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

[Quiet]

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.

View attachment 1209897

Simply not true? The fact of the matter is that in most places when other people are present, like out in public in virtually any setting, pulling a fixed blade knife out is going to attract undue attention. There are very few situations where it's going to be feasible to argue that your belted fixed blade was an appropriate choice if you aren't out in the woods. A pocket fixed blade being easier to carry than a folding knife? LOL I don't even know how to respond to that without laughing.

 

[22-rimfire]

If you want to argue (discuss) something that has some merit.... try handmade versus factory made knives.

I don't live out in the woods. I wonder what kind of knife folks that actually live out in the woods carry?

 

[WillB]

I think it has a lot to do with pragmatism.... "if it shoots, it's good." Same goes with knives.... "if it cuts, it's good."

I find no relation to pragmatism at all in that example. That's more failing to do your homework on the tools you use.

 

[Quiet]

If you want to argue (discuss) something that has some merit.... try handmade versus factory made knives.

I don't live out in the woods. I wonder what kind of knife folks that actually live out in the woods carry?

Heh, it would probably not be anything that many of us would want to hear.

Them: "Hmm? Oh, I carry this Traditional, and it does all the cutting chores I need around the farm/rural area/woods I live in."
Me: WAIT, WHAT? But...but what if you have to baton through raccoons or do some sweet survival bushcraft or whatnot?
Them: "What? Is that a real thing? I use this knife to cut stuff, and it cuts stuff. Wood processing? Oh, that's what axes are for."
Me: What? No, no, you need a 3v/INFI/SR101/(your supersteel of choice here) knife so you can stab it into a tree and use it as a stepping stool....why are you looking at me like I'm saying foolish things?"

 

[WillB]

If you want to argue (discuss) something that has some merit.... try handmade versus factory made knives.

How does that have merit in this thread?

I don't live out in the woods. I wonder what kind of knife folks that actually live out in the woods carry?

There's long threads here of people who EDC fixed blades who don't live in the woods: it's 2019, and the days where folders were easy to carry and fixed blades only good for being out in the woods are long gone.

The array and choices of fixed blades is extensive. It's obviously a personal choice, but is also seems to me your attitude is perhaps why many are unaware of that reality. EDC what ever makes you happy. What fixed blade have you ever EDC to find they just didn't work for you?

 

[Quiet]

How does that have merit in this thread?



There's long threads here of people who EDC fixed blades who don't live in the woods: it's 2019, and the days where folders were easy to carry and fixed blades only good for being out in the woods are long gone.

The array and choices of fixed blades is extensive. It's obviously a personal choice, but is also seems to me your attitude is perhaps why many are unaware of that reality. EDC what ever makes you happy. What fixed blade have you ever EDC to find they just didn't work for you?

The fact that you stuff a pocket full of a pocket fixed blade, thus ending that pocket's usefulness for anything else means that objectively, carrying a folding knife which only takes up a small corner of a pocket and allowing for other things to go in the pocket also, is simply better. It IS 2019, where there are more and better folding knives available than ever. Pocket fixed blades are a vanishingly small corner of the market, because most folks aren't putting a fixed blade in their pocket.

 

[Quiet]

Also, another good question would be: am I the only one with a drawer full of small fixed blades and neckers from repeated attempts at EDCing a fixed blade in a civilized environment (which has ended in failure every time)?

 

[22-rimfire]

....There's long threads here of people who EDC fixed blades who don't live in the woods: it's 2019, and the days where folders were easy to carry and fixed blades only good for being out in the woods are long gone.

The array and choices of fixed blades is extensive. It's obviously a personal choice, but is also seems to me your attitude is perhaps why many are unaware of that reality. EDC what ever makes you happy. What fixed blade have you ever EDC to find they just didn't work for you?

The reality is that most don't need a fixed blade knife for an edc UNLESS it is for the purpose of self defense. Even then. I question the practicality of this choice. There are many folders designed for that purpose as well. (I view it as a special needs case.)

Choosing large knives (>7" blade) to carry in the woods is another frequent topic on BF. Does it have merit? Some, but as you said, it is mostly about personal preference whether you carry a fixed blade or a folder, even in the woods. The dominant reason I carry a fixed blade in the woods is because I like to, but I know I don't need to unless in an emergency. That's also why you carry some first aid supplies if you spend time in the woods. Why? Because there may be no body to help you in the event you get into trouble and calling 911 may not be an option.

