(A philosophical definition) A tiny, yet fully functional knife, having all the same parts and materials, and functioning in the same way as a full-size knife; but being too small to be used for practical purposes. Most small knives are just small knives; miniatures are novelties primarily intended as charms or to display a knifemaker’s skill.  Generally, a folding knife should be about one and one-half inches long or less to qualify.  If it is so small that it is difficult to use, it is probably a miniature. Fully functional folding knives can be found which are less than 1/2″ long when closed!  A small knife-shaped item that does not have a working spring or a steel blade is just a “toy.”