Going from folders to fixed; locking to slipjoints

[Tachead7075]

Curious what your rationale is for not carrying one to a wedding. I'd think if you're trying to rid some people's irrational fear of knives being carried in the open you'd be more apt to acclimate people you know rather than total strangers at a grocery store.

I carry a fixed blade most of the time because I prefer them for various reasons and want to not because I am trying to rid anybodies fear although that can be a byproduct(people tend to pay less attention to things they see all the time). It just seems that a lot of other people wont wear a fixed blade because of how other people may feel about them. They will even conceal their knife and risk the legalities associated with concealment in many places. Thats just silly if you ask me. YMMV. I realize they arent perfect for every situation and I have and use folders as well from time to time.

 

[22-rimfire]

Size matters a lot when it comes to EDC'ing a fixed blade or at least I think so regardless of the law. I can carry a 22" machete wandering around Walmart or the mall if I felt like it, but I don't. I'm no crusader trying to make people feel comfortable with any knife. I have posted before that I don't carry a Spydie Endura (or this size of blade) working because it makes people uncomfortable when I get it out to use. So we make our choices that we are comfortable with and move on. These choices often change over time. Never heard of any concealment requirements in my state.

I have been gradually moving to more traditional knives and certainly knives that are pretty traditional in terms of size. I find that the age old slip joints do all the cutting I need (and do it well) and carrying a fixed blade for this seems a bit un-necessary. I have tried just about everything in terms of knife designs except the auto knives where the blade pops out the front of the knife.

If I am hiking or out in the woods, I carry whatever I feel like carrying and that usually includes a fixed blade. The funny thing is I seldom even use it if I have a folder in my pocket. Contrary to popular lore, anyone that says you need a fixed blade when hunting is not right. You can get by nicely with a folder if you want to.

 

[Henry Beige]

I will carry a fixed blade from time to time if I think I am going to need it. Always in a pocket; I do not care to hang hardware on my belt. I usually wear baggy pants, so it is no trouble to drop my small Anza in a front pocket, or a Mora, whose light weight makes up for the length. Besides, that Mora sheath is so cheesy, I wouldn't want anybody to see it hanging from my belt.

 

[Nap]

I've also found myself leaving my fancy locking folders at home, lately. I have an EK&T Companion around my neck, which is my go-to blade, and a Victorinox Pioneer X in my pocket, for when I need a tool or don't feel comfortable producing a fixed blade in public. As much as I love my Kizer Gemini or Spyderco Sages, they just don't fill a role that one or both of the other two can't. And should I have a frisky encounter with the Dutch police, I'd rather justify carrying two knives than three. (My keychain multitool is a bladeless Gerber Dime Travel, for that reason. Well, that and the full-size file.)

 

[Tachead7075]

Size matters a lot when it comes to EDC'ing a fixed blade or at least I think so regardless of the law. I can carry a 22" machete wandering around Walmart or the mall if I felt like it, but I don't. I'm no crusader trying to make people feel comfortable with any knife. I have posted before that I don't carry a Spydie Endura (or this size of blade) working because it makes people uncomfortable when I get it out to use. So we make our choices that we are comfortable with and move on. These choices often change over time. Never heard of any concealment requirements in my state.

I have been gradually moving to more traditional knives and certainly knives that are pretty traditional in terms of size. I find that the age old slip joints do all the cutting I need (and do it well) and carrying a fixed blade for this seems a bit un-necessary. I have tried just about everything in terms of knife designs except the auto knives where the blade pops out the front of the knife.

If I am hiking or out in the woods, I carry whatever I feel like carrying and that usually includes a fixed blade. The funny thing is I seldom even use it if I have a folder in my pocket. Contrary to popular lore, anyone that says you need a fixed blade when hunting is not right. You can get by nicely with a folder if you want to.

I agree. There is a big difference between EDCing an Izula on your belt vs a BK9 lol(just as an example). A BK9 would definitely draw a lot of attention not too mention it would be pretty hard to explain to a LEO why you need a 9 inch fixed blade for EDC tasks. "Ah... I open some pretty large kevlar envelopes officer"lol

 

[Knave]

Ultimately, for most of us, it's personal preference. I know there are people who advocate carrying the biggest, and most, weapons and tools you can. I'm not one of them. I've got my concealed carry permit, so I can carry just about anything I want in most locations besides courthouses and schools. I just prefer to carry items that are small, light and discreet. Some people carry five knives, a full-size service pistol with multiple magazines, a backup gun and a backup for the backup gun. I'm not judging those who do that, but it's not me. I don't live, or work, in a high-crime area and I very rarely encounter a cutting situation that can't be handled by a SAK. I refuse to dress around the gun or knife and I see no need to make my friends or co-workers unnecessarily uncomfortable. For me, a small, well-built, modern folder (again, personal preference) is my choice, along with a .380 pocket pistol if circumstances warrant. That approach fits my lifestyle and I see no need to for it change.

 

[farmer ted]

Contrary to popular lore, anyone that says you need a fixed blade when hunting is not right. You can get by nicely with a folder if you want to.

