Do any of you guys no longer use folders?

Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.

Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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I started out the whole knife addiction thing as a folder fanatic but over the past few months Ive seen my folder collection for from 8 all the way down to 1 folder.

When I spend a bunch of money on a knife I want one I can use and not worry about. Folders can jam, have lock failures, develop blade play, etc... And not to mention you can't go out and just beat on most folders, even something simple like carving a spear will end up causing blade play and skinning and processing game leaves you with guts in the lock. Folders just can't do what fixed blades do.

I now only use folders for EDC when Im at college and can't carry a fixed blade. My EDC has gone from BM710's and Para2's to an ESEE 3.

Don't get me wrong, I still really enjoy having a folder. Ive got pre orders down for the M390 Millie and the ZT Hinderer but at the end of the day when I buy a nice folder I just never really get to "use" it. You can open packages and slice apples but there's just something so satisfying about going out into the woods and beating the hell out of a knife. Chopping, battoning, carving you name it all the fun things you can't do with a folder.

Do any of you guys have the same issue?

I just bought a Bad@$$ benchmade bedlam but Its too aggressive looking for EDC and I can't go out and beat on it! What good is a knife if you can't USE it?

For me folders have become a nice tool that I cant use when a fixed blade isn't appropriate, like on campus or at work.
 
I'm on campus most of the time, so folders are my focus. I do like the few fixed blades I have, though.
 
I carry folders (a handmade Filipino balisong, an Emerson, a Spyderco Kopa and a Victorinox Huntsman) and two small fixed blades because they're easier to carry on my person, but my 'serious' working blades are all fixed blades without a doubt.
 
I find I will keep a few blades on me, one of which is almost always a fixed blade, my ideology has changed into something along the lines of 1 for hard work, 1 for sheeple, 1 for play and 1 more just because you cant have enough knives
 
I agree for the most part. Fixed blades are just better at some things (and vice versa). When I'm out in the woods, I like knowing that there is nothing I can do to my BK2 to make it fail, which gives me confidence. When I'm in the office, I like knowing I'm not going to be constantly looking around for scissors when I have my folder with me.

For me, Folders = in the office, and around campus use(aka, the "City"). They mostly open packages, letters, clean fingernails, and get played with.

Fixed blades = When outdoors (Camping, offroading, etc) is/will be the main activity and/or environment. These usually process wood (baton, chop, make fuzz sticks, whittle/carve, etc), strike firesteels, and get played with.
 
I haven't carried a folder in months. I want to start again for work, though. A small folder is a bit more professional looking to use than one of my fixed blades I think.
 
I just like fixed blades more for simplicity sake. I mean, don't get me wrong, I don't really subscribe to all those ideas that I need the extra reliability or strength or anything ( though it's nice to have ), they just feel nicer to use and maintain to me. Never any blade-play, never opening or closing, no hard to reach areas to clean, etc. Plus I like to sharpen on a waterstone and it's always a pain in the butt to clean the grit from the water that gets into the handles of folders, not so with fixed blades--but that's more a matter of equipment.

Only folder I'm carrying these days is my Leatherman
 
I've been buying more fixed blades recently, though I believe my folders will still outnumber them. I really don't need to cut a lot of meat, and I don't mind fruits and vegetables much with some of my folders. I don't do camping, so no worries there. If I need to chop or baton something, I'll use my ESEE Junglas rather than my fixed blades, which tend to be on the thin and hard side anyway(say, S125V at Rc 64+).
 
Folders have their place for outdoors stuff, but they are usually deep in my pack as a backup to fixed blades. The SAK Spartan will always have a place in my pocket for EDC.
 
I have EDC a fixed for almost two years now, but still always have a folder in my pocket. The folder does not get much use but comes in handy in public when lots of people are about. That is about the only reason I carry a folder, not to alarm the uninformed around me.
 
KalEl said:
Folders can jam, have lock failures, develop blade play, etc...
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They can but they mostly don't.

Folders just can't do what fixed blades do.
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True. The reverse is also true.

