Folders or fixed?

Phixt said:
Even while fishing, one's far better off with nail clippers than a folder. Plus, don't forget your Silky saws -- they eat chopping tools for their morning source of iron.
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I will give you this, I cut more line with nail clippers on a zip line off my vest than any pocket knife....safer too. However I've never gutted a trout, salmon etc with my nail clippers....yet. Silky saws are a beat, I love my pocket saw but hate its case and retention method. The bigger saws that would rival a chopper are large like a chopper, so to each his own.
 
barrabas74 said:
I will give you this, I cut more line with nail clippers on a zip line off my vest than any pocket knife....safer too. However I've never gutted a trout, salmon etc with my nail clippers....yet. Silky saws are a beat, I love my pocket saw but hate its case and retention method. The bigger saws that would rival a chopper are large like a chopper, so to each his own.
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I know you meant to type Beast! :D I love to chop.

Folders fall out of my pocket sometimes. Double :oops:
 
Depends on the application but I only have 6 fixed blades and 46 folders. So I guess folders:D I am a HUGE CRK fan (I have more of them than fixed blades) but since you already have a couple Hinderer is worth a try. They are also great knives:thumbsup:
 
XtianAus said:
Have to agree on them being really ugly. But I do agree that I should try one out. I have a bit of a spyderco itch but just can't seem to find a model that clicks.
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I never thought I’d own a Spyderco, until my friend showed me his paramilitary 2. I do agree it’s kinda ugly, but everything else about the knife is great, blade material, weight, ergonomics.....I haven’t carried anything else since I got it.
 
As for the question of folders or fixed, I’ll take a folder anytime, much more convenient...but I don’t do a lot of camping or hiking through rough terrain.
 
Out of 75+ knives, 2 out of every 3 of my knives are fixed blades.

Right now I am concentrating on acquiring folders and fixed blade knives in 1 to 3.5 inch blade length. Larger knives are just great but I'm not able to throw a 7 inch blade on my waist and run out the door.
 
I can't say I started with fixed blades - well, I could; but it wouldn't be true. That acknowledged, since my first fixed blade, I have preferred them over folders. For years, I acquired fixed blades because I liked them... though I rarely carried one. Now I carry fixed often when not at work; and I'm likely to choose fixed over folder for use unless the circumstances suggest that the folder is the better choice.
 
I prefer a folder for convenience, ease of carry (and concealment ) , but a fixed blade is almost always superior in actual use . :)



The Cold Steel Holdout vs Drop Forged Bowie . Just for examples :

Holdout folder carries and conceals very well for such a huge knife . Needs no sheath . Just clip on pocket , belt or waistband and go . Easy on , easy off . The OAL , reach , and leverage / and velocity at tip is actually greater than the Bowie that has a slightly longer blade but much shorter OAL .

The Bowie is one integral piece of steel . No folder of comparable thickness and steel can be nearly as durable ( or as inexpensive ) . Fixed are KISS simple and reliable (less to break or go wrong ) . Much easier to clean and maintain . Usually have a more ergonomic handle . Not limited to size , length , or weight to have to fit in a pocket .

Both are best . Depends on your particular personal tastes and requirements / environment . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:
 
22-rimfire said:
How do you like the Kizer?
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The action is incredible. It snaps open so well. Its a little small for me compared to my preffered sweet spot but is a great light weight and smaller option if thats your thing.

I had small rust issues when I first got it which is a suprise for VG10 but that soon went away with more use.
Also it didnt seem to stay sharp long but it is due for a sharpen and I am hoping it lasts longer with a fresh edge.

Its definitely has a nice slicey thin blade though and a good option to carry alongside a stouter folder.
 
I recently got one of those and as of yet not carried it. It seems to take a bit of wrist action to flip it open. I like it.

I have a Boker Urban Trapper which is also VG-10. I wonder if there is a sharpness issue with Chinese made knives and Japanese VG-10 steel? I seem to sharpen my Boker Urban Trapper more than I would have expected.
 
22-rimfire said:
I recently got one of those and as of yet not carried it. It seems to take a bit of wrist action to flip it open. I like it.

I have a Boker Urban Trapper which is also VG-10. I wonder if there is a sharpness issue with Chinese made knives and Japanese VG-10 steel? I seem to sharpen my Boker Urban Trapper more than I would have expected.
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Really strange about the flipping action. I can light-switch and push buttom it straight open without ANY wrist at all. From reviews I have watched it seems others are the same. Id keep an eye on it and consider taking it back if it doesnt improve once broken in. It really should fly open.

As for the VG10 perhaps you are right. I was thinking of returning mine due to the lack of edge stability but maybe thats something common. I know vg10 doesnt have amazing qualities but like you I did expect it to remain sharper longer. Its certainly turned into a fidget toy more than a knife for me (thats how good the action is and suppose to be).
 
Here let me flick mine a bit and get back to you! :D

I have never seen any comments about Chinese made knives and Japanese VG-10 steel. Possibly a heat treat issue or I'm imagining things?
 
I own a lot of folders and I enjoy using them. If I have a choice, I’ll always pick a fixed blade for every cutting task. Fixed blades just have better ergonomics, they feel so much better in hand.
 
Antique camp style knife for camping and folders for every thing else. Made a sheath out of Duct tape for my camp knife... Go Duct tape!
 
QUOTE="XtianAus, post: 18406868, member: 447958"]Do you have a preference?[/QUOTE]
I carry folders 99999.99 percent of the time. I really like fixed blades; especially 3V fixed blades like these but I just get so tired of the sheaths dulling the blades in short order and in addition having to wash the sheaths out that I have all but given up on fixed blades.

This latest combo I thought I had a good go but the edge was rolled on the little one when I pulled it out the other day after carrying it for a couple of weeks and I really didn't use it very hard at all. I think it got whammped rattling around in that over size sheath . . . I don't know . . . I am just over it now for a while. My freekin' folders in M390 and M4 are just so much more reliable and easier to clean and deal with.
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DJC72 said:
Fixed blades just have better ergonomics, they feel so much better in hand.
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I totally agree about that brother !

That's why my Grail FOLDER that I handled myself looks like this:
Does anything from my previous photos and this one look familiar ? ;)
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Much of the decision depends on the activity and location (including local laws). I think most would opt for a folder simply because of convenience and legal restrictions. The only challenge with a fixed blade (not a small, pocket-sized one), is how to carry it comfortably, or concealed if applicable. While I would always prefer a fixed blade, they are not always practical or convenient. With that said, I do make sure I carry a quality folder (or three) to do the majority of tasks I know they can easily handle. If I have the option, I would add a fixed blade; in fact, if I was capable of carrying a fixed blade, I would likely have a folder on me anyways.

I distinctly remember an article from "Tactical Knives" many moons ago, where the author used a Benchmade AFCK as a survival knife. While not the most efficient or ideal, the right skill maximizes a small, pocket folder to do far more tasks than most consider appropriate of a folder.

So, for me, it's always a folder, even when paired with a fixed blade, but more likely than not, I will always have a folder on me. If outdoors or on missions, or I can legally carry a fixed defensive blade, I would choose to add a fixed blade to my EDC along with a folder (or two!).

ROCK6
 
Fixed for me please, why start the task with something already broken in the middle ... ;)

Yes, folders have their lot in life and I own more than I should but if I have any choice in the matter it will be a fixed blade of some description.
 
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