Anyone else like little knives? By little, I mean knives that will fit comfortably into the watch pocket of your pants of choice. I have a simple a simple rule, if I have a watch pocket, it has a knife in it.

What makes a good watch pocket knife? After extensive and careful study(I put a bunch of different knives in my pocket), I have concluded that only knives 3 inches and shorter fit into the watch pocket knife category. Anything longer sticks out and is therefore not safely locked into my pocket and is certain to be lost. Knives have two other relevant dimensions; thickness and what I call depth (don't know the proper term). So far I have not found a knife depth makes any difference to me but I have concluded thinner is better.

I don't get too excited about the quality of steel in 'em either. As long as they can be gotten sharp and will hold that edge for a while I'm pretty happy. These are the knives that open the mustard pack at Krystal, get the tags off that new pair of socks and cut out the relevant section of a particularly good target so you can take it home and brag to the Mrs. They're not going to be asked to fell an oak nor skin an elk. There must be steels below my minimum standard in this category but I haven't run across them yet.

The picture below shows my watch pocket arsenal. That strange device on the left in the first picture was included to provide a sense of scale. I positioned them wrong side up so you won't know immediately what they are, although a knife fanatic will know the first two on the left immediately and probably the one on the right as well. The second picture shows the same lineup stood on edge to show the dramatic difference in thickness of the knives.





As most everyone still with me knows, the second knife on the left is the iconic Case Peanut. This is the knife most people think about when the discussion of this category comes up. It is so revered that there is a thread over on a knife forum about the Cult of the Peanut that rivals the Model 28 thread here. Everyone loves it and so do I. Fit, finish and operation of this little guy are superb and mine with its chrome vanadium steel blade can be made spooky sharp. Is it the best for the job? Let's look at the others.

First on the left is a Buck Lancer. Although I've been a Buck fan forever (I still have four Bucks I bought in the early 70's), I just don't care for the Lancer. It is simply too small to be universally useful, in my opinion. The next knife after the Peanut is a Rough Rider Small Barlow. Rough Rider's are super cheap knives made in China. I bought this one, with absolutely no quality expectations, to experiment with changing grips. What a surprise! These are very nice knives. Since buying this one I've bought several more and all but one was the near equal to Case in fit and finish. Conclusion? The little single blade Barlow just about matches the Peanut in one blade cutting performance and is a lot narrower and easier to carry.

The red knife is another Rough Rider. This one's a Baby Copperhead. It out blades the Peanut (bigger blades) and since it's blades are at opposite ends, the knife can be narrower. It's a little longer than the Peanut but I actually count that as a plus. That little extra length makes it much more comfortable to hold than the three previous knives. I like this knife a lot and it is cheap! I sheepishly admit I prefer it to the Case.

Although I mentioned earlier that the quality of steel in these knives isn't critical, I do like carbon steel (can't help it!). So I kept looking for an affordable carbon steel equivalent to the little Copperhead. One day a poor little beat up Boker Pen knife showed up on the WWW for the lordly sum of $7. I bought it with it's Solingen carbon steel blades and replaced the handles. So far, it is my ideal watch pocket knife. It's just about perfect for the job.

Oh yes. The last knife is a Spyderco Grasshopper. If you want to do some serious whacking with a little knife, this is probably your ticket.

Well, that's my choice. What's yours?

That was a very enjoyable, well thought out post!

I'm lacking a knife in the category, other than some inherited pen knives with cell handles that are too delicate for much carry. I do have one of the small SAKs on my keychain, and like all the other SAKs that have served that duty the handles are popping off--they are not put on in a very substantial way to begin with. Not a big deal--it makes the knife less bulky anyway.

I've been tempted for a while to get a Peanut or the equivalent--and I'm with you on the carbon steel for a pocket knife. Case's CV is much better than their stainless. And I've also heard very little negative about the Rough Rider knives...though it pains to admit it. Just shows that if they want to the Chinese can turn out a good product.

Great job on replacing the handles on the Boker--something I've never attempted but want to try. What wood did you use?

Thanks for the kind words, Cooter. We have a lumber store nearby that sells all sorts of exotic woods in small pieces so I have all kinds of choices. The little RR has rosewood grips and, to the best of my memory, the Boker's are Moradillo. I have some Bocote and Texas Ebony to try next.

Ed

Interesting post, 5-Shot. Thanks! I too, carry a small knife in my jeans watch pocket. I have a small SAK on a key ring with a couple o' keys & a one cell AAA led flashlight. The SAK gets used more than the Spyderco Native in my right front pocket does, actually.

i carry a victorinox (executive model) in my watch pocket everyday along with one of my benchmades in my front left for larger task.

Good post 5-Shot, I really like your choices. I usually carry a small pocket clip knife- the Gerber Ridge or else a Victorinox Classic in my watch pocket.
I always have a Spyderco Endura 4 in my front left hand pocket.

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"Life is short, hunt hard"

Spyderco Cricket. I think it nicely complements my humpback 638 j frame.

I just measured my smallest knives; none is under 3". My Leatherman Micras are that small. I always have one on me, but usually on a key chain. The scissors get the most use, followed by the bottle opener.