Do any of you guys have the same issue?
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No. They both fill a perfect role in life for me. I have zero preference. I carry folders a lot more because they are convenient a lot more often (a folder's strong suit ;)) but in winter time and of course outdoors, I carry FB's.

I just bought a Bad@$$ benchmade bedlam but Its too aggressive looking for EDC and I can't go out and beat on it! What good is a knife if you can't USE it?
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If all you do with a knife is beat on it, most folders are not for you. Most BF members don't have that issue however.

For me folders have become a nice tool that I cant use when a fixed blade isn't appropriate, like on campus or at work.
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That's fine. Do what works for you. :thumbup:
 
I carry folders because I really don't have a choice, carrying a FB as an EDC just isn't really possible without some issues coming up. :(
 
Ankerson said:
I carry folders because I really don't have a choice, carrying a FB as an EDC just isn't really possible without some issues coming up. :(
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I always thought that would be true for me as well. About a year and a half ago I started carrying a FB every day and I have had ONE person inquire about it (he assumed I was heading to or coming from the woods, I told him I carried it every day and he shrugged approvingly).

Laws and people are different everywhere....

I have had people react (with caution/fear) to a knife in use, but as best I can tell they react to the knife, and not the sort of knife (and probably most of the reactions I have noticed were when I was using a folder).

I understand what you are saying though. It is a shame to not be able to carry your first choice (particularly when a folder is probably EQUALLY suited to most criminal activity)
 
unit said:
I always thought that would be true for me as well. About a year and a half ago I started carrying a FB every day and I have had ONE person inquire about it (he assumed I was heading to or coming from the woods, I told him I carried it every day and he shrugged approvingly).

Laws and people are different everywhere....

I have had people react (with caution/fear) to a knife in use, but as best I can tell they react to the knife, and not the sort of knife (and probably most of the reactions I have noticed were when I was using a folder).

I understand what you are saying though. It is a shame to not be able to carry your first choice (particularly when a folder is probably EQUALLY suited to most criminal activity)
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Believe me if I really had the choice I wouldn't even own any folders. :D
 
First off why would want to "beat on" any knife? They all cost way too much to just beat them like a nail. I agree with what philwar said. I have no preference what so ever and own and use both folders and fixed blades. They each have their place and uses. And each will perform just fine if they are used properly. The right tool for the job as the ole saying goes. As for me I carry and use a folder about 99% of the time due to their size and convince. I have never, repeat, never had a folder fail on me. But again I don't abuse my knives and look at each task before I begin. If it looks like it might take a screwdriver then I use my Leatherman tool. If the task is to clean gunk from underneath a fingernail then I use my Vic Executive. If the task requires a large blade then I use what I happen to be carrying that particular day be it my Sebenza or Spyderco Manix or Military. If you give up on folders then you'll be missing out on a lot of fun!
 
I wouldn't bring a 4x4 to the race track or a porsche to the trail. Knives are tools-like mentioned earlier: the right tool for the right job.

The only time I carry fixed is when I am at the cabin and even then a folder would do 99% or the time...hell a nail clipper is all I probably need.

Basically if I have my cell phone in my pocket - I am carrying folders, if I am OTG I might have a fixed on the belt.
 
Ryanol said:
The only time I carry fixed is when I am at the cabin and even then a folder would do 99% or the time
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True. While I prefer a FB always (even a little Mule is better than a folder), a folder actually CAN do the vast majority of chores.
 
Tactical Knives Magazine must be seeing more interest in fixed blades. The latest issue is almost all fixed blades. I have a few. Seldom carry or use them.
 
Lavan said:
Tactical Knives Magazine must be seeing more interest in fixed blades. The latest issue is almost all fixed blades. I have a few. Seldom carry or use them.
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Maybe because a tactical folder is a bit of a non-entity AFAIC. Most folders will act as a force multiplier should the need arise, but tactical they are not. If you are in need of a tactical blade (one to kill people with) get a fixed blade.
 
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