Fixed Blades vs Folders

[Blop]

We should not compare a carbon blade to a high alloyed 154CM blade, because the carbon would always take much more abuse than the 154 CM.

We should compare blades from the same stuff and ignore tolerances from manufacturing. If the knives were of comparable weight, why not put them in a vice and bend them just to see, that modern folders are able to take more force than the tip.

From that point folders are as strong as fixed blades. There were tests in the german knife magazin, rums in the vice and bend to the side, there is not much of a difference.

I personally prefer a small fixed. It is just a few centimeters longer than a folded AFCK and works. Yes, a larger handle would be nice sometimes, but the simplicity of a non - existing locking mechanic is a real adb´vantage to me.

 

[Jos]

Greetings, I would love to hear some feedback about Fixed Blades vs Folders in regard to EDC, self defense, concealability, survival. Thanks

My EDC = Fallkniven WM 1 (fixed)
Self Defense = ? illegal to use a knife for self defense in Belgium.
Concealability = Boker Specialist (designed by Bud Nealy) (fixed)
Survival = TOPS Armageddon/Cold Steel Trail Master/Busse FBM/Fallkniven Thor. (also fixed)
Folder 0
Fixed 3

 

[Blop]

Self Defense = ? illegal to use a knife for self defense in Belgium

How do i have to understand this?

Is it illegal to defend yourself in Belgium if i can only use a knife?

Or is Self defense not a legal reason to carry a knife?

 

[allenC]

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 don't think you're getting my point.
The point is that, all other things being equal, fixed-blades will break at about the same amount of pressure and force that a folder will.

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.

It's true that most folders are designed for light-duty, and it's equally true that most fixed-blades are designed for light duty.

Give us a few examples of any tasks that a fixed-blade can perform that a folder cannot...with the folder and the fixed-blade being equal in every dimension.

 

[bladeprince]

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.

Glad to. If you send me your best fixed blade. I'll hold it in my table vise and hit it sideways with my four pound sledge. I will either bend or snap it right off, depending on the type of steel and its Rc rating. Your comments make no sense. Anything can be broken. Even a fixed blade.

Besides, whatever you you have in mind to "break" the folder is obviousl not going to happen in any kind of daily or field use. Makes no sense. Folders have their place.

Folders are weak" 'Fixed blades are strong...period.

This remind me of the "all teenagers are bad" idea. Everthing is relative (remember Einstien?) There are plenty of small hollow grind fixed blades that are much weaker than a stoutly build folder, and visa versa. You obviously have have opinions that are not rooted in any kind of logic.

Regards

 

[Lone Hunter]

As far as SD imho I feel the FB is way better. Far faster and less 'moves" to draw a FB then a folder. My folder work goes like this 1. put thumb into pocket fingers outside on clip grip knife. 2 pull out 3. slide hand down so it reaches hole to open 4 open 5. re-grip

My FB rides in a open top kydex sheath. 1. grab handle 2. pull out

I carry a Strider FB. A DB its a piece of cake to carry hardly know its there. Carry it on the job as well as off. Rides high, tuck sweatshirt behind the knife so its easy to reach. Open carry if you will . There are times I tuck it under my shirt/jacket then its still as fast or faster then drawing my Glock from a holster and faster then my .38 from my front pocket. I wear it everyday in complete comfort.

 

[allenC]

As far as SD imho I feel the FB is way better. Far faster and less 'moves" to draw a FB then a folder. My folder work goes like this 1. put thumb into pocket fingers outside on clip grip knife. 2 pull out 3. slide hand down so it reaches hole to open 4 open 5. re-grip

My FB rides in a open top kydex sheath. 1. grab handle 2. pull out

That's fair enough I suppose, but if it's that easy for you to draw...it's also that easy for someone else to draw.
If you're not careful your fixed-blade could end up in the hands of the guy your facing.

Another thing to consider....
The Emerson Wave.
Waved Emerson folders, and the waved Spyderco folders can be drawn just like your fixed-blade.
They snap open as you draw them.

 

[Rat Finkenstein]

The Wave makes for the quickest method of deployment for folders, but it is not as fast or reliable as a fixed blade. You have more movements to make, and still must readjust your grip after opening. It really is a stupid argument here. A Fixed blade is better, but many people don't carry them, so thankfully there are many good folders for those people. carrying any knife is better than not having one, and I think everyone can agree about that.

 

[allenC]

The Wave makes for the quickest method of deployment for folders, but it is not as fast or reliable as a fixed blade.

I would say that draw speed is totally dependent upon other factors besides "fixed or folder".
Factors like sheath design, carry method, and body position.

But even this is really a case of "different" but not necessarily "better".

 

[Zip7]

FWIW, I've carried at least one pocketknife daily since I was 9. I have known people who have used their pocketknife (folders) in self defense situation, and have seen a knifing or two. All folders. Not a pretty picture. To a man, the people who I have seen use the knife ended up in jail, and the other guy in the hospital. In every case it was a bar fight. Saw a guy get stabbed in the neck once - this in the days when most folks carried slipjoints. In my Dad's day, flip open straight razors did a lot of damage.

