Fix Blade Or Folder?

Razor

Razor

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 8, 1999
Messages
3,975
As much as I like my fix blades, I don't really use or carry them that much. To me, the folders have good so good, I wonder if I really need a fix blade. I always like a fix blade for field dressing a deer, because it is so much easilier to clean up. For anything else, a folder works just fine. I even chop with my ZT's and it does not seem to faze them. Any thoughts?
 
Great question. Honestly, I really like both and alternate carrying both fixed & folders. Interesting enough, all my edc's (fixed & folder) are 2 1/2" to 3 1/2" in length. I've really settled into my sweet spot for blade length so folder or fixed blade doesn't matter as much to me anymore.
 
For EDC I prefer folders (although I wouldn't mind an ESEE Izula or 3-mil for EDC) but if people didn't get so freaked out by inanimate objects, I would carry a larger fixed blade along with a pocket clip folder. For the most part, fixed blades are tougher and can do most any job a folder can but YMMV.

Levi
 
As someone carrying 5 fixed blades at work tonight, my vote goes to the fixed blades. :)
(I only stopped at 5 because sitting in this chair at work with any more on my belt might be uncomfortable) ESEE Izula/Izula II, Becker BK 11/14, a PMLKnives 'witches finger', TDI large LEO, Blackjack 155 necker. Any of them are good to go for small fixed blades that you can carry, they're great for peeling apples, slicing up that pork chop you brought for dinner (that work supplied plasticware is crap, right?) or opening letters or boxes.

I still carry a Vic Farmer and my Imperial jack though, for when sheeple want to borrow a knife. :)
C
 
The only time I always carry a fixed blade is when I am out tramping around in the woods or doing environmental soil and water sample collection where my knife becomes quite useful. I have been experimenting with a small fixed blade for an EDC (2.5"), but I tend to leave it home a lot. I like big knives, but I have also settled into a pretty predictable pattern, 2.5-3.5" for folders and 2.5-4" on fixed blades. Now and then I will carry a larger fixed blade in the woods. But honestly I use my folder more there as well because I am so comfortable using it.
 
If you get your hands on an EDC sized fixed blade that fits the confines of your local laws/ workplace rules, and a comfortable sheath, you'll wonder the exact opposite. I nearly swear off folders, with my AG Russel Woodswalker, and ESEE Izula, or Swamp Rat Swamp Warden.
 
I fully agree with whetrock. Besides, a straight chunk of steel is way easier to clean while being vastly stronger (no blade play EVER again).
 
I like the simplicity of a fixed blade so I have an Izula I always carry, but sometimes I like having a smaller knife in the form of a traditional folder or something similar. Something with really thin blade stock and a shorter blade, I don't care for larger folders. Don't carry anything with longer than a 3" blade.
 
I use folders for EDC, just easier to carry and they hold up to typical daily use.

If I go hunting, camping or hiking I bring a fixed blade along with my folder. The folder is a back up blade in these cases.
 
I usually carry a small fixed blade in a horizontal kydex sheath ( a Schrade sharp finger or a Bradshaw shorty) on my left hip, a Case back pocket in my left rear pocket, a Bark River city knife in my right front pocket, and a John Lloyd slip joint in a belt sheath on my right side. On weekends I will add a larger fixed blade to the mix.
 
If I were able to carry a fixed-blade in a belt sheath at work, I'd probably never carry a locking folder. I'd still have a Vic SAK on me though.
 
I used to exclusively carry folders, for there obvious mobility. However within the past two years ive become very open minded about my knife choices perhaps ive even become. "bi-knivual" lol. Im starting to really love carrying fixed blades on me. ill always have my folders but there are some tasks where even though im sure the folder can handle it. why take the risk? so i tend to op for small to small-mid sized fixed blades. the biggest ill go is the around the falkniven f1 range.
 
I am carrying a small fixed blade( 3" and under) for EDC more and more . Every once in a while I will carry a larger 4-5" fixed blade just for kicks. There is a wonderful selection of pocket fixed blades out there especially here in the makers exchange.
 
On office days I carry a folder (slipjoints mostly) but when going out in the woods a fixedblade comes along.
 
I would carry a fixed blade more often, but frankly it freaks people out. The necessity of carrying one on the belt rather than in the pocket makes it a lot more noticeable. I know I could neck carry or use a pocket sheath, but then access is a lot more awkward. Pocket-carrying a folder is discrete although not quite concealed and minimizes sheeple scares. I carry a fixed blade often when I go out into the woods (as in, away from my vehicle) but you need a backpack that is compatible with your sheath to retain accessibility and comfort of carry. Even then, I carry a folder in my pockey both out of habit and deference to the "two is one, one is none" concept. I feel like if the circumstances call for a fixed-blade knife, it is best to have one with a blade of five inches or more, and even then it is never my only knife. My small fixed blades get the least use of all my knives.
 
I prefer a small fixed blades 2 - 3.5" in a pocket sheath. I've found it extremely convenient to pair whatever knife I choose with a small flashlight in the same sheath. It's a tad more awkward than a belt sheath, but far more inconspicuous and you can carry some really big blades with the right sheath. That being said, my personal favorite is the BRKT little creek...sized similarly to a pen knife, but built like a tank.
 
If it weren't for legal and social limitations the only folding knives I'd carry would be SAKs and multitools, I'd use fixed blade knives for everything else. I think they are superior to folders in every aspect except for ease of concealed carry.
 
adc5 said:
I fully agree with whetrock. Besides, a straight chunk of steel is way easier to clean while being vastly stronger (no blade play EVER again).
Click to expand...
Or pivot worries or lockup worries or blade centering issues... I've found myself gravitating more to small FBs in recent years. If I only have one knife with me nowadays, it'll almost always be a smaller FB. Bark Rivers are my usual FB carries for everyday stuff.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top