You don't NEED a fixed blade when hunting for skinning game, however, it's MUCH easier to clean than a folder.

 

[22-rimfire]

You don't NEED a fixed blade when hunting for skinning game, however, it's MUCH easier to clean than a folder.

Yeah. I am not talking about anything beyond field dressing or I guess the actual hide removal. Processing meat is a different game. I do usually carry a fixed blade now, but didn't for years. I would use the knife, clean it in a puddle or stream, and go on. If I noticed an odor later I'd just clean it again. I don't routinely cut food with any of my knives that I might carry. But if I did, I would clean it again. I'm not a germ-a-fob.

 

[pinnah]

Knives are not weapons. Something being characterized as a weapon is based on intent. Can a knife be used as a weapon? Sure but, so can a pen or pencil. Its all about intent. I carry a knife as a tool and use it as such.

You should read up a bit. Some knives are more deadly than others and are banned in many locales for that reason.

And legal or not, John Q. Public isn't daft and generally has the intelligence of at least that of a frog and is able to undertand that a fixed blade knife is more capable for stabbing cuts than a folder (locking or otherwise).

I didnt say big knives. I generally carry a 2.5-3.5" fixed blade for my EDC uses. No need for it? Now your just being silly. If there is no need for it then why do you carry a folder?

Because in this size range, there is nothing, repeat nothing that a fixed blade can do that a folder can't do just as well. Take away sporting uses (hunting, camping) and job site uses (carpentry, agriculture) what possible NEED is there to carry a fixed blade in this size range other than a folder?

John Q. Public has every reason and right to be more suspicious of a person wielding a fixed blade with a 3" blade than a folder with a 3" blade because they know just like everybody on this forum knows that a) the fixed blade is a more capable stabbing weapon and b) there's no utility need for everyday life that demands the need of the fixed blade. Their rational conclusion is that the person is carrying the fixed blade for martial purposes, or least posturing of that.

I use my knives several times a day for various tasks from cutting an apple to cutting open a retail package to cleaning my nails and many more things in my job and personal life. A knife of a certain size/length can be used for the same tasks. Fixed blade or folder makes no difference. Its all preference and design. Carrying a fixed blade or a folder has no bearing on whether or not something out of the ordinary is going on.

You're either delusional or willfully turning a blind eye to how people around you react. For the things you describe, you have no need for a fixed blade other than the secret thrill of playing the role of social provocateur.

I dont know the laws in Boston but...

That's pretty clear.

When I know that I don't know, I try to refrain from telling people what they should or shouldn't do.

Please visit Boston. Or New York. Please wear your fixed blade and report back on how it goes.

 

[Comeuppance]

One day, I'll make a thread that doesn't devolve into pointless bickering.

 

[pinnah]

NOTE: How John Q. Public views fixed blades...

 

[Knave]

Oh, but where's the fun in that?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Tachead7075]

You should read up a bit. Some knives are more deadly than others and are banned in many locales for that reason.

And legal or not, John Q. Public isn't daft and generally has the intelligence of at least that of a frog and is able to undertand that a fixed blade knife is more capable for stabbing cuts than a folder (locking or otherwise).



Because in this size range, there is nothing, repeat nothing that a fixed blade can do that a folder can't do just as well. Take away sporting uses (hunting, camping) and job site uses (carpentry, agriculture) what possible NEED is there to carry a fixed blade in this size range other than a folder?

John Q. Public has every reason and right to be more suspicious of a person wielding a fixed blade with a 3" blade than a folder with a 3" blade because they know just like everybody on this forum knows that a) the fixed blade is a more capable stabbing weapon and b) there's no utility need for everyday life that demands the need of the fixed blade. Their rational conclusion is that the person is carrying the fixed blade for martial purposes, or least posturing of that.



You're either delusional or willfully turning a blind eye to how people around you react. For the things you describe, you have no need for a fixed blade other than the secret thrill of playing the role of social provocateur.



That's pretty clear.

When I know that I don't know, I try to refrain from telling people what they should or shouldn't do.

Please visit Boston. Or New York. Please wear your fixed blade and report back on how it goes.

I started to type a response to your post and then I realized it is waste of my time lol.

 

[22-rimfire]

I Keep wondering when Gibbs will be carrying a fixed blade.

 

[RX-79G]

Pinnah,

John Q. Public eats Little Debbie and watches Big Brother. If the existence of a law was proof of the righteousness of that law, the US would still have slavery.

US weapon laws are drafted with the same sort of reasoning as our failed drug laws.

 

[Nap]

Some people seem to have a hard time seeing the difference between what's legal and what's a good idea. I can legally wear a bikini to court, for instance, but I choose not to for a number of reasons. There are words that some people consider profane, and I can legally say them to a priest, but there are obviously consequences to my actions.

My current neck knife (EK&T Companion) is, I think, about as friendly-looking as a fixed-blade knife can be. It doesn't come out for everything, though, and in certain circumstances I'll consign it to my bag or leave it home entirely. It's totally legal, but why cause a scene for no reason? "F*ckin' sheeple just have to learn to deal" is a very uncivil attitude, if not downright antisocial, and if that's yours while carrying a large fixed blade on your belt, perhaps I do have cause to be wary.

