Anyone else losing their appeal for folders?

You get no arguement from me. I think it is backwards as hell. Also, folders can be no longer than 4 inches in the blade. Don't even think about any kind of auto, bali,or gravity knife. All are legal to own, mind you, just not to carry in public. I can't believe that I could do more damage with a Mini Aikuchi that I would like to carry than my nearly 4 inch BM 806. Here is the kicker. The issue of CCW firearm licenses went to vote several years ago and was narrowly defeated due to liberal leaning St. Louis (my home town) and KC. Now a bill for CCW is trying to be passed through the (republican) house and it looks like it will pass. Gov. Holden (dem.) has already promised to veto it when it gets passed. So, nearly half the people in the state think it is a good idea to be allowed CC along with a majority of the house, but the public can't be trusted with a blade over 4 inches and no fixed blades? Can't fix stupid, I guess.
 
Although i own a large number of folders im more partail to small fixed blades,and carry aleast 2 on a daily basis. Call it a fear of lock failer or whatever its a fixed blade for me 99.9 percent of the time.
 
No, I'm not getting burnt out, but the style of folders that interests me has changed. I'm getting tired of all of those "black knives" with the G-10 handles. Most of the new stuff I've bought in the last six months are gentlemen's folders, shorter in length and with more colorful handles. I still like my LCC's, but I'm going over to stone-washed and less black-ti. The knives are still made from CPM-440V and 154-CM, but the style is more appropriate for an office setting.
 
Since I bought a small David Boye Cobalt fixed blade 1 year ago I'm leaning towards fixed blades too. It's just that sometimes a fixed blade (even if it's small) isn't appropriate to carry... especially if you have to wear a suit when working. Then a folder is still more compact and easy to carry.

I've just ordered a very classy fixed blade from Jens Anso which should be just the right size for everyday carry. It's classy enough to go with a suit... so I think the folders will be staying home more often when I get it. :)
 
I lust after fixed blades and folders alike. Both fixed and folders have their pros and cons and in general I don't prefer one over the other. For specific tasks I will always choose one over the other. My EDC is a BM940 around town. Up in the Cascades my EDC is a Randall and a BM and a SAK. Depends ...
 
I am into folders and always will be, they are (for me) very practical to carry in most of my everyday situations. While I don't think it is illegal to wear a small (<3") fixed blade openly here in MN, it would certainly raise eyebrows unless you were hunting, camping or enhgaged in some outdoor occupation.

Besides being practical folders have another attraction for me...they are 'mechanical'. They have wonderful moving parts that go snick or Snap or even CLACK! The variety of shapes and sizes rivals fixed blades but the addition of different types of locks, frames and pivots add another dimension. Sure, fixed blades have the edge in size and sometimes in shape, but for me folders add a third dimension that I love. (Firearms add a fourth!)

I have three folders for each fixed blade I own.

(You're next on the list Mayo!)

Not living in Flatland,


Steve-O
 
Folders are not losing their appeal to me, I like anything sharp. I will admit that I am growing more enamored with fixed blades. Here in Tennessee anything with a blade over 4" is illegal. Seems that a lot of production companies are making fixed blades that are too large for me to legally carry. The Spyderco Perrin and Temperance as well as the Al Mar Sere Operator are all excellent designs, unfortunately all have blades of more than 4". I wish more compaies would offer fixed blades with blades under 4". So.... I ordered a new fixed blade from Neil Blackwood to be my EDC. A small hybrid in S30V!

dbhybrid.jpg
 
I collect custom fixed blades. They are much cheaper way to enjoy the quality and beauty of custom knives and for reasons I can't really explain, they just appeal to me much more than folders.

However, 3 of my last four custom knife purchases were for folding knives. I can't carry fixed blades everywhere, so I need a practical and high quality folder for everyday use. All of these folders were made by the same maker and were intended from the beginning to be users, even though a couple of them cost quite a bit more than many of my hunters.

