enough knife

There are many opinions and discussions about ideal everyday carry knives on the web.  I've certainly contributed a few ideas on this site.  But I wonder if many people are carrying too much knife, and ultimately sacrificing the utility of their EDC.  Consider the following comparison:

These are without doubt two of the most carried folding knives today. The first is the incredibly and justifiably popular Japanese-made Spyderco Delica FFG. The second is a knife with a much longer history - the venerable Swiss-made Victorinox Tinker.

These are very different knives.  The Delica has one hand opening, pocket clip, locking blade, superior VG10 steel, and wonderful ergonomics. It costs about $80 in Canada. I use this knife whenever I have a lot go cutting to do - breaking down a room full of cardboard boxes, for example. It is widely regarded as a superbly light, compact folder, but . . .

The Tinker has two FFG blades, including one that is effectively as long as the Delica's, as well as can and bottle openers, flat and phillips screwdrivers, a reamer, tweezers and toothpick.  It is a few grams lighter and costs about $25 in Canada.

Sure, the Tinker's got softer steel, but that may be an advantage, since it iss much easier to sharpen. The blades are too thin for prying, but the bottle opener is perfect for the job.  It is more compact. The slip joint blades take some care if you're used to locking blades. Another major benefit is that it does not scream "knife" in the way that the Delica, with its dramatic looks and one-handed opening, does.  SAKs are just about the most innocent a blade you can carry, from the point of view of the authorities, spouses and workmates.

Just a thought . . .