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Not in jail.

I feel completely undressed without my Case XX pen. Been carrying one for close to 40 years.

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Back to back World War Champs.

I have a Kershaw lockback that fits the bill.
Red synthetic handle and a sharp two and a quarter inch blade.

Unfortunately, it's getting hard to find jeans with a watch
pocket these days.

I have always carried my pocket knife in my front pocket and never carry one less than 3 1/2". I have many Case peanut knives (early stag and bone) and some Rough Rider peanuts and Marbles peanuts. Don't ask me why I got them cause I don't carry them. I like 3 blade stockmans with California clip blades. Just a matter of preference.

I do collect pocket knives but sold about 70 couple of years back and probably have more than that left.

I have a Benchmade mini griptillian but don't carry it much.

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James
On the Llano Estacado

My EDC knife is a Spyderco Dragonfly, small, good blade and back-lock.
My all-round knife is a Camillus stockman with carbon steel blades, have this knife for over 30 years now.

If you want flat, light, and good at cutting, and aren't wedded to carbon steel (which I also prefer), the little Gerber 400 lockback is an excellent pick. I carry mine in an old pager case with two Speed Strips, but it would ride well in a watch pocket.

If you can find one of the U.S.-made Schrade Old Timer 31 OT two-blade jacks, it's a fine, sturdy little knife with good 1095 steel, well heat-treated, and sawn Delrin scales. You probably can spot one on eBay.

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Oh well, what the hell.

I have always admired knives and guns that have history. The "stock" photo you showed is of a knife built in 2007. How about a picture of your knife to share with the forum?

Shouldazagged, my Kentucky-Tennessee friend, thanks for reminding me. After reading your post, I crawled under the bed, pulled out a box and retrieved my old Sakai Japan made Gerber Silver Knight. It was a gift from a friend and co-worker about 30 years ago. Probably a fourth of each blade has been sharpened away but this old fellow certainly belongs in the family portrait.

Ed

I'm a two-knife guy, one in the pocket, a little brother in the watch pocket. Usually both are single-blade lock-backs, which I absolutely love for their slimness.

The watch-pocket blade is what I usually pull out when I need one in public so I don't start a panic.

This pre-Chinese Kershaw 2150 is the usual inhabitant of my watch-pocket, with it's big-brother 3120 (also KAI-made) in the main pocket.
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My other watch-pocket knife is a Buck 503, which is barely small enough.

My wife says just because she buys me cargo shorts with a dozen pockets doesn't mean I need a knife for each one. I beg to differ:-)

My Fred Perin 1 5/8" blade has replaced my Kershaw leek as my edc, unless I carry both. Case used to make a tiny all metal folder with a 3/4?" blade, maybe 1 3/8" long closed & 3/8" thick, can't recall the name, but it was sharp as a razor & I carried it for years as an Rn for cutting pills, opening mail & sundry other odd jobs without it appearing threatening.

Let's do some small non-folders.

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Is that a Bark River Mini-Canadian, Pilgrim? It's a great little knife, ferociously sharp and easy to keep that way. I carried mine in a hip pocket sheath until I gave it to my son.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Yes it is a Bark River Mini Canadian. I usually carry it front pocket, kydex sheath

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Little knives? Love 'em! For many many years I carried a Buck Lancer given to me by my identical-twin brother (deceased). He knew good knives.

Currently the little knife that I greatly enjoy carrying is a little Benchmade Auto-Benchmite. That little thing is a joy to carry, useful far out of proportion to it's apparent size. Open the blade is 1.95 inches long, wide and relatively thick with a slight belly to the blade and a tip that drops down. Press a little lever on the side and a spring assist opens the blade till it locks securely. Press the lever again and you can easily close the knife with one hand. I bought it when I was burned in 1998. For a long time I had very limited use of my left hand. Opening a standard knife was a problem. That little Auto-Benchmite goes with me every time I'm wearing dress pants or a suit. It is small, unobtrusive yet fully up to any common task for which I might need to use a knife. As well it is simply a beautiful elegant knife. What more could anyone want?

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Kabar LDK. Probably the tiniest knife I own.

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I carry my Wharcom from time to time:



And this little Blind Horse limited edition rides in a pocket sheath a lot:



And this little SOG is just sorta cute, if not really useful:



And I like this Great Eastern carbon steel thing a lot:

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Now go make God proud...

Here's mine; Bucks:

Model 305. My shop kinife. I've sharpened the little blade as a chisel, for taking the crimp out of primers.

Model 425.

Model 325. Made in China, unfortunatly.

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I LOVE the Case peanut knives!! I have a good many. They are the perfect size for what I need.

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

The rest of the herd:

A Spyderdo given me by a friend. 2 inch blade.

Laguiole Model 127 by Forges de Laguiole. Forgot what type of wood in the scales. 2 7/16 inch, 6 cm blade. A little too short for practical use.

Laguiole that just makes the blade length: 3 inches, 7.6 cm. Scales look like ivory but are either bone or plastic. I carried this as a pocket knife for a while, but found I needed the tools of the SAK.

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I thought I was all alone in this, though I don't put them in my watch pocket. I'll have to try that.