 

[GREENJACKET]

I have enough problems getting dressed in the morning and finding two socks the same to have time to think "what knife to wear". Penknife goes in the pack pocket next to the wallet.
Anything more is because I have work that day for a bigger knife. It goes on the belt so I have it on me and don't have to go and find it back with the tool box. We all generally live in a civilised society and being all tooled up is just not necessary, unless your job actually requires it to be so. If you are to carry a utility blade then have one the least threatening as you can, or keep it well concealed. A classic traditional one that people can understand are best.
A handgun is far superior to a knife anyway. Avoiding confrontation is the best defence by far and not difficult to do. I've traveled the world and never once felt the need to be tooled up "just in case". I have been armed but that was in uniform. I am competent in weapon use. Now I take sensible precautions and frankly they can have my wallet if they ask nicely. If I was to be unlucky then thats tough but I'm not going to spend my whole life worrying about it, and definitely not going to carry everyday some defence weapon as that would be an absolute bore. I've got better things to do.
It I lived somewhere where it was necessary, bears, Africa, then I'd want more than a knife. Fortunately I require non of it. Don't think many of us do either.

Collecting knives is a hobby, enjoy it for what it is. What you do behind closed doors is up to you so long as its not hurting anyone. Same goes for collecting guns. I no spin throw in my back garden, and a lot of fun it is too. I hunt and target shoot. But I don't have to wear my hobby everyday down the high street.

 

[Tachead7075]

I think how you carry a fixed blade is important too(along with size) if you dont want to draw unwanted attention or make certain people nervous due to the location, setting, exc. I think that applies to a folder as well. If you wear a folder clipped to the outside of your pocket all the time, for instance, it would probably draw quite a bit of attention(maybe just as much as a fixed blade openly on a belt). There are many discreet ways to carry a fixed blade like in your pocket with a lanyard hanging out, clipped in your pocket with just the butt sticking out, horizontal belt carry, inverted belt carry(as mentioned earlier in the thread), on a neck lanyard, exc.

Carrying a fixed blade vs a folder is a personal choice and both can be carried discreetly if you want to. Neither is more dangerous or lethal then the other no matter what certain locations laws say or how certain people feel about them. Both can be used as tools for utility purposes and both can be used as weapons. Many other things can be used as tools or as weapons as well but, unfortunately knives are more likely to be seen as weapons then some other things due to Hollywood, the media, history, and various other factors. Knives, fixed blades and folders, will always draw some attention and make certain people uncomfortable. Sure some styles, sizes, and methods of carry will draw more attention but remember, knives are ultimately inanimate objects. You can choose your knife based on your intended use and the location you are going to carry it. You can also use a carry method that's discreet to draw less attention to it. But, some people are always going to feel uncomfortable if they see any knife in any carry method. Even if its being carried by a nice person as a tool with only the best intentions. I myself dont go out of my way to make others uncomfortable and try to be reasonably discreet. But, I'm not going to let other people dictate how I live my life, how I enjoy my possessions, or what tools I chose to carry either. YMMV.

 

[Comeuppance]

NOTE: How John Q. Public views fixed blades...

I seriously laughed out loud. Too perfect.

 

[22-rimfire]

Some people seem to have a hard time seeing the difference between what's legal and what's a good idea. I can legally wear a bikini to court, for instance, but I choose not to for a number of reasons. There are words that some people consider profane, and I can legally say them to a priest, but there are obviously consequences to my actions.

My current neck knife (EK&T Companion) is, I think, about as friendly-looking as a fixed-blade knife can be. It doesn't come out for everything, though, and in certain circumstances I'll consign it to my bag or leave it home entirely. It's totally legal, but why cause a scene for no reason? "F*ckin' sheeple just have to learn to deal" is a very uncivil attitude, if not downright antisocial, and if that's yours while carrying a large fixed blade on your belt, perhaps I do have cause to be wary.

Pretty good post Nap. I think you need to take into account other people's feelings, attitudes and so forth concerning weapons or knives. That doesn't mean you have to carry a Vic SAK all the time either. It is just common sense. I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable with any knife I have in my pocket. Certainly someone could react to ANY knife, but I can't control that other than being discrete in how I carry and use a blade. Fixed blades make better weapons simply because they can't fold back on the user if you want to make a generalization. There are degrees to everything and some people don't care what other people think.

I can carry my BFR revolver unconcealed in a grocery store, but does it make sense to do that unless you are in route to or from a hunt? But why would you have that beast on you in the first place once you get to your vehicle? Make common sense decisions.

I think Tachead does apply common sense in his choices. When he or anyone else makes the comment along the lines of "it's legal" and I don't care what you think, I have a problem with that attitude. But this is a generalization. I can carry a small fixed blade on my belt very discretely if I choose to. I just seldom think to carry one versus a folder. I am conditioned to reach into my pocket for the knife when I need to use it regardless of whether or not I have a fixed blade on my belt, neck or where ever.