In another thread, someone said they live for the 1% moments. Needing a fixed blade for an edc is a 1% moment for me, hence not worth the effort. If I am working, I usually have access to other tools if the situation demands their need. It generally means a walk out to my vehicle. And.... yes, I have fixed blades there. The more likely scenario is going to my vehicle to get a utility knife because I don't want to use a folder for the task at hand, and I hate carrying a utility knife on my person unless I need it.

Pocket fixed blade approaches will go the way of neck knife that have limited practicality. Oh, but you can also pocket carry those, right? It all boils down to experience and personal preference.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Also, another good question would be: am I the only one with a drawer full of small fixed blades and neckers from repeated attempts at EDCing a fixed blade in a civilized environment (which has ended in failure every time)?

Not at all

 

[WillB]

The reality is that most don't need a fixed blade knife for an edc UNLESS it is for the purpose of self defense. Even then. I question the practicality of this choice. There are many folders designed for that purpose as well. (I view it as a special needs case.)

Need is a funny word, nor do people "need" a folder and more or less so than the fixed blade. They will accomplish the same thing, but the fixed tends to do so better on all fronts or a lot less $, with the one possible issue of concealment, which is debatable in my experience with the right fixed blade.

Choosing large knives (>7" blade) to carry in the woods is another frequent topic on BF. Does it have merit? Some, but as you said, it is mostly about personal preference whether you carry a fixed blade or a folder, even in the woods. The dominant reason I carry a fixed blade in the woods is because I like to, but I know I don't need to unless in an emergency. That's also why you carry some first aid supplies if you spend time in the woods. Why? Because there may be no body to help you in the event you get into trouble and calling 911 may not be an option.

In another thread, someone said they live for the 1% moments. Needing a fixed blade for an edc is a 1% moment for me, hence not worth the effort. If I am working, I usually have access to other tools if the situation demands their need. It generally means a walk out to my vehicle. And.... yes, I have fixed blades there. The more likely scenario is going to my vehicle to get a utility knife because I don't want to use a folder for the task at hand, and I hate carrying a utility knife on my person unless I need it.

Pocket fixed blade approaches will go the way of neck knife that have limited practicality. Oh, but you can also pocket carry those, right? It all boils down to experience and personal preference.

Yes, yes you can, easily and with less printing (due to being thinner) and minus the "look at me" pocket clip that lets everyone know you're carrying a knife. Again, which fixed have you tried you found were difficult to conceal? Done right, they're as easy if not easier to conceal than a folder. If people like to EDC a folder because that's what they like and what they prefer, I'm all for it, but my point is, their justification per se (easier to conceal and more practical) is simply false and comes with it's own potential negatives too. There was a good thread on fixed EDC where one person said he'd always carried a folder until it failed to fully lock and he ended up with stitches and was a permanent fixed guy from then on.

Hence, +/- but saying fixed EDC are of "limited practicality" is simply inaccurate.

 

[jaseman]

The reality is that most don't need a fixed blade knife for an edc UNLESS it is for the purpose of self defense. Even then. I question the practicality of this choice. There are many folders designed for that purpose as well. (I view it as a special needs case.)...

Respectfully, I disagree with your first statement (rest of your post is spot on). From a practicality standpoint, I would argue a fixed blade is superior to a folder for a self defense EDC. The problem with a folder is, it still requires some sort of manipulation to open. Even with a waved blade, you still have to practice, and make sure it catches the seam. Heck, an auto still require some form of dexterity to present the blade.

A fixed blade in a Kydex sheath is as simple as grabbing the handle and pulling (not including sheathes with a retention strap/thumb break).

I look at it the same way I do an EDC firearm. A striker fired pistol, such as a Glock, require no manipulation other then presenting the weapon and firing. Something with a thumb safety, such as a 1911, still require the additional step of operating the safety. You can train for muscle memory, but in a stressful situation, fine motor skills often fail us humans.




Back on topic, I would love to be able to carry a small fixed blade daily, but even a 2" one, in a cross draw, would garner a lot of unwanted attention in the office where I spend my days, while a pocket clip goes unnoticed for the most part. I'd consider something the size of a Boker Gnome in a pocket sheath, instead of a folder, but you lose a lot of blade/handle real estate in the trade off, as well as having to pull the sheath out to re-secure the knife. For me, a folder is just more convenient.