Here's my humble assortment, left to right and all Case Cutlery 3" overall or less: Peanut in chestnut bone, Texas Toothpick in cayenne bone, Camo Lockback with kind of a polymer handle and another Lockback in old red bone.

Small knives, especially folders, have got to be the most personal items imaginable. My grandpop loved his pen knives, always carried one and always found a reason to use it daily. I had a bunch that I chose as prizes during gun club drawings, but the box they must have been in when moving did not arrive here. Still have one remaining, my dad's, a Valor Pony III. These would need sharpening out of the box.

Also an old friend: a no-brand, .50 (maybe) pen knife of no value except it has been mine for 50 years. Like I said, a very personal belonging.

P.S. Have always been concerned about the fixed blade knife, even if small. LEOs in many jurisdictions tend to look at them as weapons (blade lengths aside) and arrest the person carrying them. Sad.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

My smallest are Victorinox Classics and I have several. They go in the inside jacket pocket, and are handy for opening mail when seated.

The Executive is a better all-round pocket knife, but may be marginal for a watch pocket.

Unlike another poster, I have never had a scale come off of a SAK. One exception: a Wenger in the 1960's. But those with Alox scales are certainly more rugged than those with the usual plastic handles. Some of the larger ones have checkered handles that seem to be applied with epoxy. The former German Army knives and the Safari model are included.

My hip pocket sheath was rectangular, about the size of an average wallet, with the pocket for the Mini on one side. Came in tan, but I dyed it black with Fiebig's. It rode very well and unobtrusively. Super handy, and a fine cutting tool.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Wrangler still makes them and they are the only brand that I wear.

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I reckon so

Great post. I've been carrying a pocket knife for as long as I can remember. I feel naked when I forget it and that isn't too often. My favorites are the ones that fit in the watch pocket. I carry an inexpensive,3" SS Winchester brand every day for work that serves me well for everyday use. I have several 3" folding pocket knives and the watch pocket is the perfect place to carry them.

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I reckon so

I carry a Buck knife on my belt. Because of this thread I picked up a very small victorinox knife to try to carry it in my watch pocket. Mostly for the scissors and the tweezers. A nice compliment to the big single blade on the Buck.

My son commented on it saying it would be nice if he could get one like it but without the blade, so he could take it to school. I may pick him up one and cut the blade off. Then it would just be a nail file and scissors, tweezer, and toothpick.

Here is a picture of my new watch pocket knife, along with two stupidly small knives from my collection, taken with a full size k-bar, and .45acp shell for reference. Ed

Love that little red bone. What model/style is it?

This is as small as I care to get.

i too love small blades. my key ring has one my Granddad gave me. faux ivory handles and a 1 1/2" blade. i'm also seldom without my Kershaw whirlwind...

Hmmm. Here's the description on a major online retailer: "Case Cutlery 02758 Pocket Worn Lockback Pocket knife with Stainless Steel Blade Small Old Red Bone."

What a nice photo spread.

I carried a Schrade Uncle Henry two-blade for years (until I lost it) that would have qualified, but the imported Schrades just don't do it for me.

My watch pocket is now occupied by a Speed Strip and, of all things, a watch.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

There's a SAK--the small size one that goes on a key ing--that does not have a blade. I think it has scissors and a a couple of other tools. It's basically a TSA special and was made in response to the regulations. It's called the "Jetsetter".

It'd keep you from having to snap off a blade.

That strikes me as really sad, but then I haven't flown aboard anything but a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor since before 9/11. And I'm one of those old guys who has carried at least one knife every day for nearly seventy years.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Apparently the blade on the little victoninox is no longer a problem with TSA. Their rules have been changing. Ed

OK, but where do you carry it?

I have the 325 model with a smooth spring release on it.

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Dont shoot back,shoot first

Little knives are a simple pleasure. I carried this Schrade stockman for many years and it provided great service. Not a heavy duty knife but very useful.

I have a tiny Al Mar lockback that fits the description.If memory serves,it's the Osprey model.
On my keyring,I have a Trango,which would also easily fit a watch pocket.

I kinda do and I'm looking at the JOHN KUBASEK MAG-TAG FOLDING DOG TAG KNIFE WITH CARBON FIBER. I'd like that

I also like Mr. Kubasek's Creditor II.

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Jorge

I have a Buck 305 I got when I was a teenager in the late '70s. Carried it constantly. I broke the tip off the main blade shortly after I got it. Buck would have replaced the blade for free, but it makes a handy screwdriver. Many times I fixed my car, in the middle of the road, in the rain, late at night with that little bugger.

It is pretty handy.
Jim

I bought this to little folder when I was 14 years old. I think it cost me about $11. One one side of the blade it says, 'Kershaw; Oregon, USA' the other ' and the other, 'kai of Japan, 2000'.

I forgot about this baby Anza. It's not good for much, but it is cute. The knife and sheath will fit in a watch pocket, just sticking out a little bit. If you look closely, you can see where one of the pups got to the sheath.

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I have one of these for my "suit" knife. titanium, 3" long, 0.9 oz., GV-10 blade

http://www.agrussell.com/images/medi...P73P-ti-cf.jpg