Am I the only one who does not own a folder?

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WillB

WillB

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Feb 3, 2007
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While I have never been a big folder fan, I always had at least 1 or 2 around, just realized I don't have a single one after selling last two folders off. Might end up with one again some times, but have no problem finding fixed blades do anything I need for less $, no moving parts, etc.

I think for some, fixed blades are "boring" and they enjoy moving parts, discussions of lock up, fidgeting with washers and lubes, etc. but I like the utterly reliable "boring" aspects of fixed blades, be they for DC or other uses and find any benefits folders offer are offset by what fixed blades offer. One of which being, my least expensive fixed blade stronger than any folder, other than perhaps some uber over built tank of a folder, and that defeats the entire reason for the folder if weight/size are the major benefits of a folder.

I'm a pragmatist when it comes to things like knives, firearms, etc.

Discuss!
 
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Fixed blades are great at everything, they just are, haha. If I found the right one for pocket carry it may replace my folder, but I do like the convenience folders provide. They’re a bit less conspicuous and a bit more comfortable all around, for me at least.

A sub 3 ounce folder is all but undetectable in my pocket, but when I have a standard 3.5” fixed blade on my belt I seem to notice it a lot more. Sure it’s tougher, even some times easier to retrieve and use, but it is still more cumbersome for daily carry. I know there’s a lot fixed blades out there that eliminate this issue, I just haven’t found one yet.

I carry a folder every day, I carry a fixed blade maybe once or twice a week under normal circumstances. I like them both, but no matter what day it is, I’ll have a folder in my right front pocket.
 
McFeeli said:
Fixed blades are great at everything, they just are, haha. If I found the right one for pocket carry it may replace my folder, but I do like the convenience folders provide. They’re a bit less conspicuous and a bit more comfortable all around, for me at least.

A sub 3 ounce folder is all but undetectable in my pocket, but when I have a standard 3.5” fixed blade on my belt I seem to notice it a lot more. Sure it’s tougher, even some times easier to retrieve and use, but it is still more cumbersome for daily carry. I know there’s a lot fixed blades out there that eliminate this issue, I just haven’t found one yet.

I carry a folder every day, I carry a fixed blade maybe once or twice a week under normal circumstances. I like them both, but no matter what day it is, I’ll have a folder in my right front pocket.
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Here's what I replaced my last folder with, and it's stronger than any folder, cost a fraction as much, and disappears in my pocket:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/new-edc-fixed-blade-jp-bladesmithing.1645606/#post-18819011

I'm sure you can find something that fits your recs too.
 
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I resisted fixed blades for a while, but I now have two i absolutely love, and I get the attraction. The problem is, while legal to carry in CA if not concealed (which is odd, and a slippery slope), I think I look like a Rambo carrying one. It's unwanted attention, so I just carry a folder.
 
Most people do not own any knife, folder or fixed blade ;) But if the OP's question is among people on this website, I'd say you are perhaps one of the only two or three persons who do not have any folders.
 
sharp_edge said:
Most people do not own any knife, folder or fixed blade ;) But if the OP's question is among people on this website, I'd say you are perhaps one of the only two or three persons who do not have any folders.
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I think it's safe to assume I'm referring to people posting here. That does bring up an interesting Q, what % of people a knife of any kind not say a kitchen knife? Had never given than one a thought.
 
Am I the only one who does not own a folder?
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Yes :)

Personally I went back to folders because I am addicted to insanely sharp edges for actual use.
The the worthless sheaths on my favorite fixed blades have that silly glass fiber crap in the plastic and it dulls my edges Waaaaaaaaaaaay too quick and often for me to even seriously consider carrying them any more.
Maybe some day I will get all excited and make some sheaths.
Sheaths are filthy things and I use my knives a fair amount on food so . . . .
Pretty happy with my folders (very, very, very happy) . . . carrying a Spyderco Police in K390 today and she gets it done for me.
 
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I think I'll end up this way, long term also... the practicality aspect of it will likely win out.

I also am in an office, but I know a small, ~ 3 inch blade is hard to beat, esp if it's a nice leather horizontal belt carry or inside pocket sheath setup with minimal bulk.

Instead of that tanto you have (which is nice), I'll likely end up with something Canadian belt knife shaped ;)
imagine this in a custom with a full flat grind and maybe some slight simplifications
timthumb.php
 
Yep, your it.:)
You make a good argument, but it’s hard to deny the convenience of a folder.
 
