Fixed Blades vs Folders

EDC - folder, easiest to carry, period.

SD - proper training - if you have that, any weapon will do, modern folding knives are not as strong as FB but by all means strong enough to handle such situations.

Concealability - depends on the overall size of the knife, small = easy regardless of fixed or folder. also depends on what you're wearing, if you carry a backback anywhere you can conceal an axe if you choose to, if you're wearing shorts and a T-shirt it's quite obvious the folder has the upper hand.

Survival - proper training again - any knife can do if you know how to use it and if you know it's limitations. I have a lot of experience in those situations and I prefer to carry a multitool and a folder, it's lighter and easier to carry. wight is a huge factor.
 
bladeprince said:
So you don't agree with carrying a knife for SD, but......you do agree with carrying a knife for SD....:confused:

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.
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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
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I don't advocate carrying a knife SOLELY for SD. It creates legal hassles like premeditation and intent, if you do have to use it for SD. I prefer my students to carry blades as tools, with the mindset that it's a tool that may need to be used as an expedient weapon, and then teach them the best techniques for doing so in different situations. This is the reason I prefer blades that look utility oriented, and are even named so. Standing up in court and saying "Your honor, I just happened to be carrying my Grim Reaper Mark III to cut some rope, when..." is not going to go well for you. :rolleyes:
 
For self defense, there is no comparison. Fixed blades are faster and stronger.

For concealed carry, a folder is usually better, plus folders have better "playability".
 
Bladewolf said:
I don't advocate carrying a knife SOLELY for SD. It creates legal hassles like premeditation and intent, if you do have to use it for SD. I prefer my students to carry blades as tools, with the mindset that it's a tool that may need to be used as an expedient weapon, and then teach them the best techniques for doing so in different situations. This is the reason I prefer blades that look utility oriented, and are even named so. Standing up in court and saying "Your honor, I just happened to be carrying my Grim Reaper Mark III to cut some rope, when..." is not going to go well for you. :rolleyes:
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You're tip-toeing all around the main point. I person can carry a knife only for SD or only for cutting flowers. That doesn't change anything in the eyes of the law if the knife is used for a SD situation. You're assuming that if someone carries a knife for SD that, that is what they will tell the LEO. Not me. I'll tell them I carry it to open boxes and cut up apples and save little old ladies from dog attacks. But my main purpose can still be for SD. I don't have to think a certain way about my knife. I just have to be careful what I present to the legal system, if necessary. Teach students to cover their asses, not create some unrealistic view of a knife and then say, "oh, by the way, you can also kill someone with it if you have to". Let them be free thinkers. Just help them be "smart thinkers".

I'm right with you on the other point about carrying a knife that looks like it could be a Klingon blade. That's just asking for trouble if one really needs to use it for SD. That can show intent because it's physical evidence. The DA will likely try to use it, even if it's not true. I like the advice of Michael Janich and other instructors (paraphrasing), if you ever have to use a knife in SD, leave the scene immediately if at all possible.

Regards
 
my epinion

Edc- folder useful for all the cutting needs and more discreet and less scary
concealabitlity- folder, but i can conceal a 7inch kabar if i realy wanted to
SD- fixed blade is better but harder to explain to the cops, folder works if you can use it, neck knife in my opinion useless someone could strangle you with the chain, it happens, hard to draw without clearly showing it(if you show it is more of a deterent) with the slow draw speed, for me slower than a folder, a typical ambush attack will get you, and i never thought it practical or comfortable to reach under your shirt or in your boot(if you can conceal it in your jacket like uner your arm then there is some usefulness)
Survival- fixed blade or folder fixed blades are better at chopping but as seen on Man VS Wild you can use a tiny knife to cut down a tree
 
bladeprince said:
You're tip-toeing all around the main point. I person can carry a knife only for SD or only for cutting flowers. That doesn't change anything in the eyes of the law if the knife is used for a SD situation. You're assuming that if someone carries a knife for SD that, that is what they will tell the LEO. Not me. I'll tell them I carry it to open boxes and cut up apples and save little old ladies from dog attacks. But my main purpose can still be for SD. I don't have to think a certain way about my knife. I just have to be careful what I present to the legal system, if necessary. Teach students to cover their asses, not create some unrealistic view of a knife and then say, "oh, by the way, you can also kill someone with it if you have to". Let them be free thinkers. Just help them be "smart thinkers".

I'm right with you on the other point about carrying a knife that looks like it could be a Klingon blade. That's just asking for trouble if one really needs to use it for SD. That can show intent because it's physical evidence. The DA will likely try to use it, even if it's not true. I like the advice of Michael Janich and other instructors (paraphrasing), if you ever have to use a knife in SD, leave the scene immediately if at all possible.

