3"-4" Fixed blade or 5"-6" Folder?

Cobalt

Cobalt

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If you have your choice, which of these two options would you take and why. A 5 to 6 inch Folder or a 3-4 inch small fixed blade?

Just wondering what the schools of thought are on this, in here.
 
I would take the fixed blades, I find that excessively large folders can be awkward.
 
The Ken Onion Scallion 3.5" is too small to me but it fits nicer deep in my pocket.

The Blackout 4 3/8" fits perfect in my hand. I always keep it cliped in my jeans pocket. Doesn't feel too big to me ever.

I suppose it depends what your doing with it. I sure wouldn't to defend myself with a 3" folder.
 
Richter said:
The Ken Onion Scallion 3.5" is too small to me but it fits nicer deep in my pocket.

The Blackout 4 3/8" fits perfect in my hand. I always keep it cliped in my jeans pocket. Doesn't feel too big to me ever.

I suppose it depends what your doing with it. I sure wouldn't to defend myself with a 3" folder.
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Richter,
the reason why I chose 5-6 inch blade folder is to make it awkard in pocket to compare to a small fixed blade. So for example, a 3.5 inch fixed blade will be an overall length of 7.5 inches, lets say. A 5.5 inch folder is probably close to 6 inches closed, so they are not that different in overall dimension, but the folder has considerable more ctting area and reach. The Fixed blade of course is a fixed blade which has it's obvious advantages.
 
Chett said:
I would take the fixed blades, I find that excessively large folders can be awkward.
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My thoughts exactly! The folder might be a little easier to carry but it wouldn't be very useful from my experience. I personally only carry a 3-4" fixed blade for hunting in which my coat has alot of pockets so carrying isn't a problem. For EDC I find it awkward to carry a fixed without getting stranges looks.
 
I have a few small fixed blades which do ordinary cutting very well, but it really is a matter of the task at hand. A folder like the CUDA Maxx with its 5.5" blade can be handy in the kitchen and a monster for an EDC in the city.

I wouldn't consider ease of carry, which is something you can play around with, but ease of use. The smallest blade that will do the job is the largest blade that is right for it.
 
In California, you can carry any length folder in your pocket and its not a concealed weapon. Even a 5.5 inch blade. Whereas a fixed blade, even if its pretty short, that's carried inside the waistband, hidden under a long coat, etc, can qualify you for a carrying concealed weapons charge.

Thus, folder every time. Not because they're better. Because they're "legal-er."
 
except for a few folders in that range I would choose the fixed baldes. I love folders but I ca'nt argue that they are more reliable than fixed blades, plus at times I also find very large folders to be awkward.
 
As much as I love my CUDA Maxx, I would have to go with the fixed blade, stronger, and will do more. Unless you were talking pure SD, then the Maxx is king. My current dream knife is a Darrel Ralph ADX 5.5 with a bowie blade, and I will have on someday... :D
 
I'm going to buck the trend. I own both types of knife and what I carry every day is a folder with a 5-1/2" blade (Camillus Aftermath). Either approach would work, but the larger folder offers greater versatility and carryability in exchange for a relatively small disadvantage in strength.

--Bob Q
 
I prefer a small fixed blade with a 2 1/2" to 3" blade. No more then 7" overall length. I find it faster and easier to use then a folder. I'm not in the public much so carrying a fixed blade is not an issue for me.
Scott
 
I would go with a 4" fixed blade simply because there is no lock to fail.
 
I carry a Dozier bird & trout knife that works out great for me. It's total length is only 6 3/4" and has a blade length of 2 7/8".
k33.jpg
 
I agree with TIR large folder are awkward to use but in an urban setting I dont think we have much of a choice. I would carry a fixed blade during outdoor activity ( A Kukri, barong or a tanto)and a multitool or a folding knife with a clip blade for EDC( leatherman charge, Gerber gator or a buck 110 ).
 
I am really starting to like fixed blades, but I'd rather carry a large folder rather than a small fixed blade that takes up the same space.

Like you said, the point is that both knives will take up the same space when sheathed. The fixed blade will be more durable in extreme conditions. The folder will have a much larger blade. For me, the larger blade is more important, especially since SD is part of the reason I carry a knife. And the "work" part of why I carry a knife isn't all that extreme.

But if someone is going to use their knife as a hammer, a pry-bar etc... and in otherwise extreme conditions where a lock and joint might fail, then the smaller, but fixed, blade might be better.

However, such a large folder might be a bit akward, and maybe a little overkill. For example, I'd rather have a 4-5' folder on me than a 3'' fixed blade, but I'd find a 4'' fixed more useful and practical than a 6'' monster of a folder, even though it can be folded down to ~3''.
 
A fixed blade with a 4" long blade is perfect for almost everything. One of my favourite knives is even shorter, the Bark River Mountaineer.

For me 5"-6" is the limit on blade length for a fixed blade, and 6" is a bit too large. So a folder with such a large blade doesn't make much sense for me, of course YMMV.
 
It depends on the handle shape and sheath. A fixed blade usually has a more comfortable handle and with a good sheath is easier to get into action. No one seems to mind a small sheath knife when you are in jeans.
 
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