Benefits of small fixed blade knives, relative to small folders

[fishwatcher]

I have just started looking at these, not having been interested in fixed blade knives before.

In particular, I am considering a Mikro Slither, a Mikro Canadian, and a Mini Canadian.

What are the benefits of a small, fixed, blade knife, when compared to small locking folding knives?

What are the relative benefits of the three knives I've outlined above? Is the Mini size more useful then the Mikro? The Mikro, much more "pocketable"?

I've seen threads on "I like various small fixed blade knives" or "My favorite small fixed blade knife", but have not read as much on "Why" these particular types of knives.

Thanks for any links to helpful threads, or your thoughts and experience on this.

 

[VCM3]

Fishwatcher,
I had a micro slither once.It was not good for me with my big hands,too small and not practical.I have had a Benchmade Snody knife,I think the 210,that was a good one.
Now,I carry small Tom Krein fixed blades as well as Charles May,and Luc Burnley,and don't forget about Bob Dozier.
As far as the advantages - If u are really going to use it,you do not have to worry about it folding up on you ,(with a slipjoint you'd be improperly using it for this to happen),or lock failure.Another thing,if you are using it to clean fish & game,or for food,you don't have to worry about it gettinmg gopped up inside the blade channel.
Here are some Charles May pocket fixed blades.makes a good practacal sheath as well.I loop that cord on my belt,and dangle it in my pocket.That is a necker sheath,but I use it this way,the cord keeps the knife from flopping all around your pocket.It just sits right straight up,in one spot.

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Here is a small Gene Ingram knife with a custom pocket sheath that has a pocket clip

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You don't have to go custom,but my advice would be to make sure the handle is big enough to be comfortableto work with.Blade length is your preference

 

[VCM3]

Some small Tom Krein Fixed blades
Top to bottom
TK-1
TK-11 Bird and Trout
Ultimate caper
TK-1

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The TK-1 is as small as a folded folder.With it's Kydex sheath,it could go right in your pocket.The Kydex is a safe pocket carry option.

 

[Yosemite Sam]

Yep, I'll agree with that.

I just picked up a Mikro last week. It's very nice, and small enough to carry in the pocket if you wanted. I've got fairly big hands though (prefer full size guns to compacts, if that gives you any idea), and the Mikro is right on the edge of being big enough to use. Any smaller would be too small. I can't imagine trying to use the Slither, which is a whole inch shorter in the handle, if I remember.

If I had it to do again I might try a Mini instead of the Mikro. You may still be able to get a Mini in your pocket. You have to ask yourself if that's important. There's certainly more to hold onto with the Mini. Keep in mind the handle on these things is only about as big as (say) a whittler or a medium/smallish stockman. They're "small" as well as being short.

As for the knives themselves, the Bark River knife was one of the best finished production knives I've received recently. Very nicely made, extremely sharp, and beautiful to look at. It cuts like an Exacto knife, but with class. I've used it for fine paper matte cutting, whittling, slicing -- it just cuts and cuts. I really like it. I'm going to try making my own pocket sheath for it. The one it comes with is quite nice, but is not designed for pocket carry.

As it turns out, I've got a real odd duck, too. I ordered an A2 Mikro, but what showed up claimed to be a 12C27 Mikro II. The order number on the box was right, but the knife didn't appear to be. I contacted Bark River, and they said my knife was part of a run that were mislabeled by an employee. So I really do have an A2 knife, it's just marked 12C27. Ooh, a collector's item.

-- Sam

 

[jackknife]

This is an area that I only very recently got interested in because somebody gave me a Buck Hartsook.

In the three months I have been carrying this little fixed blade I have found advantages but not the oposite. It's extremly convienent. With the Hartsook hanging just inside my shirt above the beltline, its easy to reach in and pull, and theres a sharp blade in my hand. No opening, no chance of folding over, no little nooks or crannys to gather dirt. So far I've used the knife for opening plastic blister packs, cutting food, cutting cotton jute cord, and this spring I'm going to find out how well it does zipping open panfish bellies.

The small fixed blade the size of an open small pocket knife seems like a win-win situation.

I'm looking forward to trying out another more traditional little fixed blade like a small puuko or something. The one piece skeliton tactical look of the Hartsook is a turn off to me. I may try a slither if I can get it in carbon and stag.

 

[El Lobo]

I also like a small fixed blade for the pocket.

Small, (under 6" total package) for the front pocket.....

Or, a little larger for the rear pocket.....

Good topic!

Bill

 

[Will Power]

Most of the others have already listed the main advantages:strength,easy to clean,basically safer(although a lockback or liner will only fail under excessive and frankly,unecessary abuse/force)

There COULD be a disadvantage in one respect of a fixed blade - high factor sheeple hysteria at seeing a knife out and ready for work in a flash but we don't need to think about them, although some workplaces may frown on fixed blades. Sheeple Inc:barf:

I own a Bark River mikro slither and it's a fantastic small knife,the workmanship is an art. My palms are smallish,fingers long so it's OK for me but those with a bigger paw will find it tricky.Best opt for mini in that case. A lot of people who are not interested in knives have all commented on the Barkie as the workmanship is top. QUESTION I wonder how to clean tool steel as it's full tang,how do you clean off rust and gunk without scratching up the handle?

Today the post-office had a Bark River Bootknife waiting for me, this could be a viable alternative as well. It measures 15.2cm about 6.25" and is not too heavy. Once again the quality of finish is beyond reproach, no gripes of any kind about the knife,simply elegant and functional. But the sheath :barf: horrendous thing,totally out of character,quite simply hideous and impractical with ridiculous military style bolts on it in this what is it? Spydex:thumbdn:
Where can I get a tight decent looking black leather sheath for it any ideas

 

[fishwatcher]

The replies to this thread have been really totally on point and extremely valuable to me. It is based on this input, that I have pulled the trigger on a trade, that will include a mikro Canadian. I'm crossing my fingers that all will go smooth on this trade.. since you all have really increased my interest in this knife.

I'd be happy to see more discussion on this, and in fact will be able to contribute to it once I have the new knife.. but for now.. thanks for everybody's input.