Regards
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Actually, that is kind of what I was saying, and I always encourage my students to be free thinkers. I just try to direct them to not think of their knives only as weapons, but as a tool that may become an expedient weapon. There are certainly better SD weapons than knives, just not what most people have access to (at least in my neck of the woods). I also feel mentality is an important part of SD, especially when dealing with the law. Have you ever been interrogated by the law regarding an SD issue? I have been on both the giving and receiving end, and unless you have some conditioning, you will probably be broken down to their view of things. My students are trained to responsibly, and efficiently, use a knife (or hawk) whether it's splitting kindling for a fire, or creating motor function impairment with a slash to the arm. If my students gave the impression that they only carried a knife for SD, that could be construed as premeditation, or that they were just 'waiting' for an opportunity to cut someone. I want them to think clearly, I just make sure they can express themselves clearly too, and understand the legal and civil liabilities of MBC SD.
 
Bladewolf said:
Actually, that is kind of what I was saying, and I always encourage my students to be free thinkers. I just try to direct them to not think of their knives only as weapons, but as a tool that may become an expedient weapon. There are certainly better SD weapons than knives, just not what most people have access to (at least in my neck of the woods). I also feel mentality is an important part of SD, especially when dealing with the law. Have you ever been interrogated by the law regarding an SD issue? I have been on both the giving and receiving end, and unless you have some conditioning, you will probably be broken down to their view of things. My students are trained to responsibly, and efficiently, use a knife (or hawk) whether it's splitting kindling for a fire, or creating motor function impairment with a slash to the arm. If my students gave the impression that they only carried a knife for SD, that could be construed as premeditation, or that they were just 'waiting' for an opportunity to cut someone. I want them to think clearly, I just make sure they can express themselves clearly too, and understand the legal and civil liabilities of MBC SD.
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Sounds like you have a good couse that prepares your students for whatever might happen. I believe you explained it better in this post than the previous ones. I apologize if I was not understanding what you were meaning. Keep up the good work.

Regards
 
Gee, there is no reason to even contemplate between the two when we have very old, ancient wisdom to guide us.


Fixed Blades Rule,
Folders Drool
 
For me folders are easier to carry and take less effort to deploy and put back. Besiddes you can't conceal FB legally in lots (possibly most) of places.
 
Gimme a folder in the city and a fixed in the country. I pretty much agree with everyone who said that other than a little convenience that folders give, fixed blades are superior in every other way. The thing is, that little difference is big enough for me to work with folders more often making them more useful to my needs.
 
The Fixed Blade knife is the best choice in any situation for any purpose" 'it is only for convenience sake of a smaller package and a Sssscared Sheeple attitude that folders are so popular.

My reasons for hating those Broken Knives(folders) are as follows. By the way, it was E. Becker of Becker Knife & tool that coined that phrase of a folder being just a broken fixed blade.

reasons:

There is not a single folder yet that I can't loosen up or dammage the lock works or hinge area in less than two seconds flat. FB's never have this problem. If you don't believe me just send me your super man folder and I will make a video showing the 2 seconds of timed carnage...I will even send your folder back shipping paid by me. Folders are weak" 'Fixed blades are strong...period.

When working with blood, hair, fur, mud or any slimey substance the folder becomes a total mess and can be a major pain to clean. Folders are fine for dry whittle work or very well controlled mild wet work. FB's are so easy to rinse clean. True example: I cleaned a mess of fish (once) with a folding fillet knife and some of the fish scales got lodged in the workings of the knife" ' I couldnt even close the knife all the way nor would it relock open solidly, I had to take the knife completely apart for full cleaning and lube. The knife was sold.

I EDC both a Fixed blade and a folder in the same front pants pocket" 'Once while at a Casino in WI where I was seated playing BlackJack for two hours before Security noticed the black clip from my Benchmade 940 Osbourne in my front pocket, they asked me to step away from the table and then asked if that was a knife in my pocket" 'I said yes, they then informed me that I should escort them to the service desk where I would hand over the knife and get a voucher ticket to pick up the 3.4" blade length folder when I was ready to leave the Casino and then Security would escort me to the exit. Security never did see the 4 1/8" blade length Fixed Blade in the very same pocket resting right next to the Benchmade! They were to busy watching my hands and never asked me if I had a second blade on board! I played BlackJack for three more hours and won $240 bucks, then went to the Stand Rock Buffet and used my FB rather than the dull butter knives to cut the Prime Rib and prepare a Baked potato. The moral of the story is of course that even multiple fixed blades can be hidden and EDC'd with ease so why not have the much stronger FB riding along.

MTMM
 
The Fixed Blade knife is the best choice in any situation for any purpose" 'it is only for convenience sake of a smaller package and a Sssscared Sheeple attitude that folders are so popular.

My reasons for hating those Broken Knives(folders) are as follows. By the way, it was E. Becker of Becker Knife & tool that coined that phrase of a folder being just a broken fixed blade.

reasons:

There is not a single folder yet that I can't loosen up or dammage the lock works or hinge area in less than two seconds flat. FB's never have this problem. If you don't believe me just send me your super man folder and I will make a video showing the 2 seconds of timed carnage...I will even send your folder back shipping paid by me. Folders are weak" 'Fixed blades are strong...period.

