Diminishing folder returns?

[BenjaminRush]

Lurker previously--now new to forum. So my question is-- at what blade length do you feel a folder is no longer justified? I just feel that at 3+ inches I am approaching uses best addressed by fixed blades… how do you feel? What tasks would a 4inch folder do better than a 4 inch fixed blade?

 

[jstrange]

Not to be a smart ass, but a 4" folder folds a lot better than a 4" fixed blade. The fact that it is easier to carry is probably the only thing it can do better. With that said, I like big folders, but personally, I have found anything much over four to be too large and cumbersome. I buy them because they are cool looking and then wind up getting rid of them. The only super sized folder I currently own is the SOG Spec-Elite (5"), but almost all my carry folders are 4" give or take.

 

[Scurvy092]

4.5 inches

Anything under and you can easily carry it in the pocket which is always the advantage of the folder.

 

[Charlie Mike]

4" is my minimum. I'm currently carrying 2 folders with 6" blades.

[video=youtube;OWylqMcMpEE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWylqMcMpEE[/video]

 

[RBid]

I like the 3"-3.5" blade length for folders. Beyond that, fixed.

 

[Charlie Mike]

Fixed is a no-go for me... it's illegal to conceal carry a fixed in my state.

 

[abbydaddy]

My favorite folder is a 4 inch folder, the Lone Wolf T2. But I own and use a number of 4-4.5 inch folders. The only real reason I don't go larger is that I find bigger knives a pain to carry in my pocket. I like to carry a knife in my pocket, so really it is only when a knife gets too long to fit in my pocket that I typically would switch over to a fixed blade.