EDCing a fixed blade; share your experiences!

BMCGear

BMCGear

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I know there are threads that involve questions about which fixed blade to EDC but I wanted to get opinions from those who have actually carried a fixed blade or currently carry one. What are your thoughts on carrying a fixed (whether belt, neck, or pocket)?

I like to keep things really simple. I usually carry a traditional knife that I do a lot of my cutting with and a modern folder for utility purposes that require one handed opening. I'm considering replacing the modern folder with a small fixed blade for my EDC purposes.

So for those of you who have or do carry a smaller fixed blade for EDC tasks what are your experiences?

PS: I know my state allows carry of a fixed blade for EDC.

:::EDIT:::

To update the thread:

I bought an Esee Izula on a whim. Wasn't sure how I was going to EDC this but I figured it was cheap and if nothing else I could use it for other tasks or sell it if EDCing a fixed blade didn't work out. Man am I glad I bought this little knife. It came razor sharp and I really enjoy it. I have carried it around the house in my shorts (super light), as well as blue jeans (pocket, watch pocket, and horizontal on my belt), and even in my khakis (pocket). It's working really well. I have also bought an Izula II to try.

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I have a few fixed blades and the only one I comfortably carry is my EESE Izula... I've carried it on the neck and in my front pocket. It's a nice size and can handle a variety of tasks without having to worry about action, lockup, or extensive cleaning- it's a nice change of pace from the folders I typically carry. My other's are dedicated to hunting, camping, or "looking at" and are all too big to be EDC's.

Also, I like the Izula because of it's versatility in carrying different ways and I also use the TKC G10 handles which give it more grip and personality without adding much to the weight.
 
I carried a small fixed blade in my RFP for about a year. My experience was was somewhat positive and somewhat negative.

Cons: I found myself a little more hesitant about using my knife in public as even a small fixed blade could draw attention. Because I used a leather sheath I had to be mindful of cleaning my knife before replacing it in the sheath. This could be problematic at times. The balance of retention vs ease of access was challenging, I found myself more concerned about my knife remaining where it should than I had been with my folders.

Pros:

No screws, or pocket clips to worry about bending or coming loose. Comfort of always having a fixed blade on my person.

I moved on to carrying a Victorinox Pioneer as my daily carry as my place of work is a little strict on knives. It is practical and doesn't have screws, a pocket clip, or locks to worry about. I carry it in a leather sheath RFP along with a PS4 and flashlight same as I did with a fixed blade. I still have a fixed blade on my person a decent amount of the time, however often the Pioneer is all I have/need. I do sometimes miss having a fixed blade on my person at all times, and may work on adding a 2/0 into my carry for outside of work.
 
I've come to favor using my Juni over my folder in most cases,especially around sheeple. I like carrying a larger folder anyway and usually get an ignoramus to deal with when I pull one out. I typically don't care what people have to say . I carry whatever I want, but this friggin knife got me I love it and find d it on me every day now. I like the mini dangler it comes with too. Small enough to put in any pocket or run a ball chain thru n neck it. There are some awesome little guys out there too. Any way.I'm a fan and would recommend giving one a shot if your thinking about one.
 
I've carried fixed blades for like 3 years straight IWB @ 4 'o clock - pretty much since I got some nice ones with good kydex sheaths (namely Kevin Wilkins Bushcrafter w/ a custom sheath and now a Sacha Thiel Nexus). I think a 4" folder in the right front pocket is often easier to use because you don't have to pay attention when putting it back.
The main reasons for carrying a fixed blade for me are probably to just have another knife on me and because I like these knives and: fixed blades <4.5" (blade length) are legally less complicated than one-hand-openers in Germany.
 
the sheath makes all the difference. I find that either a horizontal sheath, or a forward tilted pancake sheath work best for me. Cross draw seems to the the most convenient way.
 
I EDC a Becker BK11 in my pocket all the time. Very handy - just like carrying a folder only ... it's fixed. Carry one for a bit if you like and see how it grabs you.

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Every day for 9 months now.

Here's the one I carry

3"blade 3.75" handle. Just the right size in my book.

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It's lighter than most every folder, comfortable and not prone to bladeplay etc.
 
I pocket carry a small utility fixed blade almost every single day. It disappears in the pocket; it is very slim.

