fixed blades only

E

edgetrip

Joined
Aug 10, 2004
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I am slowly transitining to a fixed blade as my primary EDC. After weighing the advantages and disadvantages of folders and fixed blades I am comming down hard on the side of the straight knife. I am transitioning slowly because it does require a little more thought to carry one comfortably and without scaring the crap out of people. Currently my fb for daily carry is a boker/nealy drop point with cocabolo scales carried IWB in a modified Sastre neck sheath. I like this little knife very much it is a good shape for utility, has good steel (ats34) and will work for SD, which is a secondary consideration for me.
Who else has decided to go with an FB? Are there specific reasons, job, environment, etc? What do you carry and how? Do you rotate fixed blades based on dress or perceived need? I am interested in utility as the primary function not so much the push knife you keep in your boot or the HAK on your lapel.

Thanks
 
I carry a Boker Applegate-Fairbairn dagger for self defence just about every day in one of the following places: in a leather boot sheath that I made, in my left side waistband, and on my belt on my right side when I am in the woods, and local authorities do not object. It may seem like it should be difficult to conceal an 11" knife, but I used to carry concealed two full sized framing hammers (one down my waistband, and one in my belt and up my back) in vocational training during High School, due to 4 guys who were always looking for an opportunity to jump me, which they never got. That experience tought me that it is possible to conceal almost anything, and that its probably best to do so, because no one can object to the carrying of a weapon if they don't know about it. The A-F style dagger is taylor made for fighting and little else, so I carry it for that until I turn 21 and get my CPL. For utility, I carry a leatherman wave. In a city inviornment, under normal circumstances, I have found a multi tool to be much more useful than a big fixed blade for common chores. However if I lived in a rural inviornment, I suppose I would use a bowie for EDC.
 
Depending on whether or not you live in the city or the suburbs or the country, you should be okay in northern Florida for fixed blade EDC carry, as long as its visible.
 
I am really not looking for legal advice more what sorts of FBs people find practical to both use and carry on a regular basis.Sorry STS not trying to sound snotty just trying to keep the thread focused.I have tried a five inch Nealy that I found just a little longer then I want, a micro canadien that was sweet and very inoffensive but a little too small. The Boker/Nealy is a good length but I want something a little stouter with abit more of a handle as deep concealment is not my primary objective. I have a lil loco and a lagriffe for that.
 
Hey Edgetrip...

I carry both fixed and folder daily.. sometimes tucked,, sometimes not,, depending on what I'm doing..
alot of times now,, I'll carry a small fixed on a static line tucked away, however I carry a wide range of blades and sizes as well IWB...

The fixed blade usually doesn't come out, the folder is used more than anything in public..

ttyle

Eric...
 
Yeah, I sort of figure that my SAK will see the most use and its with me n no matter what else I am carrying.
 
I carry a fixed blade about 50% of the time rotating a Spyderco Moran with a Blackjack Slick dependant on what I am doing and the environment. I have decided to downsize and have ordered a BM Snody Activator. I also carry an EDC Folder at the same time. If I am in environment where "sheeple" may baulk at a fixed blade I carry a Tom Krein TK1 Neck Knife as they don't seem to baulk at it - in fact I receive comments like "isn't it cute".

My fixed blades are used for normal cutting jobs plus work on the farm and in the bush. They get a lot of use opening cartons and dismantling them in the shop. I have always favoured fixed blades for larger cutting jobs esp., but I will use my folders when required. The weather has a lot to do re carry of fixed blades when its hot I only wear shorts (no belt) and a T-Shirt so it is hard to carry a larger fixed blade and that's where the neck knife comes in.
 
edgetrip said:
I am slowly transitining to a fixed blade as my primary EDC. After weighing the advantages and disadvantages of folders and fixed blades I am comming down hard on the side of the straight knife. I am transitioning slowly because it does require a little more thought to carry one comfortably and without scaring the crap out of people. Currently my fb for daily carry is a boker/nealy drop point with cocabolo scales carried IWB in a modified Sastre neck sheath. I like this little knife very much it is a good shape for utility, has good steel (ats34) and will work for SD, which is a secondary consideration for me.
Who else has decided to go with an FB? Are there specific reasons, job, environment, etc? What do you carry and how? Do you rotate fixed blades based on dress or perceived need? I am interested in utility as the primary function not so much the push knife you keep in your boot or the HAK on your lapel.

Thanks
Click to expand...


I have a Bud Nealy pesh kabz that rides upside down hanging from the inside breast bocket in my jacket. You never know it's there. alternately I have a Bob Dozier that I carry horizontal on my belt. Bob makes an excellent kydex horizontal carry sheath. You can carry it cross draw or strong side. Check it out, I think he also will make sheaths for knives other than his.
 
I too have went that way.

Exept for sak's I don't carry any folders, anymore. There were alot of factors that went into this like weight, strengh, and most of all having a knife that I don't have to worry over the lock.

I have some Frosts of Sweden moras stashed around, like in the glove box of my truck, and the daypack I take hiking or out boating. A red wood handled mora is in my winter coat pocket. My grohman trout and bird knife sees carry, as does my I. Jarrvenpaa pukko.

With all the advantages of a small fixed blade, I think the question is why carry a large folder?
 
