I carry a 7 in blade and I feel like it is the minimum length for me. I have killed some with a 4 in blade, but have gotten in some wrecks where a big hog wouldn't die because I only had a 4 in knife. If I get another one I want to get the 8 in kbar. I don't think a 10 in is unreasonable. I wonder why it is legal to buy a large knife if it is not legal to own or use one. Is the 51/2 in law talking about what is legal to carry in public? I don't know, just asking?