Besides Batoning whats the advantage of a fixed blade over a folder

Indeed it's all been covered.

Safety
Simplicity
Shape (ergonomics)
Sustainability (how will the blade hold up if you REALLY need it)
 
oldpinecricker said:
Indeed it's all been covered.

Safety
Simplicity
Shape (ergonomics)
Sustainability (how will the blade hold up if you REALLY need it)
Click to expand...

Clever....


And to the OP I would make the case that any perceived lack of convenience with a fixed blade is usually solved with the right sheath and carry practice.

Best,
Marion
 
It's been mentioned, but folders get too dirty and nasty - particularly when working with food.
 
oldpinecricker said:
Indeed it's all been covered.

Safety
Simplicity
Shape (ergonomics)
Sustainability (how will the blade hold up if you REALLY need it)
Click to expand...

I haven't found folders to be less safe than fixed blades. In nearly half a century of using them, I've never had one close on my fingers.

Folders can be fairly simple in design and operation, though some modern actions are fairly complex in design and number of components, many accomplish their function with a minimum of parts that can fail.

Shape is a matter of personal preference, just like the personal preference for fixed vs. folding. Both types of knives come in an amazing variety of shapes and sizes.

Sustainability? Use either tool within it's design perameters and you will seldom experience a failure to perform.

All boils down to personal preference IMHO. Neither is better or worse. Use what you like.
 
For light duties a folder should be fine - I have a Spyderco Endura Scandi that is my bushcraft folder. But I wouldn't like to be without a fixed blade just in case I find myself in a situation where I need to use a knife hard - I would trust my BK-7 to work hard and not fail with just about any task I would use a knife for. The BK-7 can also handle some tasks that my Endura just isn't big enough for, I find it comforting to have a decent sized full tang fixed blade - its strength gives me peace of mind.

Of course if you find that you do need to process some wood for a fire then the fixed blade is going to be good to have, especially if you didn't expect to need to do that and didn't bring an axe or saw.
 
I prefer the robustness of a fixed blade in the woods.You never know what life will throw at you.Granted,I will most likely have a SAK on me as well,for lighter chores.
 
The OP has a valid question, but there is no real answer.

Folks should be comfortable enough with their choices, that they not need seek validation from others.

If a fellow feels a folder is all he needs, far be it for me to question his decision.
 
The pivot is the Achilles heel of all folders. Plus, the crud build up issue.
I use folders for small tasks only ( no battoning !) In the Philippine jungle , I had folders sieze right up . I like to carry a solid piece of steel.:)
 
The handle on any folder is a compromise of comfort from the start Easier access on a fixed blade 90% of the time and also what everyone else said about having to clean out the mechanism.
 
Mannlicher said:
If a fellow feels a folder is all he needs, far be it for me to question his decision.
Click to expand...

But in this case the fellow has posted a question on a public forum to check with others on their opinion, possibly in the replies there will be some things that he hasn't thought of. If someone is happy with a folder and doesn't ask for my opinion on its suitability then I'll leave them alone, but if they come here asking us all what we think then why aren't we free to question his decision?

One easy option - folder in the pocket and a fixed blade in the pack 'just in case'.
 
wildmike said:
Strength under use. Far less liklihood of a fixed blade breaking or failing on you in harsh or emergency use conditions.

Safety. A fixed blade wont fold shut on your fingers causing serious injury and blood loss. In wilderness survival conditions this is not only inconvenient it is potentialy life threatening.

In the outdoors I use folders only as a backup to a larger fixed blade knife, and such other tools as are prudent under the circumstances.
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Well said...I'll take a small fixed over a folder any day.
 
AF said:
Your question is backwards. The only advantage of a folder is convenience/portability.
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there you go. like in mathematics, the most elegant solution is often times the simplest. well said :thumbup:



SouthernCross said:
Don't forget, fixed blades are far more photogenic than folders when they are stabbed into a tree for photo sessions :D:D

Kind regards
Mick
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...and for most of us, that's the most important part :p
 
The advantage of a slipjoint over a fixed blade is you can get three blades in one knife
 
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