When working with blood, hair, fur, mud or any slimey substance the folder becomes a total mess and can be a major pain to clean. Folders are fine for dry whittle work or very well controlled mild wet work. FB's are so easy to rinse clean. True example: I cleaned a mess of fish (once) with a folding fillet knife and some of the fish scales got lodged in the workings of the knife" ' I couldnt even close the knife all the way nor would it relock open solidly, I had to take the knife completely apart for full cleaning and lube. The knife was sold. Also have field dressed and processed more deer and game than I can count with both FB and Folders...folders can do the job of course but you have to be careful not to get them messy any deeper than the blade...again no worries with when using the Fixed Blade.

I EDC both a Fixed blade and a folder in the same front pants pocket" 'Once while at a Casino in WI where I was seated playing BlackJack for two hours before Security noticed the black clip from my Benchmade 940 Osbourne in my front pocket, they asked me to step away from the table and then asked if that was a knife in my pocket" 'I said yes, they then informed me that I should escort them to the service desk where I would hand over the knife and get a voucher ticket to pick up the 3.4" blade length folder when I was ready to leave the Casino and then Security would escort me to the exit. Security never did see the 4 1/8" blade length Fixed Blade in the very same pocket resting right next to the Benchmade! They were to busy watching my hands and never asked me if I had a second blade on board! I played BlackJack for three more hours and won $240 bucks, then went to the Stand Rock Buffet and used my FB rather than the dull butter knives to cut the Prime Rib and prepare a Baked potato. The moral of the story is of course that even multiple fixed blades can be hidden and EDC'd with ease so why not have the much stronger FB riding along.

MTMM
 
I concur with most people here in that I think that the only advantages in a folder are concealability and portability. For the size and space taken up by a larger FB you can carry a gun, which in most cases is better than a knife as a weapon and less of a PITA to carry. I carry knives for their utility value. If you are down to SD with an average folding knife alot of bad things have already happened. You are out of ammo and your ability to run is compromised.The rest of the day is doubtful.
 
This is an excellent thread and should strengthen realistic views on knife self defense. Good read :thumbup:

I have'nt got much to add and I concur with the general majority on all aspects, especially if knife is specifically chosen to act as an emergency self defense weapon:

Fixed blade! No hassle opening the blade, no problems it not locking open and then accidentally closing on your fingers. Also a properly selected fixed blade has a better fingerguard to protect your hand.
 
I haven't found I fixed blade yet that I could carry without it being a PITA. I've tried neck carry, IWB, pocket, etc. and NOTHING has made it worth it. A fixed blade is stronger, but knowledge of use for anything (rock, razor blade, stick, etc.) is much stronger than anything you can carry, period. The Marine Corps taught us a fun little phrase: "Weapons of Opportunity." If you can grab it in your hand you can use it as a weapon. I am a CWP carrier but I know that whatever I have on me can be used as a weapon as well as anything around me.

As far as utility and survival. I'd like to have a FB on me everyday but it's just not practical. When I step into the woods I'll have one on me, but anywhere else, a folder and an SAK will do just fine. I have a FB in my pack in my truck and should I need it, it's there.

Just my $.02
 
From dtownknifekid:
...neck knife in my opinion useless someone could strangle you with the chain, it happens,...
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Good post, but this one part is not really accurate.
The typical neck-knife chain, basically the same chain that Soldiers use for their dogtags, can be easily broken.
It's purposefully designed that way so Soldiers CAN'T be accidentally or intentionally strangled with the chain.

Now 550 cord (aka Paracord) is another matter altogether.
You can strangle someone with that stuff.

From Mike The Money Maker:
Folders are weak" 'Fixed blades are strong...period.
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It's not that simple.
There are plenty of folders that are stronger than many fixed-blades.
Which do you think is stronger...your average 3" paring knife found in most kitchens, or a Benchmade 520 Presidio?
A typical Rappella fishing fillet knife or a CR Sebenza?

And there is always this point to consider:
How much strength do you need in a knife with a 2-4 inch blade?
 
From allenC.

It's not that simple.
There are plenty of folders that are stronger than many fixed-blades.
Which do you think is stronger...your average 3" paring knife found in most kitchens, or a Benchmade 520 Presidio?
A typical Rappella fishing fillet knife or a CR Sebenza?

And there is always this point to consider:
How much strength do you need in a knife with a 2-4 inch blade?[END QOUTE]

MTMM replies:

It is that simple.
:jerkit: Now why don't you try a comparison of a folder even close to the design of a paring knife and you will see the folder will be inferior every time. As a matter of course lets take the 520 Presidio and match it up with even the cheapest carbon fixed blade knife with a full tang and a good heat treat that has the same blade geometry and that 520 folder will be garbage in that same 2 seconds I spoke of but that Elcheapo FB carbon blade will last much longer to get the task at hand accomplished with no fear of failure.

I will take all the strength possible because no matter what the marketing hype says" ' a folder is for light duty work and fixed blades are just stronger, simple as that....see. Notice that I EDC a folder also.

To, fedaykincmndr

I feel sorry for you, I don't understand it but feel bad for you that you are so frustrated with the superior FB as EDC.
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