I use a knife about every day, and mostly I carry a slipjoint trapper. The idea of carrying a knife strictly for SD has only ever crossed my mind once when I was packing for a week long business trip to Jakarta, Indonesia. So I packed a spyderco delica in my check bag, and TSA stole it I guess. Wasn't there when I arrived. So much for that.

 

[KFLEISIG]

For actual performance, I don't think there is any question that a fixed blade is superior. However, for ease of carry and concealability, it goes to the folders. A folder is about half the length of a comparable fixed blade when closed, and is generally lighter as well. What really does it for me though is legality. Where I live, a fixed blade can not be legally carried concealed, a folder of any size is no problem.

 

[bladeprince]

That's fair enough I suppose, but if it's that easy for you to draw...it's also that easy for someone else to draw.
If you're not careful your fixed-blade could end up in the hands of the guy your facing.

I don't get it. Where do you carry your fixed blades?

For around town SD mine is a horizontal cross-draw carry and the knife handle is just left of center, flat against my body. There is no way I would let anyone close enough to me to get it. Plus it's covered by my jacket or sweater, etc. so nobody even knows I'm carrying. I feel very confident with the setup I have. I also have and "under the arm" carry system but I don't like that as well. Can't get to it as easy.

Regards.

 

[bladeprince]

Where I live, a fixed blade can not be legally carried concealed, a folder of any size is no problem.

It sucks the way the laws change from state to state. Who can keep up when traveling?

In my state (Colorado) it's blade length the counts, fixed or folder. Anything 3 1/2" maximum is legal if concealed. Any blade length, including firearms, are legal if not concealed.

Regards

 

[Jos]

How do i have to understand this?

Is it illegal to defend yourself in Belgium if i can only use a knife?

Or is Self defense not a legal reason to carry a knife?

Self defense is not a legal reason to carry a knife.
And IF you use a knife to defend yourself against somebody who doesn't have a knife you will be convicted for "using more violence than was used against you".

 

[bladeprince]

Self defense is not a legal reason to carry a knife.
And IF you use a knife to defend yourself against somebody who doesn't have a knife you will be convicted for "using more violence than was used against you".

So if a 300 "animal" it crushing a 150 weakling and he happens to grab a steak knife to protect himself, the little guy is going to jail? Obsurd!

I think I'll stay right where I live. I can defend myself here plus, if somebody comes in my house and is threatening, I can legally blow him/them away. They call it the "make my day" law from the "Dirty Harry" movies. Good old Colorado of USA. :thumbup:

Regards

 

[Jos]

So if a 300 "animal" it crushing a 150 weakling and he happens to grab a steak knife to protect himself, the little guy is going to jail? Obsurd!

I think I'll stay right where I live. I can defend myself here plus, if somebody comes in my house and is threatening, I can legally blow him/them away. They call it the "make my day" law from the "Dirty Harry" movies. Good old Colorado of USA. :thumbup:

Regards

That's the way it is over here. I wish we had a "make my day" law!

 

[VTguy]

EDC- folder
Survival- fixedblade
SD- My Para ord. warthog
in general like others have said if i could carry anything and not have to worry about getting hasseled, freaking people out I would just carry a medium fixed blade(6-8" blade) but as it is my rukus will do just fine

 

[Blop]

you will be convicted for "using more violence than was used against you".

There is a law here in G, pointing in the same direction. But in the case where a obviously stronger guy is seriously attacking you, you are allowed to take "any mean necessary".

If the knife is your first choice before anything else, without hesistation, you will need some good reasons, if the other guy is seriously hurt or dead.

If you can say it was your second choice, if you can say, why there was no other way left for you. You are allowed but have to bear an investigation and some many bad questions.

Things vary by the situation.

 

[Lone Hunter]

Some good points.

However I have 2 waved knives, how well they work depends upon the pants I'm wearing. Some time they don't open fully and sometimes they get caught up behind the little rivet in the corner of my jeans. The times they work, they work well which is most of the time if I wear the 'right" jeans they still require me to re-grip the handle after they open, something I really don't want to do
Also "most of the time" don't cut it for me if I have a choice.

The wave which I like a lot btw, is an attempt to make a folder a little more like a FB, that is, ready to use upon draw. But it still requires more hand movements and is not 100 % sure to open.

Everything has pro's and con's. But I feel the FB pro's push it way ahead of any folder. I carry a FB every day.At work, home and play. Yesterday at my daughters high school BB game. No one knows its there if i want that,in fact my Manix shows more then my Strider FB.

If i can carry a 14 round .40 Glock a small /mid size FB is a piece of cake.

 

[allenC]

I carry a FB every day.At work, home and play. Yesterday at my daughters high school BB game.

You're fortunate...around here they use the metal-detector wands at all high school football and basketball games.