I live on some acreage here north of the Twin Cities surrounded by other people with acreage. I'm retired and when I'm out and about feeding the deer, etc. I carry a Strider SA-L and a multi-tool. I like a smaller FB for ease of carry and quick availability and that is usually all that is needed for most tasks. It is permanently attached to the carharts for chores. Otherwise, the inside pants and the going to town pants have a folder in a sheath on the right side and a leatherman on the left. I think you match the knife to your needs and surroundings. Now that I write this down, it sounds like I'm never very far from a knife. :D
 
I carry a Bark River Mikro most of the time. As you mentioned it is a great little knife, but a bit small (although I have not needed it for a job that was too big for it). I am thinking about moving up a bit to get a longer edge and a sharper point.

There are 2 Bark River knives that fit the bill quite well. The first is the OMF knife as seen is this thread:

http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthrea...37479&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=14&fpart=1

Very small knife again. Not much longer than the Mikro, but much more edge real estate and a more usable point. Still, big hands may have some trouble. Great pic of the OMF knife compared to the Mikro here:

http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthrea...33357&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=14&fpart=1

The next knife is the mini-North Star which begins production soon and can be seen here:

http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthrea...0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=14&fpart=1#Post638978

A comparison of prices and size to the Mikro can be seen here:

http://www.knifeforums.com/ubbthrea...87784&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=93&fpart=1

I would say that either of these would make a fine EDC. I will be stepping up in size soon I think. Just can't decide how big to go.

I would recommend that you look at less "tactical" looking blades with a FB only because it scares less people. Maybe you don't care about that, who knows.

I also really like the pocket knives from Graham knives. I would love to get my hands on one, but don't have one.

http://www.grahamknives.com/

Good luck!
 
Like Eric I also carry both a FB and a folder. The folder is a nice one (Sebbie), the only one I own and is there just for the sheeple. I'm not big on knives that break in the middle either.

Since I have a CCW it does have to be 'concealed' from casual observation. This to me is an untucked work shirt usually. I go for comfort over 'deep' concealment. If you can sleep while wearing it that's a big plus.

The way I carry is in a leather pouch that goes behind the belt in a crossdraw position. Almost horizontal with the handle above and the tip coming out just below the belt. Think playing pirate when you were a kid. LOL Or a Bowie with a belt stud. The knife is held very close to the body, very comfortable, with very little printing.

The only thing I've found is, that the blade length is pretty much limited to ~5". I can carry my Busse Straight Handled Badger Attack (5" blade, 10"OAL) with no problem, but just can't make it work with my Satin Jack (6" blade, 11 1/2" OAL). Both ends just poke out a bit too much to suit me. That 1 1/2" makes a big difference! Mainly it's the tip protruding below the shirt that bugs me. The BA (and smaller blades) just never get noticed.

You can go larger than you are, but it's a balancing act to keep it comfortable and not draw unwanted attention.

Rob
 
i carry a gene ingram FB "the shortcut"..........3.25" in a special pocket sheath that gene made for it. fits nicely in my front jeans pocket. talk about sharp D2......its like a scalpel on steroids! :eek:

when around sheeple, i usually use the blade on my LM juice or my Swisstool, depending on which one i'm carrying.
 
I used to EDC a TOPS Prairie Fox. TOPS makes some really good small FBs, check out S4Supply, he's a good guy to deal with and has a nice selection. The Prairie Fox, UTE, and Wolf Pup are nice EDCs, and I've been wanting a Street Scalpel for SD, perfect size and I hear they're built like tanks.
 
My EDC is a TOPS Ute. Was carrying it as a necker (too heavy) but now resides in my pocket. Have to get one of those pocket sheaths with the clip for it. Any makers around here that have something like that? Thanks.
 
I carried a fixed blade as my EDC for a long time and loved it. It was a CRK Shadow III. I eventually gave it up mainly because I refused to carry more than one knife and found myself in too many situations where I just couldn't pull out the FB to do a shore in the presence of others. So I have been carrying a folder recently and honestly I think I am ready to go back to the FB. Even the best, strongest folder (like the large classic Sebenza I have been carrying since then) is no match for a FB. I think I am going to start carrying an FB again. I live in the city but spend much of my time (several days a week) in a very rural setting. I am not going back to the Shadow III for three reasons. First I would like something a little lighter. Second I would like something with which I can tell by only feel (on the handle) which way the blade is facing. Third, I spend a lot of time in the water (fresh water) and would really like my EDC and my water knife to be the same knife. I am considering a ton of different light weight stainless knives in the 3.5"-5.0" blade range for my new EDC fixed blade. I have a BM140 to hold me over until I decide. I dont think that the BM140 will end up being the EDC either though because I would ideally like my new EDC FB to be lighter weight than the BM140 (6.0oz) also.
 
Thanks Ya'll, you've given me some knives to think about as well as supporting my thoughts on why an FB makes more sense then a folder. I am really excited about the mini NS. I have been looking at the standard North Star for awhile but havent gotten one yet the mini might be perfect. Also glad for the comments on the shadow 3, this kife has a lot of appeal but the weight is something that concerns me. I am also gonna have to take another look at TOPS, I have never been able to get one in my hand so I haven't paid them all that much attention but there rep for small fixed blades seems to be very good. In the meantime my SAK and boker/nealy are doing well.
 
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