The debate on using a 4-inch knife vs a 6-inch for cutting carpet in tight spaces

Honestly, I keep seeing guys in my area use a 6-inch knife for everything, even closets and around door jambs. Tbh, a 4-inch blade gives you way more control for those tight cuts and reduces the chance of overcutting into baseboard. I switched after a job in a downtown Portland condo where the 6-inch kept catching on the trim. Which do you all think is better for precision work?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_sarah6d ago

Disagree with @alexlewis, control beats leverage every time.

alexlewis6d ago

Been doing this for 15 years and a 6-inch knife is just better muscle memory. You get one good blade you know inside out, you don't need to switch tools and lose your rhythm. That extra length gives you leverage for cleaner cuts through thicker carpet and pad in one pass. You just learn to angle the handle differently in a corner, it's all in the wrist. A shorter blade can force you into awkward positions that mess up your back over a long day.