I absolutely would carry a fixed blade and no folder, in a perfect world where I didn’t look like every other redneck in my small town. They just tend to draw attention and as I’m already binding a gun under my shirt, and often an extra mag, there isn’t much room for anything else. They are more practical, no doubt about it though.
 
GB940Rookie said:
Yep, your it.:)
You make a good argument, but it’s hard to deny the convenience of a folder.
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I don't find them anymore convenient than the right fixed blade myself. I think the convenience aspect is seriously overstated.
 
Huntnow said:
I absolutely would carry a fixed blade and no folder, in a perfect world where I didn’t look like every other redneck in my small town. They just tend to draw attention and as I’m already binding a gun under my shirt, and often an extra mag, there isn’t much room for anything else. They are more practical, no doubt about it though.
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Clip in pocket everyone can see seems to draw as much or more attention as this guy, which drops in my front pocket and not seen at all, or worn IWB or on the belt of shirt untucked. There's now so many good fixed EDC blades out there that are as easy, if not easier to EDC than a folder of say equal blade length. I get why people enjoy a folder, but I do find the reasons for them usually over stated or simply not true.

EDC.jpg
 
A fixed blade in a pocket sheath takes up a lot of real estate and if I’m in a discreet situation where my .380 is going in my pocket, space is important. Belt sheaths are alright but often times they just get in my way or are annoying and uncomfortable when I drive (and I do a lot of driving).

So basically, yes, I’ll carry a fixed blade sometimes in different ways but a folder is a static piece of daily gear because of versatility.
 
I'm a pragmatist with such things as well which is exactly why I don't carry a fixed blade for EDC. In my current role I neither need nor would I be well received if I had even a small fixed blade. Being a pragmatist and all, I prefer more straight forward stuff like Case and Spyderco.

But then again, I have plenty of fixed blades for things, because again, I'm a...well, you know...
 
WillB said:
.....I'm a pragmatist when it comes to things like knives, firearms, etc.
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Me too which is why I carry a folder. :D The only environment I religiously carry a fixed blade is in the the "outdoors".... woods and so forth. Seldom used, but it's there if I need it.

I started out being very practical with firearms. But I learned that the cheap stuff really isn't as good. Pay once and cry once. This is especially true with handguns.

WillB said "I get why people enjoy a folder, but I do find the reasons for them usually over stated or simply not true."

You see, that is where you go wrong with the opinions. Fixed blades take up a lot of pocket space and carrying one on your belt can be problematic at times. That doesn't mean I don't like them; I just carry a folder about 95% of the time as my only knife. I can carry a fixed blade if I want to most of the time, but I choose not to. My day to day usage is not so rigorous that it requires a fixed blade for strength. Hence your choice to carry one is mostly personal preference.
 
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Blues Bender said:
A fixed blade in a pocket sheath takes up a lot of real estate and if I’m in a discreet situation where my .380 is going in my pocket, space is important. Belt sheaths are alright but often times they just get in my way or are annoying and uncomfortable when I drive (and I do a lot of driving).

So basically, yes, I’ll carry a fixed blade sometimes in different ways but a folder is a static piece of daily gear because of versatility.
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If the .380 is in the pocket, where's the folder? Because a small fixed EDC can be in the pocket, or clipped to the pocket like the folder, or IWB, OWB, all using the same uber thin sheath, the variations and versatility/ flexibility are far greater than the folder.
 
22-rimfire said:
Me too which is why I carry a folder. :D The only environment I religiously carry a fixed blade is in the the "outdoors".... woods and so forth. Seldom used, but it's there if I need it.

I started out being very practical with firearms. But I learned that the cheap stuff really isn't as good. Pay once and cry once. This is especially true with handguns.
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Pragmatism/pragmatic approach has nadda to do with $ per se.
 
WillB said:
If the .380 is in the pocket, where's the folder? Because a small fixed EDC can be in the pocket, or clipped to the pocket like the folder, or IWB, OWB, all using the same uber thin sheath, the variations and versatility/ flexibility are far greater than the folder.
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The folder goes to the back pocket next to the wallet or I’ll carry an OTF clipped to my left pocket. I’m not putting a knife IWB, that’s lame, only my CZ75 or girlfriend goes IWB. If I’m carrying the .380 in my pocket it’s because comfort and discretion is important, so OWB is no dice.

A fixed blade in a pocket sheath takes up too much space in my left or back pocket.
 
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