 

[22-rimfire]

Need is a funny word, nor do people "need" a folder and more or less so than the fixed blade. They will accomplish the same thing, but the fixed tends to do so better on all fronts or a lot less $, with the one possible issue of concealment, which is debatable in my experience with the right fixed blade.

Yes, yes you can, easily and with less printing (due to being thinner) and minus the "look at me" pocket clip that lets everyone know you're carrying a knife. Again, which fixed have you tried you found were difficult to conceal? Done right, they're as easy if not easier to conceal than a folder. If people like to EDC a folder because that's what they like and what they prefer, I'm all for it, but my point is, their justification per se (easier to conceal and more practical) is simply false and comes with it's own potential negatives too. There was a good thread on fixed EDC where one person said he'd always carried a folder until it failed to fully lock and he ended up with stitches and was a permanent fixed guy from then on.

Hence, +/- but saying fixed EDC are of "limited practicality" is simply inaccurate.

Need is a subjective term like I need a new knife. I need it like a hole in the head.

What does it matter what fixed blades I have carried?

Pocket carry sucks. I am always moving the knife out of the pocket to sit down or whatever. Then there might not be a place to put it. I don't have this problem with folders.

It has never been an ultimate need to conceal a fixed blade or a folder. Hence the pocket clip statement does not relate to me at all. I generally don't like pocket clips, but sometimes I carry knives that have them. I have no big issue with them in general and I don't care if some one knows I have a knife on me. It is more about the environment that I might use a knife and fixed blades get raised eye brows except in the outdoors or around the house.

Fixed blades I have carried.... 5 or 6 Doziers from 2.5" to ~5.5" blade lengths, the BK-14, BK-24, BK-16, Blackjack 155, White River Backpacker Pro, BRKT Mini Kephart, Condor Mini Bushlore, Condor Three Rivers, Spyderco Moran, some Condor neck knife that I hated, and the Condor Mayflower that I can think of off the top of my head. Enough for you? Ultimately, the Dozers work best for me... the Canoe model, the Compact, or the Personal. But that doesn't change the fact that I would hesitate to reach for it for normal day to day uses especially when other people are around.

 

[WillB]

Respectfully, I disagree with your first statement (rest of your post is spot on). From a practicality standpoint, I would argue a fixed blade is superior to a folder for a self defense EDC. The problem with a folder is, it still requires some sort of manipulation to open. Even with a waved blade, you still have to practice, and make sure it catches the seam. Heck, an auto still require some form of dexterity to present the blade.

A fixed blade in a Kydex sheath is as simple as grabbing the handle and pulling (not including sheathes with a retention strap/thumb break).

I look at it the same way I do an EDC firearm. A striker fired pistol, such as a Glock, require no manipulation other then presenting the weapon and firing. Something with a thumb safety, such as a 1911, still require the additional step of operating the safety. You can train for muscle memory, but in a stressful situation, fine motor skills often fail us humans.

Back on topic, I would love to be able to carry a small fixed blade daily, but even a 2" one, in a cross draw, would garner a lot of unwanted attention in the office where I spend my days, while a pocket clip goes unnoticed for the most part. I'd consider something the size of a Boker Gnome in a pocket sheath, instead of a folder, but you lose a lot of blade/handle real estate in the trade off, as well as having to pull the sheath out to re-secure the knife. For me, a folder is just more convenient.

How does something draw attention that's never seen? Or, do you use your folder at work? You make many valid points as you potential +/- of fixed or folder. I'm not using one currently (current fixed EDC posted prior pages) but I found the ESEE Izula very comfortable in a pocket and disappears totally.

 

[22-rimfire]

Respectfully, I disagree with your first statement (rest of your post is spot on). From a practicality standpoint, I would argue a fixed blade is superior to a folder for a self defense EDC. The problem with a folder is, it still requires some sort of manipulation to open. Even with a waved blade, you still have to practice, and make sure it catches the seam. Heck, an auto still require some form of dexterity to present the blade.

A fixed blade in a Kydex sheath is as simple as grabbing the handle and pulling (not including sheathes with a retention strap/thumb break).

I agree with you if self defense is your primary reason for carrying a fixed blade versus choosing to carry one because you can. I only mentioned the folder choice for self defense as many seem to like the auto's these days. I personally have no use for them.

 

[WillB]

Need is a subjective term like I need a new knife. I need it like a hole in the head.

What does it matter what fixed blades I have carried?

