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

alliuse said:
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
🤷‍♂️
). For the most part I use my folding knife and 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 (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-$200.

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.
Click to expand...
Just want to express my eternal gratitude. I was all set - the last knife I bought a few weeks ago, a Buck Sprint Pro, filled the last gap in my knife needs list. I was done, free and clear, there was nothing else I could think of that did anything better than what I already have. But now I have to go check out what small fixers might possibly come in handy for a need I’ll have to make up as soon as I see something I like. THANKS A LOT.



Very cool collection, btw.
 
alliuse said:
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-$200.

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.
Click to expand...


Hey Buddy, I hope you don't think I was trying to put you front & center to have to explain yourself. I just saw the thread and thought you might have something to add, based on your posts in the "Fixed blade and folder combo" thread. Beyond that, I have been wanting to tell you, for the longest time, how much your posts (*and your collection) take my breath away. Dude, your collection is absolutely incredible.

I agree with you in regard to the utility of small fixies. I keep mine in a bucket in the kitchen, which is kinda' the "hub" of the house, and use them for anything from cutting food to opening/reducing shipping boxes. I absolutely love 'em and wish I had more. I rarely carry them. However, San Antonio is kinda' taking a turn for the worst, and having a nice 2.5"-4" fixie on my belt (*in an Armatus) gives me warm-fuzzy when I go out at night. And, until I read the first post in this thread, I never realized that, during those late-night outings, I'll usually throw a robust folder in my pocket as well just outta' habit. So, there ARE times when I'M guilty of the "small fixie/larger folder" thing.

Thanks for posting the pics. Again, LOVE the collection. I definitely have a thing for very small and very large fixies, but feel like my "very large" fixie collection has about reached its peak for the most part. So, you may've inspired me to switch gears and see if I can one day have a small fixie collection that MIGHT come close to approaching yours.



*Seeing your collection also makes me wonder why you dumped the Mandra. Man, I love that thing. I use it as much as my Barky PSKs and love it just as much. 🤷‍♂️
 
guy g said:
Does Calif law prohibit even small fixed blade concealed carry?
I carry a medium folder (sm 21) on right side belt and my Horsewright Coyote or Grohmann 104 in my rd pocket.
Click to expand...
Nice setup.
In Michigan all fixed blade carry is illegal unless there is an open hunting season. With that said, coyote season is open year round.
Unless camping, anything over 4" of blade length is more than I need outside of the kitchen
 
Task and purpose is everything.

Large and small are negotiable.

A "larger" folder gives you the larger blade in a pocket. I can't see myself belting on a fixed blade of any size, "large" or "small" in an urban setting. Outside and away though, whatever size gets the job done. Expected need and the likelihood of that need would dictate whether the fixed blade knife was a 4" or 5" "hunter" or a 24" (or larger) machete.
 
Alone said:
Hey Buddy, I hope you don't think I was trying to put you front & center to have to explain yourself. I just saw the thread and thought you might have something to add, based on your posts in the "Fixed blade and folder combo" thread. Beyond that, I have been wanting to tell you, for the longest time, how much your posts (*and your collection) take my breath away. Dude, your collection is absolutely incredible.

I agree with you in regard to the utility of small fixies. I keep mine in a bucket in the kitchen, which is kinda' the "hub" of the house, and use them for anything from cutting food to opening/reducing shipping boxes. I absolutely love 'em and wish I had more. I rarely carry them. However, San Antonio is kinda' taking a turn for the worst, and having a nice 2.5"-4" fixie on my belt (*in an Armatus) gives me warm-fuzzy when I go out at night. And, until I read the first post in this thread, I never realized that, during those late-night outings, I'll usually throw a robust folder in my pocket as well just outta' habit. So, there ARE times when I'M guilty of the "small fixie/larger folder" thing.

Thanks for posting the pics. Again, LOVE the collection. I definitely have a thing for very small and very large fixies, but feel like my "very large" fixie collection has about reached its peak for the most part. So, you may've inspired me to switch gears and see if I can one day have a small fixie collection that MIGHT come close to approaching yours.



*Seeing your collection also makes me wonder why you dumped the Mandra. Man, I love that thing. I use it as much as my Barky PSKs and love it just as much. 🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...
Hey man, no issues. I feel at least partially responsible for the start of this thread. And always happy to share some knife porn with my fellow addicts.
In regards to the Mandra, happy to hear that you are digging it. It seemed to be something that was in my wheelhouse (hence the reason I bought it), but for some reason it just didn’t trip my trigger. And I probably also needed some funds to cover my latest purchase 😁….you know…trying to keep the collection at a reasonable level🤔😳🤯😭
 
alliuse said:
Hey man, no issues. I feel at least partially responsible for the start of this thread. And always happy to share some knife porn with my fellow addicts.
In regards to the Mandra, happy to hear that you are digging it. It seemed to be something that was in my wheelhouse (hence the reason I bought it), but for some reason it just didn’t trip my trigger. And I probably also needed some funds to cover my latest purchase 😁….you know…trying to keep the collection at a reasonable level🤔😳🤯😭
Click to expand...


