Carrying a larger folder and smaller fixed blade: how and why ?

DocJD said:
Actually makes sense , kinda !

A folder , even a biggun , FOLDS ...maybe not to half length , but close .

A fixed does nor fold and in fact needs a sheath , which increases the OAL for carry .

So , I can front pocket carry even a huge XL Espada , much easier than a comparable OAL fixed blade . :):thumbsup:
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Try to wail on your big folder like I do my fixed blades and you’ll find out. Yeah, you can pocket a big folder (awkwardly in some cases) but they won’t stand up to the durability of an equivalent fixed blade.

That’s why I felt it was ass backwards. I felt like I should be carrying a smaller folder for the fiddly piddly stuff and a bigger fixed blade for serious leverage. Have been doing so for a long time and it’s worked out just like you’d think it would.
 
I like a smaller fixed blade when I'm Manhattan... Too many bulging eyes when you flip or flick a folder open!!!
Wouldn't want them to wet their pants. Now.in the Bronx, gimme my big bear classic!!!!!!
 
I realize that I answered the "how" but not the "why".

Why? I generally prefer using fixed blades and smaller ones are more easily carried.

If I need to "wail" on something I will bring a large fixed (or an axe), but that is usually only the case at home or when camping.
 
Glad I came across this thread. I’ve been looking at a few smaller fixed blades and some larger folders. Not my usual type of carry but I may give it a try depending on what I need for the day. I like the aesthetic of a smaller fixed blade over a larger one. More discreet.
 
ferider said:
Idle Fri morning thoughts:

From the EDC thread, I see that many of you carry a larger folder and a smaller fixed blade. For me it's usually the other way around, since I'm not allowed to conceal a fixed blade, and I feel it's more practical, as I use the fixed blade for harder tasks, and the folder more casually.

Was wondering how you carry large folder and smaller fixed blade, and what you do with the two knives.

TGIF,

Roland.
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Good thread. Always wondered this myself.

My OCD will not allow me to carry a fixed blade smaller than my folder. Lol
 
Here's how. Not sure why.
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I feel the same way as OP and if I'm going to be going into the wilderness I will for sure have a decent sized fixed blade (5-7") and a folder. However if I'm just going to work or what not I might be carrying any number of things. I've always kind of wanted to carry a small fixed blade as my main EDC, however I haven't found the ideal sheath/knife combo yet for that to really mesh with me, it may not exist, not sure. I can see how a small fixed blade would work good if you were someone who did a lot of cutting at work. I suppose the folder length is probably more just a thing of personal taste thing than what we really need.
 
ferider said:
We must be related or something. :)
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I also cannot carry a small fixed blade on me when I'm doing anything serious, like going into nature anywhere other than right by home. I need to have a fixed blade large enough to baton some wood big enough to keep a fire going. This is when I'm hiking where I don't have an axe. If I'm camping I'll probably still have the same sized fixed blade. I get the same feeling as you guys. The only time I could pull off carrying a large folder and a small fixed blade is if I'm just bummin around the house or town or if I were doing some sort of hobby work that a small fixed blade excels in like carving/whittling, leather work etc.

My first real seriously planned out woods carry was an ESSE 4 (right after they changed from RAT), and a sprint run Paramilitary 1 in CPM-D2 and OD green g10. However I always got the feeling that my Paramilitary was too big and too close to the size of my fixed blade, so I ranger banded a SAK to the ESEE sheath.
 
I don't carry a fixed blade of any size on a frequent basis so I don't have a dog in this fight. I do, however, frequently carry large folders. My assumption has always been that it's a matter of ease of carry. As a previous poster stated, a folder folds, so it's possible to easily carry a large one. That's not the case with a fixed blade. A large knife on one's belt can interfere with a lot of daily activities.
 
ferider said:
We must be related or something. :)
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Probably. 🤣

When I'm hiking I like to carry my SRK. Only because I live in Florida and fire isn't a huge priority for me.
For fire prep, a mora.

Years ago in West Virginia, I would daily carry an Old Timer skinner. Underestimated utility knives. I think I carried a small Trapper with it.
 
Alone Alone ferider ferider

The How: Folder in my rfp and small fixed blade in my lfp (except when I carry a larger small fixed blade…then I us a horizontal belt sheath).

The Why: I do have a handful of larger fixed blades, but don’t find them very practical in my suburban life. For the most part my criteria for a small fixed blade is that it is pocketable (usually 6.5” oal or smaller), so it’s not hanging on my hip for the world to see (some people have a tendency to get excited about sharpened steel…in a bad way 🤷‍♂️). I typically use my folding knife and use the fixed blade as a back up.

Just like the folder rabbit hole that I went down originally, I have now moved on to the small fixed blade hole and acquired some knives that only a collector can appreciate (but let’s be honest most of us are way past practical need).

The other thing I really like about a small fixed blade is that you can get great high end production and handmade knives for $100-$300.

At the end of the day it is something that I can carry and appreciate…and when the opportunity arises separate an item with ease.
 
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It's definitely situational. Most normal EDC you want the largest knife in the smallest packagr so a large folder fits that role. If you need something a bit more durable then a smaller fixed blade will do and still carry well.

Now if you're EDC requires you to be in the woods or require a more heavy duty role then yeah most will probably agree to bring a large fixed blade. I would still probably bring the larger folder as well. I usually only bring my smaller folder if going to a less than knife friendly place or where laws require it.
 
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