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It is small - 3 finger grip, but it is so damn useful that it kicked everything else out of my daily pocket.

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The knife has a Kydex sheath and the whole package is very non-threatening to sheeple.

(Next to a Case Peanut):

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Glamour shot:

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My experience is that the knives that I used to EDC were all slip joints or small frame locks. Since I got this knife on 16th October, 2014 (I keep a knife diary, lol) - it has simply become the one. Of course, when I head into the woods it's a whole 'nother story! One last thing: I wasn't looking for a small fixed blade to change my whole view on EDC knives, it just happened.

Good luck in your search!

Eric
 
I EDC an ESEE Izula in my front pocket. Hated the stock sheath for that, so I made a Kydex taco sheath as minimalist as I could. Disappears in the pocket. I also made one for an Esee Candiru.




 
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I used to like a wallet sheath, but I've transitioned to strong side, tip down belt sheaths. At first I was worried about the visibility of the belt sheath, as my most carried knives have between three and four inch blades and the sheaths stick out below untucked shirt level a bit. Living in Texas and not working in an office environment probably makes it easier for me, but I haven't had any comments.

I've tried horizontal carry and I find them terribly awkward to wear, and they look weird to me under a shirt. I'm sure it's a personal preference thing.
 
Nice sheaths there, good work.
I only carry a fixed blade in nature outings, and i prefer neck carry.
As for edc, a fixed blade is too much for my needs, while a small traditional knife is enough, and much easier to deal with. I just take it out of my pocket, use it, and then fold it, and its ready to go back.
With the fixed blades i have to take the sheath in consideration too, if in pocket i have to take it out, if on the belt or neck i have to be careful when sliding it back, and so on. It ain't much, i know, but i find the pocket knife keeps things a little simpler for me.
If i really want to have a fixed blade just in case, it would be an Izula on my neck, paracord wrapped, but only as an addition to my pocket knife which does most of my cutting.
 
I like carrying a small FB. I usually stick with my Bradford G3, although I'll rotate in a BRKT Essential from time to time. A FB horizontal on my belt is much easier for me to pull, use, and replace than a folder. And I have less concerns about tight screws, dirty locks, loose pivots, etc.
 
Been carrying fixed blades since I made my first one in 2013. I always edc a folder so i would say I carry a fixed blade about half the time. In Michigan it's kind of a grey area, and I only carry them openly whether it's a neck or belt sheath. Most times if I get a bad reaction I will tell whomever I made it and I'm testing it to ensure it is rugged enough for daily use. Usually people understand. I try to use and carry them in a fashion that not many people take too much notice. All have been 4" blades and under and are not "tacticool" or anything like that. Basic hunting knives and a pair of kiridashis I made for me and my brother that hang from the neck.

I've had a few occasions where I was in a gas station or party store and a police officer gives me a second curious look, but I typically just smile and wave like I do to everybody else. I don't have malicious intent and, in a world full of guns, I don't have the training to effectively and confidently use it as a self defense weapon anyway. :foot: :D

I've come to find I rather like having a fixed blade in my edc gear. My knives see serious abuse. I admit it. For example at work I routinely cut nylon belted rubber conveyor material. When I'm cutting that stuff, I avoid any type of folding blade. It takes some serious pressure to get a good, square cut. Typically I would use a razor blade in a fixed holder, but it's fun to see how much abuse they can take. I just feel like it's one of those situations a fixed blade shines as the only way I can screw it up on the knife side is if I snap the blade in two or let go of the handle.

Justin
 
Unlike some of the members here who have gone with a small fixed blade, I went the opposite direction of bold and loud with my EDC. Very few people have said anything about it one way or another.
 
I have about 10 fixed blades ranging from 3-5" with the exact same belt clip and sheath setup on all of them.

Lately I find myself either throwing my custom "scalpeldashi" (kiridashi and scalpel hybrid) in its carbon fiber sheath around my neck, or ill throw my spyderco perrin bowie in my waist band.

I dont carry large fixed blades quite as often anymore, because they used to just fill the spot that my 9mm now fills.
 
I've been carrying a Busse AMS front pocket with a clipped sheath. Very comfortable and unobtrusive.

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If I wanted to carry one, it would probably be the one on the top...the BHK Bushbaby. I like this one because it's small and unobtrusive, and probably large enough for anything that I need on a daily basis...
 
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