Fixed Blade Poll - Big City

J

Jared Karr

Joined
Apr 12, 2001
Messages
31
Okay, I'm not really concerned with what you carry as a choice of fixed blade, that was covered already, as I'm sure this thread probably was, but I can't do searches any more, so I'll just rehash this issue.

Of those of you who carry fixed blades, how many do so in a major metropolitan area. And, how many of you do so in professional environments (offices, banks, etc). I live in Philly and know that Philly cops, local subarban cops, and state troopers in PA all have a thing about having a fixed blade, especially if it is concealed. That law is also strictly enforced for automobiles as well. I haven't experienced this myself, but I've heard from local knifenuts and hunters that having a fixed blade in your car is a no no in PA.

I've tried packing a 3-4 inch fixed blade, and just felt that it was totally out of place in the city, epecially in my office. I feel better whipping out a folder, and even that is a judgement call, than a small fixed blade. The ONLY exception I have found is the Fred Perrin La Griffe (or Emerson production model), or those little Scandanavian Puukos that can be carried in a pocket.

Also, I love the reliability of a fixed blade, but as an urbanite, the most I do is cut boxes and stuff, sometimes more in my second job, such as punching through plastic or rubber trash cans, carving pieces of wood, etc. But by and large, in the last few years I've done nothing with my EDC that a folder like a Sebenza or BM710 can't handle. So what's with the need to carry a FB? I understand that it appeals to our primordial nature, but so do a lot of things we don't do.

If it's a matter of deployment, having to put a FB under clothes makes it much slower to deploy than a folder.

So, inner-city FB carriers, what tales can you city dwellers tell about carrying a fixed blade in the urban jungle and why you do it.
 
I carry a small FB quite often as a replacement for a folder.

The size I like is 5.5" or less in overall length.

How I carry: Clipped to my pocket like a folder in a custom sheath.

Why?: Because I too like a fixed blade and people look at the little ones like they're a paring knife. They deploy quickly this way also, not that I worry about that.

I just think more than anything they are a nice alternative to a folder. I have no fear using them in public because they're so small.

I can't see carrying anything bigger at work though. After work and around town I will carry a little bigger but not much.
 
While I'm a diehard fixed blade fan I don't carry concealed in an urban setting - too much liability. CA lets us carry practically any folder so a folder it will be. :grumpy:
 
I carry folders most of the time. The only FB I carry are neck knives and only during the winter in my coat pocket. The reason being that it's easier to deploy with gloved hands than a folder. My usual EDC folder would still be clipped in my front pants pocket though. When I get to the office the coat comes off so the FB is no longer on me.

Liability is an issue, but I figure if I ever get in a situation where I have to deploy it, liability wouldn't be of top concern at that moment; so it's a matter of weighing risks.

All my non-users/drawer queens are fixed blades though.
 
I live and work in San Francisco and work in an office. I've carried a Camillus CQB-2 and a Dozier Arkansas Toothpick (both small fighters), RW Clark Model 1 (small utility knife), and a Jeff Hall Arch Ally (very small fighter). My employer has no knife policy (firearms and explosives are a no-no!), but I can't bring myself to carry even the smallest fixed blade in the office - it would not go over well. In California most people assume that knives are basically illegal to carry, even though, as Loki points out, any non-auto folder is legal (and sub-2" autos too), and any fixed blade can be carried as long as it's not concealed.

Outside of the office, I don't carry a fixed blade openly (I can't wear it under an untucked shirt because that's concealment, so I always wear a coat or jacket when I carry an FB) primarily because I'm paranoid about a deranged street person or hoodlum making a grab for it. I should point out that SF is a very crowded city and I ride a bus to work and back.

I mostly started carrying fixed blades because of BladeForums peer-pressure, but I've come to the conclusion that fixed blades are not the best choice in a crowded urban setting. I'm not convinced that I could pull out an FB faster than I could deploy my Griptilian from my front pocket, and it's definitely more convenient to drop a folder into my pocket than to clip a Tek-Lok onto my belt.

miguel
 
I don't carry a fixed blade during the week since I have to visit numerous client sites and who knows what they will think of it. At such times, I do carry a folder in a belt sheath. On weekends and some evenings and in an urban setting I sometimes carry a small custom fixed blade whenever I feel like it. Since I'm a knife collector, I wear it like a piece of jewelry of which I am proud. As long as the knife is not concealed, then its my right and it is completely lawful in California. When out in remote areas (e.g. hiking) I will almost always be carrying a production fixed blade that I feel confident could serve as a survival knife. Again, I will try to make sure it is not concealed (e.g. in a belt sheath). I have never have anyone (except friends who know that I collect knives) say anything about a knife I have been carrying. In most cases, I think that they really don't see the knife no matter how openly you carry it. If you take the knife out and use it in front of them, then they may notice.
 
The only fixed blade that I currently carry in an urban setting is my Benchmade 160 Tether Knife. It is intended to be used as a neck knife, but I just put it in my pocket. It is small, flat, light, and has a green handle. It sort of looks like a funky boxcutter to some people. I like using it for a variety of chores. Also, it passes the spine whack test 100% of the time...;)
 
Okay, I didn't want this to turn into a "what are you carrying" thread, but cpirtle got me curious. Other than a La Griffe, a little Puukko, or the Bussee Assault Shaker, what are some choices of knife that are 5.5 inches overall length?
 
the RJ Martin Pocket Rottweiller would be my top choice

ROTWEILLER_models.jpg



Jens Anso also makes some nice pieces in that size category

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or if you want something a bit more "upscale", a Don Cowles Special Agent

DC_FxdBld-cfagent-501.jpg


RL
 
I will occasionaly carry a boot knife along with a folder. Either clipped to my belt or boot. Depending on where I am gonna be.
Greg
 
Thanks RL. I went to both of the makers' sites and they both have great knives. Unfortunately, they are a little pricey for me right now, but I'm gonna keep my eye on both of these makers over the next year.

Thanks again.
 
Glad I could help.

Incidentally, Chris Hatin (Hatin Tec) offers something similar to the RJ Martin for $100 less

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RL
 
I've been carrying my new Buck/Strider Solution all around town and at work. It draws many stares and some questions, but it hasn't caused any trouble.
 
I wear a fixed blade on my belt every day. The FBs I have average 4 inchs in blade length. I work in a retail store and deal with as many as 40 people in a day. No problems as of yet.

My preference for fixed blades comes from the fact that they are easier to maintain, stronger (though this is not usually a requirement) and that I just like using them more. Personal preference and nothing more.
 
I don't live in a major city by any means, but I do go to school at a large state university so I'm around a lot of people all the time. I always have my fixed blade on me, its about 6 7/8" overall with 2 7/8" blade. So far I havn't even gotten a strange look when I pull it out. Its relativly small size and the fact that it has a red handle makes it seem fairly un-threatening. I carry it in a horizontal belt sheath in the cross draw position.
 
I live in Vancouver and carry a fixed blade every day, often 2. I carry at least one of them openly on my belt. Usually in the 4" blade length range, but occasionally an 8" knife too.

So far no problems.

I work in an office, and carry at work.

Pierre
 
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