Brother, your little Mandra is treating me WELL...



 
I tend to carry either a large or a small folder all of the time. At this time one of two Griptilians. (both gifted to me) In Florida, with a CCP, I am not restricted in carrying a fixed blade openly or concealed, but I generally only carry a fixed blade in the woods, when I am mowing the place (lots of vines in the rough areas) or if I am doing something special like perhaps buying a little crack at midnight at the back of that sleazy convenience store, on the other side of town...you know the one. ;) When I was more limber, I would, on occasion, carry a boot knife, but now days I would be knocking on the Pearly Gates before I could get to a defensive boot knife.

I carry a knife as an indispensable tool. There are other devices in my tool box for defensive purposes. Old men look silly in knife fights.
 
I like the option of carrying a larger folder in my pocket, it is convenient to close and be portable. I like a blade about 3.25 to almost 4 inches, big enough to cut but not unwieldy, and can spread peanut butter or cream cheese. That being said, I like the option of a small fixed blade too, have gone more to the smaller ones with 2.5 to 3.5 blade, just for the handiness and light carry. Easier clean up too. I really like Horsewright knives and how such a small blade can be carried and used. Carry options too are a consideration and I am still working on that part how to carry it. I like the KSF pocket sheaths where I can carry a small fixed and a SA or medium folder. I also like the idea of horizontal carry, but I unfortunately let the potential look of others faces deter me from horizontal or open belt carry of the fixed. Left front pocket for carrying, though I am right handed, probably the RF for keys. Lastly, I think the 2 is 1 rule is accomplished with this kind of combo.
 
Last edited:
Cajun Carry said:
I have been wanting to pick up a smaller fixed blade/neck knife to try out carrying as a backup. Gonna see if I can find one for cheap.
Click to expand...
I have three cheap ones, each with less than super steel but they work just fine if you like to sharpen blades.

CRKT Minimalist drop point
SOG Instinct
Outdoor Edge Le'Duck

The latter is the best in my opinion. But each has an adjustable belt/neck sheath and can be carried horizontal on the belt. Just right for my needs.
 
If you want a 2" blade for light tasks and a 4" blade for heavier tasks, a fixed blade with a 2" blade and a folder with a 4" blade will be much more convenient to carry than the opposite arrangement. Seems like it makes sense. Not like heavy duty folders don't exist. Most folding knives are probably robust enough for anything anyone will use a knife for.
 
Carboniferous said:
If you want a 2" blade for light tasks and a 4" blade for heavier tasks, a fixed blade with a 2" blade and a folder with a 4" blade will be much more convenient to carry than the opposite arrangement. Seems like it makes sense. Not like heavy duty folders don't exist. Most folding knives are probably robust enough for anything anyone will use a knife for.
Click to expand...

Our son "surged" into Iraq in 2004 with several purpose built gut-ripping throat-cutters. He also went in with a Leatherman Wave and a CRKT M21.

Does that about cover it?
 
Carboniferous said:
If you want a 2" blade for light tasks and a 4" blade for heavier tasks, a fixed blade with a 2" blade and a folder with a 4" blade will be much more convenient to carry than the opposite arrangement. Seems like it makes sense. Not like heavy duty folders don't exist. Most folding knives are probably robust enough for anything anyone will use a knife for.
Click to expand...
That sums it up well for me, I can't always carry larger items day to day or depending on what may be "event appropriate".

These two work out great for me.

uOCYqcF.jpg


5dYb9EQ.jpg


The Spartan is about as robust as any folder can be, the Freeman 3.5" hunter is probably my favorite smaller fixed currently and easy to carry on my waist or in my pocket.

Different tool combos for different days, tasks, or mood...
 
My usual carry is two or three small folders, almost never a larger one. If I add a fixed blade, it has to be pocketable. I won’t wear a knife on my belt, except a BK14 at 11:00 in a crossdraw sheath, out of sight under an untucked shirt. The BK14 will also fit nicely in a pocket. A couple of small Anzas and a mini Skrama pocket easily as well. Any one will more than meet my needs.
 
Last edited:
Reading some posts here, idealize that i lead a very quiet life in a very controlled environment. I have rarely felt the need to defend myself in public. Guess I have just aged-out of excitement.

Anyone carrying a mechanical pencil with a stout stabbing rod in it instead of writing lead? Used to be something called an "Urban Survival Pencil" . . .
 
VorpelSword said:
Reading some posts here, idealize that i lead a very quiet life in a very controlled environment. I have rarely felt the need to defend myself in public. Guess I have just aged-out of excitement.

Anyone carrying a mechanical pencil with a stout stabbing rod in it instead of writing lead? Used to be something called an "Urban Survival Pencil" . . .
Click to expand...
A good stout mechanical pencil can be a last ditch makeshift weapon
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top