Are small fixed blade useful ?

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 ?
Click to expand...

Because that's just it. The folder isn't solid. It has moving parts. Small fixed blades are hands down more durable and more hygienic than a folder of the same dimensions. The Izula is okay I guess, it just didn't seem all that well thought out in my opinion. It didn't give me the secure purchase on the handle i want if my hands are slick while fishing or hunting, it wasn't pointy enough to suit me, and it was too heavy and thick with a too-obtuse edge for a knife of this purpose for me personally. I felt much the same about the BK-11. That's why I drew out what I wanted and asked Mike Fuller of TOPS if he would produce them for me to provide for my students and they ended up putting it into production in 2012.

20170130_190920_LLS.jpg


20171124_001024.jpg


new%20knives%20outdoors%20038.jpg
 
The tiny one is getting a neck sheath and once I get set up for heat treating the sgian doubh is meant for EDC.
Oh, should mention, the tiny one was made by the better-half not me.
sgian dough & necker.jpg
 
For my money Dave @ horsewright knives is the best deal going! The man has no business selling blades as cheaply as he does that in both form & function are works of art. So if you always wanted a one of a kind, heirloom quality knife but couldn't justify the money check out Dave @ horsewright knives you wont be disappointed.
 
One thing that does not appear to have been mentioned is that in certain odd jurisdictions with strange laws, (some old, some new) like New York City and the entire country of Germany, a modern one-hand opening locking folder may, and in the case of the domain of Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance Jr., WILL get you into trouble with the law if you choose to carry it outside of your home. On the other hand, a fixed blade of less than 4 inches in the case of NYC or 12cm/4.7 inches in the case of Germany can be carried with impunity with the qualification that it MUST be carried concealed in NYC.
 
Last edited:
jay drews said:
For my money Dave @ horsewright knives is the best deal going! The man has no business selling blades as cheaply as he does that in both form & function are works of art. So if you always wanted a one of a kind, heirloom quality knife but couldn't justify the money check out Dave @ horsewright knives you wont be disappointed.
Click to expand...

Wow thanks Jay!
 
Fixed blades are great, but I went back hard-use folders to practice bushcrafting. Open carry of fixed blades is not really acceptable around here, and a fixed blade stored in my bag loses half its utility to me. I EDC'd an Izula neck knife for while, but it was large enough to be noticeable/annoying carried there, yet also small enough to be uncomfortable and less effective for wood work. I'm also into 'helmet' speed sports (motorcycles, downhill skiing, bicycling) and can potentially take violent tumbles - knowing a fixed blade is stronger than (or could separate from) its own sheath is a bit worrisome for me to EDC on person. Lock abuse/failure on a strong folder (Tri-Ad) only concerns me baton-splitting wood, but there are good ways around that problem.
 
Last edited:
In over 50 years of motorcycling, I never carried a knife on my person. Part of the reason was the fear of a hard tumble with hard objects in my pockets, folder or fixed no difference. Never needed to use a knife while riding, and if ever I did, it would be easier to get at in my tank bag.

Most useful knife was a little Anza, even with Opinels and SAKs stashed all over the bike.
 
Henry Beige said:
In over 50 years of motorcycling, I never carried a knife on my person. Part of the reason was the fear of a hard tumble with hard objects in my pockets, folder or fixed no difference. Never needed to use a knife while riding, and if ever I did, it would be easier to get at in my tank bag.

Most useful knife was a little Anza, even with Opinels and SAKs stashed all over the bike.
Click to expand...

To each his own, of course. While I do agree with minimizing hard objects on person incase of a get-off. I make exceptions for my EDC, which by definition, is always carried on me. I'm comfortable with it - no place to mount a tankbag on my downhill skis and VT conditions can be just as hard as asphalt/dirt. Also don't like the idea of my phone (or PLB when off-grid... and all about the same as a folding knife) in a tankbag in case I am thrown from the bike and injured/unable to crawl back.
 
jdm61 said:
One thing that does not appear to have been mentioned is that in certain odd jurisdictions with strange laws, (some old, some new) like New York City and the entire country of Germany, a modern one-hand opening locking folder may, and in the case of the domain of Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance Jr., WILL get you into trouble with the law if you choose to carry it outside of your home. On the other hand, a fixed blade of less than 4 inches in the case of NYC or 12cm/4.7 inches in the case of Germany can be carried with impunity with the qualification that it MUST be carried concealed in NYC.
Click to expand...
Good to recognize. Being in California I can carry most any folder but no fixed blade concealed, as the law says it's a "dirk or dagger" regardless of length. So while I prefer small fixed blades for carry and use, I never do carry them unless fishing or camping, and even then I try to carry them openly on the waist so I don't run afoul of the law, or get hassled by a less-than-educated park ranger or something.
Amazing how different states have such different laws, and how that should (and does) influence what we carry.
Glad to see this thread bumped up - I LOVE small fixed blades. Recently got a White River Backpacker Pro for some camping and hiking trips coming up. Also have an Izula 2 in the Sharpshooter pocket sheath that is a joy to carry inside a jacket pocket (but not in California though).
full

Pic above was posted in the traditional Bird and Trout thread but fits in well here. The top GEC knife has a 3" cutting edge.
 
Henry Beige said:
In over 50 years of motorcycling, I never carried a knife on my person. Part of the reason was the fear of a hard tumble with hard objects in my pockets, folder or fixed no difference. Never needed to use a knife while riding, and if ever I did, it would be easier to get at in my tank bag.

Most useful knife was a little Anza, even with Opinels and SAKs stashed all over the bike.
Click to expand...

Anza makes a killer little blade. I was gifted a backup with elk horn scales years ago and it has been one of the few constants of my collection.
 
Ironically I just started thinking lately how I'm lacking a nice, small fixed blade in the 5-5.5" blade range. I'm not seeing much out there that is kind of a nice mixture of utilitarian/weapon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top