Because many who comment on this topic have always EDC folders, assume fixed blades are bulky, difficult to conceal, etc and have litteraly only used fixed blades in some outdoor situations, etc. Two, why not find out what others have used to see what I might consider in the future?

Pocket carry sucks. I am always moving the knife out of the pocket to sit down or whatever. Then there might not be a place to put it. I don't have this problem with folders.

It has never been an ultimate need to conceal a fixed blade or a folder. Hence the pocket clip statement does not relate to me at all. I generally don't like pocket clips, but sometimes I carry knives that have them. I have no big issue with them in general and I don't care if some one knows I have a knife on me. It is more about the environment that I might use a knife and fixed blades get raised eye brows except in the outdoors or around the house.

You don't pocket carry and don't like clips. What is your method of EDC a folder then? Sheath? Other?

Fixed blades I have carried.... 5 or 6 Doziers from 2.5" to ~5.5" blade lengths, the BK-14, BK-24, BK-16, Blackjack 155, White River Backpacker Pro, BRKT Mini Kephart, Condor Mini Bushlore, Condor Three Rivers, Spyderco Moran, some Condor neck knife that I hated, and the Condor Mayflower that I can think of off the top of my head. Enough for you? Ultimately, the Dozers work best for me... the Canoe model, the Compact, or the Personal. But that doesn't change the fact that I would hesitate to reach for it for normal day to day uses especially when other people are around.

Yup! See comments above also.

 

[Backyard]

I haven't owned one for years. All of mine currently are fixed. I EDC a small fixed sheep's foot every day

 

[22-rimfire]

Because many who comment on this topic have always EDC folders, assume fixed blades are bulky, difficult to conceal, etc and have litteraly only used fixed blades in some outdoor situations, etc. Two, why not find out what others have used to see what I might consider in the future?

You don't pocket carry and don't like clips. What is your method of EDC a folder then? Sheath? Other?

Yup! See comments above also.

Fixed blades can be bulky and so can folders from my point of view. I said I don't like pocket clips, but that doesn't mean I don't use them when the knife has one on it. Clipless folders go in my front pocket with other stuff. If you pocket carry a fixed blade in a front pocket, there is seldom any room for anything else from a practical point of view or you are always removing the knife and sheath to get to something else. Clipped knives frequently go in a back pocket (right rear). If I edc a fixed blade, I prefer cross draw but I also do vertical belt sheath carry as well from time to time. I don't need them and ultimately, the fixed blade like a second knife gets left at home for convenience and not for concealment reasons.

I see little need of big folders over about 3-3.25" blade length unless it is for self defense. Then I consider that a special need. Many of the small knives like the Izula are simply too thick to cut nicely.

Added: If I pocket carry a fixed blade in a front pants pocket, I would prefer just to make it a gun and skip the knife entirely. Still room for a small folder. If you pocket carry a gun, it dominates the pocket use just like a fixed blade. Hence, overall I don't edc a fixed blade unless I just feel like carrying one that day. But that is not edc.

 

[Hickory n steel]

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.

Everyone owns a knife of some kind even if it's just what's in their kitchen, unless you're in prison and even then you might still have one

Personally I like belt knives though I do have way more slipjoints and lockbacks than belt knives.
I'm not interested in mechanisms or fidgeting or anything, I just buy a knife that catches my eye and there are a lot more folders out there, and they are actually the most practical for me.
Also since I'm a lefty I've always gotta make a left handed sheath, if all I had were belt knives I'd be putting a lot of time and money into sheaths.

 

[WillB]

I haven't owned one for years. All of mine currently are fixed. I EDC a small fixed sheep's foot every day

I'm not alone! If you can, please respond in this thread:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/qs-lets-see-your-edc-fixed-blades.1688714/

I didn't intend this thread to go into fixed vs folder per se, but that's where it went.

 

[WillB]

Fixed blades can be bulky and so can folders from my point of view.

Of course!

I see little need or big folders over about 3-3.25" blade length unless it is for self defense. Then I consider that a special need.

Agreed.

Many of the small knives like the Izula are simply too thick to cut nicely.

That's something I had not considered, but that's low on my list of concerns, but a good point for those using their knives that care about such things. I open boxes, cut a sandwich, but rope, etc with my EDC fixed and a nice cut per se is very low on the list of proprieties. No moving parts, concerns of lock up, lube, washers, strength, speed of deployment, etc are higher on the priorities list for me.