Has anyone stopped carrying folders in favor of fixed blades?

Mitchell Knives

Mitchell Knives

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I have always carried a folder as my main EDC. I'm considering doing away with folders all together and going with a fixed blade. Fixed blades have a lot of advantages; strength, quick deployment (with proper carry) and they are usually cheaper than a folder. The idea of carrying a fixed blade seems to make more sense in many respects; there is simply less to go wrong. Carrying a fixed blade instead of a folder seems to be the most simple and logical choice. I'm still debating the decision as fixed blades require a bit more effort to carry.

Has anyone stopped carrying folders in favor of fixed blades?
 
When ever possible I prefer to carry a fixed blade. For me, folders are a compromise to enable knife carry in places and around people where a fixed blade is not an option.

My 4" Northwoods Willow Leaf is the perfect size for EDC, and in a high ride sheath it is easy to carry.
 
I was thinking about it. Still am actually. I would carry a fixed blade in the horizontal position. Or IWB. Right now my A.G. Russell Featherlite serves me well.
 
I would love to but Maryland law prevents me from carrying a concealed fixed blade and I don't feel comfortable letting it hang out where some yahoo might try to snatch it. Also, in my area, the sight of a fixed blade may cause the sheeple to notify the authorities and I just don't want the hassle. :mad:

I'm happy enough to carry any folder concealed - thats just me and my opinion for what it's worth.
 
It's so much easier carrying a folder. It's a lot less bulky, and it's also safer to carry. I know that a lot of people here think that fixed blades are safer, but everything must be considered in context. Fixed blades are safer during use, but what if the fixed blade is in the sheath and you fall on it? There's always the chance that the fixed blade might cut through the sheath and into you. There's less danger of a folder cutting you while it's folded, especially when it's carried in a sheath.

That said I definitely consider fixed blades to be safer to use. They allow you a margin of error that you don't have with folders. I am aware of this limitation however, and use all folders with the expectation that it might inadvertently close during use.
 
I have considered carrying the Bark River Mikro Canadian, just popping the knife and sheath into my pocket. The small size allows this.

However, taking it out (just normal usage, not SD) and putting it back becomes more difficult and requires 2 hands.

So, I have stuck with a one hand opening and closing linerlock.
 
I havent carried a folder since I bought my ka-bar TDI.It conseals very well. It's also small enough not to catch the eye of the local fuzz.
 
I have been thinking about it for while. My choice would be the Becker Necker. The folder is a lot easier to carry deploy around town though. And knowing me, I wouldn't stop carrying the folder, I would just have one more knife on me. :)

Will
 
I carry a small fixed blade whenever I can. Sometimes it's an Ed Caffrey EBK wharnie, which are affordable and quite nice.
 
As an EDC, I really can't see any PRACTICAL advantage of a fixed-blade over a folder.

Most fixed-blades are stronger than most folders to be sure, but how strong does my EDC need to be?
I don't see how I could break an Endura or a Bucklite doing everyday cutting tasks.

With a proper sheath I'm certain that a fixed-blade could be deployed quicker than a folder, but how much quicker?
I think the difference in deployment time would'nt be more than 2 seconds max.

I think small fixed-blades are very cool but I just cannot see myself with one as an EDC.
Plus I would feel a little silly--like I was playing Tarzan or something.

Allen.
 
I'm happy with my folders. With folders of such high quality with strong reliable locks available today I don't feel the need for a fixed blade. The only reason I'd carry a fixed blade is if I was camping or something and needed it to chop wood, baton wood, etc.
 
I live in Los Angeles, where I'm already asked "why do you need a knife?" about my Kershaw Ken Onion folder. Don't know what's wrong with these people. Carrying a fixed blade out in this city would probably put a gang of cops on edge and get me shot 153 times. "He made a motion towards the handle..."
 
WadeF said:
With folders of such high quality with strong reliable locks available today I don't feel the need for a fixed blade. The only reason I'd carry a fixed blade is if I was camping or something and needed it to chop wood, baton wood, etc.
Click to expand...

The other reason to go for fixed blades is that they're far easier to keep clean. I find that aspect quite important when it comes to preparing food. So I always carry a fixed blade when I need a knife for preparing a meal.

Hans
 
For most of the things I do on a day to day basis, I use folders - just more convenient. However, I do have a small fixed blade (3 inches/kit knife) at my desk for food/cutting "things". When I'm camping or have yard work (mostly yardwork, it seems) I will either have a larger fixed blade on me or very close in addition to folders.

- gord
 
I EDC a large fixed blade along with a clipped folder, sak and a small folder. Its 100% legal, so it works for me. Plus, I guess I just dont give a damn what sheeple think. If I ever got to the point where I patterned my lifestyle to cater to people who fear knives, it would be a sad day.
 
It would depend upon where I lived. Since I spend most of my time in urban environments and in federal buildings, a fixed blade is not an option as a EDC for me. But I would feel differently if I lived on a farm or in another rural environment.
 
futant said:
I live in Los Angeles, where I'm already asked "why do you need a knife?" about my Kershaw Ken Onion folder. Don't know what's wrong with these people. Carrying a fixed blade out in this city would probably put a gang of cops on edge and get me shot 153 times. "He made a motion towards the handle..."
Click to expand...

you'd probably only get hit 3 or 4 times. ;) You see that incident in the news? :rolleyes:

Frank

P.S. I'm with digdeep on this one. CA law is similar, a fixed blade must be carried exposed. I've done that with a little TOPS Prairie Fox hanging from a beltloop with my keys. It's small enough to hide in plain sight. But lately I've been keeping folders in my pockets. I go back and forth.
 
I've recently switched my outdoor knife from an Opinel to an AG Russell Hunter's Scalpel - from a folder to a fixed. Weight was the primary reason, but ease of cleaning is another advantage.

-Bob
 
I gave one of John Greco's Li'l Danglers to my sister who lives on a farm in Ohio. I had bought one and was so taken with it that I sent one to her, as I know that she appreciates a nice knife. For those of you who don't know, the Li'l Dangler is a simple fixed blade with a 3 or so inch blade in a heavy leather scabbard that has a spring clip on the top instead of a belt loop. She clips her Li'l Dangler to one of the belt loops on her jeans. When I was out visiting, so did I.
 
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