Ditching the Fixed-Blade?

T

Tyson Norris

Joined
Jan 5, 2010
Messages
70
So, I’m not quite there yet, but I seem to be thinking about it a lot. I’ll be bringing my Fallkniven F1 on my next big trip (this summer or next) but I’m seriously considering just sticking with my Spyderco Delica or an Endura depending on my thoughts afterwards. It just seems that these good lock backs are capable of doing everything I’ve needed them to (fish cleaning, fire building, food prep, etc). The knife just seems to become less and less important as time goes on.

The only reason I bother with a sheath knife is for a very far flung fantasy that I’ll be relying on it‘s superior strength - but I’m quite sure that if such a situation would arise I’d make it through with my knowledge and experience and the sturdy little lockbacks.

I’m just finding packing and carrying a fixed blade to be a pain in the butt for me. It’s nice insurance for a hypothetical situation, but maybe something I’ll be dropping in the future.

Anyone else moving in this direction?
 
fallkniven knives are awesome.
I can't believe you don't think its sharper, better hand grip, and tougher than
Your folders.

Swedish airforce thinks they rock too :)
 
I can't get past the need for a fixed blade, if for no other reason than I find it easier to clean than a folder. Fixed blades are also less prone to breakage. On folders, scales can crack, the hinge can break, sand and other junk can get into the mechanism making it difficult to open and close, etc. So I always carry a fixed blade, even if it is only a little 2" neck knife. I also usually carry a folder of some kind, but I do that for the tools on a SAK or a leatherman more than because I ever expect to use the blade on it.
 
jmsodpc said:
fallkniven knives are awesome.
I can't believe you don't think its sharper, better hand grip, and tougher than
Your folders.

Swedish airforce thinks they rock too :)
Click to expand...

Not sharper, but yes to ergonomics and toughness. I just don't seem to be rating those two points as high as I used to. The Delica seems to be doing what I need it to do very, very well. The handle is very slim, which is very convenient when clipped to a waistband, but terrible if carving, so I usually wrap the handle in a bandana when power carving.

Still, I'm not there yet, but thinking more and more about it.
 
I'm mostly a folder guy, but outdoors I always bring (at least :D) one fixed blade. It's no extra trouble, and you just never can tell what you might need it for.
 
I say use whatever you are comfortable with, and don't worry about what kind of knife it is. It's been noted a lot, but many old time woodsmen were just fine with a non locking trapper or other style of slip joint. Also there are probably more Buck 110's that have been used in the field more than most other knives combined. :thumbup:
 
I've been thinking about this too to be honest. I've never needed a fixed blade period. In the summer I hardly use a knife at all and in bad weather/fall/spring I carry a chopper. To me a fixed blade is only carried for the what if scenario that I lose the chopper or my folder breaks. I too carry a Spyderco but it's a military. Maybe Spyderco is brainwashing us. :D
 
It all depends on what you're doing. For me, a fixed blade rarely comes in handy either. Unless I'm actually camping, a good folder is easier/lighter to carry and does everything I need it for. If I am camping/planning on building a fire, a machete or hatchet and saw come along.

The thing about fixed blades is they can do things like process wood, but they don't do that very well unless they're huge. I've found myself carrying big, heavy fixed blades and they don't get any use. For me that does come from a perspective of "what this can do/ worst case" type of thing.

Thinner, lighter fixed blades around 4" might come in handy. No lock to fail/still tough and much lighter than the beasts that have become popular.
 
Well, I am going in the opposite direction. I worry less and less about what folder I have and more about what fixed blade or blades to bring. The Fallkniven F1 is so small and light it really dissapears in a pack or on your belt. I have an F1 that I use often with some other, mostly larger fixed blades. I can't imagine just using a folder for cleaning game, fish or woods use and getting all that much out of the lockwork. Fixed blades are just easier to use and care for in my experience.
 
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I don't get out much lately. When I do I make an effort to do some whittling trap making, fire making etc. A lot of the time I need to baton some small pieces of wood to find some that's not rotten or wet. I like to use a fixed blade for that, but a good strong folder would work too. The only issue is cleaning really. I really don't care for grit on the washers of my folders.

I have a friend who has spent at least 100 days in the woods every year for the last 10 years. I'm not talking about day hikes either. He enjoys climbing frozen water falls for kicks or building/mapping new routes for rock climbers, building trails etc. He never brought a knife once.
 
This may mean very little -or a lot, but people who write books about survival consistently recommend fixed blade knives. Sometimes they suggest a folder as well, but not a folder alone.

I once had a need to dig down to burning roots through baked-to-brick Western clay. I was happy I had a sturdy knife.

If you are trying to get to the dry interior of wet wood, a sturdy knife makes that easier and faster than a folder. Easier and faster might be important.

A folder near as tough as a fixed blade weighs more than the fixed-blade, size for size. Takes lots of material to "fix" what does not start out in one piece.

As always, YMMV.
 
I guess it really depends on how you perform your trip and anticipated activities. If your outdoors trips involve carrying your shelter (hammock/tarp/tent) and cooking by stove then there really isn't a gross need for a sturdy knife. In this case a folding knife works well and can readily be used for cutting food, cordage or some whittling.

If you are within the "what if" camp, like to explore more extensive wood processing with your knife as opposed to a dedicated tool (axe or saw) and perform more extensive whittling projects (like carving projects) then the fixed blade starts to become more relevant. Personally, I like using a fixed blade much more just for the handle ergos. I also routinely split wood with my knife, pry stuff and dig things up.

I once was asked by my dad on the fly to demo for him the bowdrill technique. He was calling BS on my claims. I only had a SAK in my pocket and I routinely keep paracord as boot laces in my shoes. So I went along his property, collected some willow for drill and hearth and made a top piece and bow from maple. The willow was only about 2/3 the thickness of my wrist, but I still had to split it. I was able to do so with my SAK blade but I sure didn't feel very confident doing so. At that point, I was willing to sacrifice my sak to save my ego and make my father eat his words :D

Anyhow, you can make do with a folding knife pretty well. This is especially true when you are augmenting your kit with all kinds of dedicated tools. However, if you fancy doing Abo-stuff or primitive methods, then you'll find yourself in a bit better position having a fixed blade to work with. Even a mora will outlast a spyderco lock back and will be more comfortable to use in extensive carving. Last thing is the convenience of a belt knife. Ready access to a knife on your hip is quicker, no muss, no fuss. All that flipper stuff and one-handed opening can be quick but you are just fussing afterward on putting the thing in your pocket/affixing your clip after you are done.
 
Will never trade fixed for folding when I head for the woods.
However, I'm considering making my GB Wildelife hatchet my primary woods tool.
Weight was never an issue for me (as long as my knees can take it).
 
+1 on kgd's post.

I carry a mora and a multi tool all the time when I go out into the woods. On day hikes that's all I carry. I no longer carry a folder since my multi tool does everything my folder did.

If I plan on chopping up some thick branches then I'll take my Junglas or my CAK. If I plan on processing large amounts of wood then I bring an axe.

Stick to what works for you.
 
I don't even use folders for EDC. The only folders I have are SAKs/Multitools, and those are always backups.
 
I have went the opposite...I am seriously debating not carrying a folder anymore! LOL



unless you count the blade on my multi-tool.
 
Standard Bladeforums answer: bring both!:)
I always do.
Actually, it's usually one rather huge fixed blade and two folders.
More knives=more better.:D
 
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