Are small fixed blade useful ?

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Good reasons have been given for using small fixed blades. My personal reason is that I simply prefer fixed blades over folders for every application except when it has to be lightweight and go in my pocket. At one point I owned a TON of folders, but now I own far more fixed blades than folders.

If it ain't fixed, what is it? That's right. :)
 
Personally, I find skeletonized-handle type fixed-blades to be very useful. I own a Ka-Bar BK11 and of my fixed-blades, it's the only one I've actually regularly carried in my EDC. It's easy to carry around (in my bag, that is, this is still a 3.25-inch blade we're talking about), reasonably lightweight, and I've done enough chopping and batoning with it to know it'll be absolutely up to anything I ask of it.
 
Chapp said:
I've just watched several breakdown and reviews of the Izula, probably one of the best small fixed blade in this category (and one of the most visually appealing) and I still fail to understand their purpose and place on the market, outside of collecting.

Why would you use a knife like that instead of a solid folder or a cheap opinel ? Do they satisfy a particular need I ignore ?
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I tend to carry bigger folders, but sometimes I just like to carry something smallish. CRKT, and Cold Steel have lots of options. I wish the Izulas were cheaper.
 
Hmmmm, honestly the only reason I carry folders is for convenience. I'm just used to folders. BUT I know that a small fixed blade with the same blade length as the folder is ultimately safer, stronger, and handier to use. Do you use folders in the kitchen? I don't. Ask yourself why? Then take that reasoning to the woods and your routine cutting. It is a matter of developing a carry method that you are comfortable with and then using them.
 
A lot of good points on small fixed vs folder here.

For me it all comes down to the handle. If it has a nice hand filling handle, then I'll take it over your average folder. If not, then I'll pass.

The thing with almost all folders is that they have compromised handles. Thin, short, too sharp of angles, etc.
 
mwhich50 said:
I really, really like my TDI. The sheath is so loose, that I don't feel it is safe. I heard they are all loose. Maybe I should spring for a custom sheath?
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If you really, REALLY like a knife, a custom sheath is almost imperative. Unless the total package was made by somebody who knows their way around a great sheath, you will never be satisfied with it.

As a general rule of thumb, if I like a knife enough to keep and use it, and I am not 100% happy with the sheath, I ditch the sheath and get exactly what I want made.

I have a box full of "condoms". That's where I put all the sheaths that didn't cut the mustard and were replaced with customs.

In the long run it will pay off because you will actually carry the knife, and you will be proud of that well made custom rig every time you pick it up to strap it on your belt. If you like the knife, go for it. :thumbsup:

I also have plenty of knives that came with great sheaths, but they are all custom knives and the maker knew how to make a great sheath as well. Many of these are small fixed blades. It is the one category of knife I know I will always carry and get to enjoy.

For years where I live the blade length was 5.5", so smaller fixed blades were all I could carry. The next size up is useful, for sure, but they were illegal here. Not anymore! :D
 
Chapp said:
You all convinced me. Good job.
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We didn't convince you. You just got to sip a little from the fountain of knowledge. It's a great group here.

And yes, small fixed blades are fantastic. My Izula 2 gets a LOT of carry time and sees a ton of use.
 
Unless I'm in the woods, my absolute favorite sheaths are the horizontal belt sheaths made by Bob Dozier for his knives. You never know they are even there and nobody else does either unless they really are paying attention. You do have to pay attention to legal blade length limits if your state has such in place (concealed vs unconcealed and so forth).
 
Do each and every one of these things with a folding knife - Then come back and tell us how you did.

Open it with frost bitten, grease covered, or injured hands.
Or even get it out of your pocket. You didn't bring your deep carry clip knife btw.
Alternative for those above the Mason-Dixon line - fall through thin ice, and use your folder as an ice pick to get traction on the slippery ice so you can pull yourself out of the water. For those below the M-D line, your chances of pulling yourself up out of that freezing water onto that wet slippery ice with no real way to get a grip are minimal the second you hit the water and the odds continue to plummet every 15 seconds after that.

Clean a deer - or gut a co-worker :D - and clean up the knife afterwards. (or make sure all evidence is gone for certain) FYI, that folder will almost certainly still get you convicted. Fixed blade, much better chance of going free.

Survival situation and you need a spear. Lash that folder to the end of a pole and see how well it works.

Survival situation again, sandy beach, not a rock or branch or any other club like implement available. But lots of clams to eat. Start shucking with that folder if you want to eat.

First aid situation, DIY surgery. Dig out a thorn or fish hook, or other offending object that has inserted itself into you in a rather inconvenient location. You get a pass on this one if you can produce an actual folding surgeon's scalpel.

Use the back of your folder on a ferro stick to start a fire. Slip joint might not work at all. If all you have is flint, you're going to have to strike it with your knife. Some "lock blades" have the nasty ability to fail with a spine hit.

About the only one of these that a folder does better, is carry deep in your pocket.
 
AntDog said:
If you really, REALLY like a knife, a custom sheath is almost imperative. Unless the total package was made by somebody who knows their way around a great sheath, you will never be satisfied with it.

As a general rule of thumb, if I like a knife enough to keep and use it, and I am not 100% happy with the sheath, I ditch the sheath and get exactly what I want made.

I have a box full of "condoms". That's where I put all the sheaths that didn't cut the mustard and were replaced with customs.

In the long run it will pay off because you will actually carry the knife, and you will be proud of that well made custom rig every time you pick it up to strap it on your belt. If you like the knife, go for it. :thumbsup:

I also have plenty of knives that came with great sheaths, but they are all custom knives and the maker knew how to make a great sheath as well. Many of these are small fixed blades. It is the one category of knife I know I will always carry and get to enjoy.

For years where I live the blade length was 5.5", so smaller fixed blades were all I could carry. The next size up is useful, for sure, but they were illegal here. Not anymore! :D
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You're right. I was reading the posts, and looking at the impressive work of a kydex sheath maker here in the forums. I think I will try to find his thread, and get a quote$.
 
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