are 01 or 1095 steel. He says he gets a large amount of use from them.

I really like the looks of these "cute" little outdoor knives but I have not been able to bring myself to order one. I have a couple skinners with blades of 3" or slightly less but nothing smaller. Anyone here ever used really small knives (<2" blades) in the outdoors?

DWK

[Bushman]

Your post reminds me of the time when I was frantically looking through my pack for my larger knife when I had a 5x6 elk laying at my feet. The only knife that I knew that I had for sure was the inch and a half Barlow that I carry in my wallet. Major panic. I did eventually find a larger knife in my pack. Actually I have found that the little single ATS-34 drop point 2" blade mini lock back that rides around in that little upper pocket in my jeans is about the handiest knife that I've carried. Mostly I'm just cutting the tape on a box or checking the steaks on the grill and for that kind of thing it works well. I did field dress a couple of deer with it too, but I like at least a 3" blade for that.

[MOGC]

I've used a lot of blades from 2 1/4" - 3" in the woods for small game and as a general utility knife. I always have a "pocket knife" for utility chores and save the longer bladed (3" - 4") fixed blade for game use when big game hunting. I don't think I have ever worked a big game animal over with anything less than a 3" blade, though honestly for the average deer a blade of 2 3/4" would be about as good with a skilled person handling it.

[tpaulos]

DWK I do use two Bob Jones small fixed blade knives for hunting and camping.the largest one has a 2 7/8'' blade the smaller one is 2 1/2''
both are A2 tool steel and will get the job done.
Tony Paulos

[DancesWithKnives]

Nice blades! Thanks for the images.

Your small knives and those mentioned by MOGC are similar in size to mine. I wish I had some photos of the ones I described above because they are about half that size. We're talking tiny. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with a knife much smaller that what you have shown and MOGC has described.

Thanks for your input,

DWK