Okay first of all lets assume that for the purposes of this conversation we are talking about fixed blade knives . The pros and cons of folder vs fixed blade have been discussed enough as it is already IMHO so lets keep it simple and assume all knives in question (for the purposes of this thread) are fixed blade. Besides, the reason I'm asking is because I recently purchased and am waiting on shipment of a full tang 2" fixed blade right now.

Just a little background info. This August I will be taking on a new job where I can have absolutely no knife on my person that is longer than 2" in the blade. Actually this is pushing it as it is. It would be best if I have no knife at all but I'm not about to concede to that degree. However an extremely well concealed 2" knife is the absolute most I can carry. Since I prefer strong knives I ruled out small 2" folders immediately (I love my BM310 but it's just not that tuff). Not to mention that a recent post by Molf got me interested in finding a knife and fire starter that I can truely carry 24/7... even in the shower.

Okay so there's the background info, now here's the question.

Aside from chopping and/or battoning wood what do you feel are the limitations of a 2" fixed blade when compared to a 4" fixed blade of relatively the same thickness and general durability? Other than chopping and battoning (because those are obvious) does the 4" blade have any advantages over the 2" blade strictly due to its length?