So for me, my fixed blades satisfy my interest in the art of knife making, and allow me to collect to seriously high quality work for a reasonable cost. The few folders I have were purchased primarily for daily carry and use, although there is no lack of beauty in a PJ Tomes lockback folder. There is Art in utility too :)

Para
 
Naa, I like both. Folders have always been my favorite, as they are most useful for me in my daily endeavors. Fixed blades are great for the outdoors, or the kitchen. Folders work better for everything else, in my opinion.
 
ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT THEIR IS A STATE WHERE A FIXED BLADE
KNIFE IS ILLEGAL?? oops caps..sorry.. missouri..is that where
you live ??? im not doubtin you, but thats sounds..even today..
a bit...well..I have to go see for my self..back in a bit..
 
I primarily use folders and collect fixed blades, which means 90% of my collection consists of fixed bladed knives. There is simply more creativity, history, utility, safety, and variety with the sheath knives.

A folder collection, though, takes up alot less space, and is easier to carry around to show your friends. :)

n2s
 
Missouri Revised Statutes
Chapter 571
Weapons Offenses
Section 571.010
-----------

571.010. As used in this chapter:
(10) "Knife" means any dagger, dirk, stiletto, or bladed hand instrument that is readily capable of inflicting serious physical injury or death by cutting or stabbing a person. For purposes of this chapter, "knife" does not include any ordinary pocketknife with no blade more than four inches in length.
--------------
WELL HERE WE HAVE IT FOLKS... "HAND BLADED INSTRUMENT" IS THE
OPERATIVE PHRASE HERE..AND THEIR IS NO EXLCUSION FOR HUNTERS OR FISHERMEN IN THE "CARRYING WEAPONS SECTION". you know..in reading the entire laws there..
the only people allowed to have a knife bigger than 4" is the
GOVERNMENT OF MISSOURI OR MUNICIPALITIES...heck even in california
or new york.. a sheath knife isnt illegal... how does this happen ??
 
I love fixed blades and try and carry one when possible, including some smaller way cool models by Bob Dozier, but the ugly truth is that when in an urban enviorment, a folder works out better for me most of the time. What I like about fixed blades is they dont come broke in the middle. That said I still find a wonderful variety of folders to do what needs doing and maintain my interest. When I am in the woods or hunting, its nothing but fixed blades though. A folder still might be along though out of habit. :cool:
Also if fixed blades are illegal in Missouri, I assume you cant buy kitchen knives in the local stores right? Butter knives? Sounds odd. Nobody in the state owns a fixed blade. Bad place for a knifemaker to locate thats for sure. Note to self :never to go there again.
 
I am a folder freak. Plain and simple. I own a few large custom fixed blades that are in the running with my favorite folders also. Personally, for fixed blades, I like custom boot knives. There is just something about them I guess. A well thought out sheath will allow you to carry it in your boot or on your belt. From what I have seen and heard over the last few years, I suspect that small fixed blades will be popular. About the size of neck knives but carried on the belt. Just a hunch.
Greg
 
Traded several folders and a couple fixed to get this one....


CB_56.jpg




integral Australian bowie by Edmund Davidson..ground from a 1" X 3" X 18" bar of A2 steel..has a 5/16" blade 12" long....



...still like folders though..espescially TNT'S:cool:
 
...sighing at OwenM, not2sharp and even Para!...

I don't know if it's more knowledge, better aesthetic sense, having found the ultimate knife or having posted more than 1500 times that flavors your posts.

I disagee with this:

There is simply more creativity, history, utility, safety, and variety with the sheath knives.[/quote}

History, yes...but not much. Safety, that is debatable. Creativity, utility and variety are hands down in the folder camp. If you doubt this...start adding up the numbers of folders versus the fixed blade knives on the market. Don't want to count knives that most people use....? Oh well.

To me, the highest art in knife making is making a beautiful knife that functions well, much harder to do with a folder. I respect this.

Perhaps I will also be a collector someday, but until then, I hope this forum will continue to encourage knife making, regardless of form, style, size or type.


Steve-O
Click to expand...
 
Right now I am exclusively into fixed blades. Last year it was the complete opposite. Next year, who knows? I am already seeing some folders that once again attracting my attention.
 
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