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Greetings, I would love to hear some feedback about Fixed Blades vs Folders in regard to EDC, self defense, concealability, survival. Thanks
Fixed Blades vs Folders
- Thread starter hilltopper
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mmmotorcycle
Captain Slow
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For EDC I would say that folders almost always preform better for virtue of the fact that they are more portable and therefore more concealable. Fixed blades genrally work better in SD situations and survival.
mmmtorcycle
mmmtorcycle
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Cocealability - that speaks for itself.
EDC - Folder because you can get more blade per a given amount of space (ie. your pocket)
Self Defense - It depends more on your skill than the blade.
Survival - Fixed - You will be able to use a fixed blade for more things than just cutting. For example: Prying, Spearing etc... Cant do that with a folder.
EDC - Folder because you can get more blade per a given amount of space (ie. your pocket)
Self Defense - It depends more on your skill than the blade.
Survival - Fixed - You will be able to use a fixed blade for more things than just cutting. For example: Prying, Spearing etc... Cant do that with a folder.
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Having carried both as EDC, I'd say that the folders are easier to carry, but that fixed blades are best in every other function.
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Folding is a compromise. Fixed blades are superior in every way, except for pocket carry- you are more limited in blade length with a pocket fixed blade.
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Im going to have to agree with foxhole. I carry a fixed blade and folders everyday but the fixed blade is harder to carry. I use either neck carry or IWB but the folder is definitely more flexible.
EDC:
Fixed-blades are generally not as easy to carry as folding-blade knives.
And to some folks you will look silly, like a Rambo wannabe, if you carry a fixed-blade.
Self-defense:
If the blade is the same length (2" to 8"), I can see no advantage for a fixed-blade.
Not to mention that the jury, if it comes to that, will think you're a homicidal maniac for carrying a fixed-blade for self-defense.
Concealability:
Does not matter.
Either can be concealed if you really try.
Survival:
It does not matter in the least!
If you cannot survive in the wilderness with a 3" folder, having a bigger fixed-blade will not help you.
When it comes to survival, it's all about your knowledge and skill, not the size of your knife!
For me the advantage of the folder is that I will very likley have it on me ! Fixed blades are a PITA to carry , a problem for sitting , riding vehicles , and in the event of a fall . The blade you have on ya is far superior to the one you left ast home . This applies equally in EDC , S/D , and survival .
Chris
Chris
The fantasy of self defense with a knife is usually deflated after achieving some level of competence in the combative art of your choice. It's like living off the land in a survival situation - if you don't know what to do, you're screwed. What tools you carry are useless compared to a lack of water for three days. Knowing how to access it, keep yourself alive, and staying put can be a lot more important.
Self defense with a knife requires knowing the severe tactical limitations and real world requirements of the use of lethal force. A good primer to start with is Massad Ayoob's "In the Gravest Extreme." A course in bare hand combatives is REQUIRED, imho, before most instructors will even bother teaching the knife.
If it takes training, a license, and insurance to protect each other driving on the road, and training and license for concealed firearms carry, why are the requirements for knife self defense considered less?
Because most guys don't have a clue.
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If you ever have to access your blade in an emergency, than accessibility, and ease of one handed use using only gross motor skills, are important. I EDC a small FB every day. It's unabtrusive, and concealable if I want, but instantly ready for cutting in my normal carry mode.
IMO Folder would be better for EDC and concealability, where as self-defense is pretty relative. While I have no experience with survival type situations (Though I would love too
), I should guess that at 3 inches or more fixed and folders will serve you the same, and the quality of the knife itself will determine its ability to take abuse, not whether its a FB or a folder.
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I don't advocate carrying a knife for SD, and I'm an MBC Instructor. I advocate carrying bladed implements for their utilitarian value, while also understanding the strengths and weaknesses of those implements if used as expedient weapons, along with applicable tactics and techniques.
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IMO Folder would be better for EDC and concealability, where as self-defense is pretty relative. While I have no experience with survival type situations (Though I would love too
There aren't to many folders I'd recommend you baton on the spine with a log to split wood. Steels equal, a folder is also not going to take prying like an equally profiled FB. Some say you're not supposed to do either of those things with any knife, but an emergency situation may dictate otherwise.
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Someone once said that a folder is a broken knife.
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So you don't agree with carrying a knife for SD, but......you do agree with carrying a knife for SD....
Anyway, most of the time I EDC a small Bob Dozier and about half the time I'll also grab a medium sized folder it I go out for more than a trip to the store. Sometimes I strap on one of my large folders that are uncomfortable to carry in a pocket so I've I've had custom sheaths made for them. The camera perspective makes the FB in the picture look large but it's an Arkansas Traveler with only a 3" blade.
Click image to enlarge:
View attachment 65533View attachment 65534
I've studied edged weapons techniques for years so it's a natural for me to rely on a knife for SD. I've had 6 operations on my left knee so I can't run away from trouble, I have to face it. I could go on at length about this subject but this is a knife forum, not a SD forum.
Survival? I would hope to have a fixed blade (and a tent, sleeping bag, rifle and food [a little sarcasm]) but no one can predict when a survival situation will start so it's "use what you brung".
Regards
I used to carry folders exclusively. Now, I really like to carry a small fixed blade. I carry horizontal on my belt and it is supremely comfortable (like it isn't there). I will admit that the blade is very small (Mikro Canadian), but I can also carry my much larger Fox River the same way with relative ease (although I'm not social comfortable EDCing it around town). I think for my EDC however, 7 inches OAL would be my max.
OK, I've revised my opinion:
EDC - Folders (People would probably get freaked out if you pulled out a 4 inch [blade] FB to open a letter)
self defense - Somewhat relative, but the FB has a stronger impression, you might say (I did, after all).
concealability - From what others have said they can both be concealed well, but I don't see how you can beat a folder clipped to your pocket.
survival - FB all the way.
EDC - Folders (People would probably get freaked out if you pulled out a 4 inch [blade] FB to open a letter)
self defense - Somewhat relative, but the FB has a stronger impression, you might say (I did, after all).
concealability - From what others have said they can both be concealed well, but I don't see how you can beat a folder clipped to your pocket.
survival - FB all the way.