Is a folder good for anything?

A

Aelius

Joined
Sep 18, 2006
Messages
94
How is a folding blade better than a fixed blade? Fixed blades don't have moving parts, hence there is less of a chance for things to break. Fixed blades are generally stronger, and you don't have to unfold it to use it, and then fold it back up again. Some might argue that these are minor things, well perhaps so. But if there's any advantage of a fixed blade, no matter how small and irrelavant, why would anybody buy a folder as opposed to a fixed blade?

To you knife experts, this will probably sound like an odd question, but it doesn't to me, and it's been bugging me, so I needed to ask it. Thanks :)
 
In a lot of places it's illegal to carry a fixed blade, regardless of blade length.

It's also a lot simpler to carry a folder in your pocket.
 
Good thinking. I am going to get rid of the folders and start carrying a Bowie knife. Why hadn't I thought of this before?
 
if it were legal to carry a fixed blade here, i'd do it.

it is not, so i carry a folder.
 
UnixDork said:
In a lot of places it's illegal to carry a fixed blade, regardless of blade length.

It's also a lot simpler to carry a folder in your pocket.
Click to expand...

Those are the biggies...hard to build on those. :thumbup:

No need for a belt or a sheath since a folder is self contained.
 
As mentioned above, fixed blades are illegal in many places. Here's a list of other reasons I can think of to carry a folder:

1)A lot of sheath systems suck for fixed blades
2)Fixed blades are bulkier than folders
3)Fixed blades scare people
4)Fixed blades can be difficult to conceal
5)Folders are more fun to "play with"
6)There are a lot more (and different) options of quality folders on the market than fixed blades.
7)It's simpler to clip a folder into your pocket and head out the door than strap on a sheath.
8)You're more likely to have a folder on you when you need it (because of #7)
 
Another related question I have: Why would someone get a 6" fixed blade as opposed to an 8"? In terms of blade size, is bigger indeed better? Ignore knife laws for this question.

Speaking of which... why do some places have laws for blade size? Why is it "bad" to carry a 10" knife, but an 8" knife is perfectly okay? A 10" knife can kill a man with as much ease as a 2" knife...
 
A folding knife puts that nice sharp piece of steel within a sturdy protective case (the handle) when not in use. Of course a fixed blade knife has a sheath, but leather and cordura can be cut and kydex can break. Not really a concern for most people, but if you carry a knife as a hunting accessory and pack in or out by horseback, then the possibility of being thrown, bucked, or rolled over is real. In my view, a folding knife is safer in the event of an accident, where a fixed blade knife could cut (or break) through its sheath then into the wearer.

A folding knife also takes up less space, and does not require a sheath for carry. Even a big folding knife like a buck 110 can be carried loose in a pocket, while even a small fixed blade needs a sheath.

Stronger and simpler are not trivial advantages of a fixed blade knife. However, folding knives have their own advantages. When buying a knife, the buyer weighs the advantages of both, then compares them to the expected use of the knife to come to a decision. Sometimes fixed blades win, sometimes folding knives win, but it is the end use that ultimately determines which is "better."

Being that the average american stores his/her kitchen cutlery in a drawer with all the other kitchen paraphernalia (inherently dangerous to the user and the blades), maybe if kitchen cutlery was made as folding knives then there would be less chance of cutting ones self when digging for the soup ladel, and the overall sharpness of kitchen cutlery would be better. Of course that would still require the user to sharpen the knives occassionally.

Fixed blades are simpler, with fewer things to break, but what if you break the blade or a handle scale of your fixed blade knife? It would be a relatively simple procedure to order and replace the blade or scale of a folder. Depending upon the construction, it could be impossible for a fixed blade. Most people would buy new knives in either event, I'm just saying that simplicity could work against you. Replaceable parts are an advantage, not a disadvantage.

If you only like fixed blades, then buy fixed blades. If you only like folders, then buy folders. I buy knives based upon the perceived need they are going to fill, despite what my wife says on the subject. My kitchen knives are fixed blades stored in a knife block, my every day knives are folders, and my hunting and camping knives are a collection of fixed blades and folders.
 
A well made folding knife is capable of doing everything a fixed blade does but the question of long term durability comes up with them for extremely heavy tasks such as chopping, thrusting, and spine taps or 'whacks' to the blade during use or such things as combat. Compared to a fixed blade in these instances a folder is a compromise at best IMO. Folders are legal in most areas to use and carry publically but fixed blades are often times not allowed. In many states a fixed blade worn on your person is simply considered a weapon and if concealed a concealed weapon violation of the law, even if it has a shorter blade length than your legal folder.

STR
 
Laws limiting the size of a legal knife are largely based upon perception. "Large knives are more dangerous than small knives." That may or may not be true, depending upon the person carrying the knife, but that is the base reasoning.

A 10" knife may or may not be the better blade depending upon the intended use. I would not use a scalpel for battle, and I would not use a claymore for surgery. Fortunately, I am neither a surgeon nor a soldier so I need make neither decision.

"A 10" knife can kill a man with as much ease as a 2" knife..." may be true but the reverse is not necessarily true. A 2" knife is less likely to be purpose built for fighting and likely to be less effective than a larger blade, especially in the hands of a novice. There is a point where a large blade would be less effective in the hands of a novice than a smaller blade, but in general larger blades make better weapons.
 
STR,
Does that pocket hook work like the wave feature. I have been looking for some type of wave feature that attaches in a similar way. Will that work on my RAT model one folder.
 
I assume so. Its been a while since I've seen one of the folders you mention.

Contact me privately and we can discuss it further.

Lgtfutatcableone.net

STR
 
Fixed blades are my favorite by far. A good sheath together with a proper belt is the best way to go. The knife is available for instant use, no need to fiddle to open a folding knife. This can be an issue when handling fish or food in general. Mechanically a fixed blade is perfect no moving parts. I like the feel of a good fixed blade on my belt:p .

Folding knives have there place too. Folding knives don't need a belt or even a sheath, as they can ride anywhere, in your pockets, or clipped to your person. Folding knives take up less room than fixed blades. Then there are times when a folding knife is more acceptable than fixed blades.

However, because of all of these reasons I need to carry both. But if I were forced to make a choice to carry only one, it would be a fixed blade.:thumbup:
 
For me it's about comfort , convienience and saftey . At present there are folders that are for pracical pourposes as strong as fixed blades . Fixed blades are a PITA to sit with , even with the best sheathing they can be a hazard in a fall - in a well made sheath the tip aint comming thru , however the pommel can hurt you bad .

Chris
 
I like to have a fixed blade on my belt when camping or hunting but as far as at work, at home or around town I'd rather not have a 6-8" blade strapped to my hip.
 
Aelius said:
How is a folding blade better than a fixed blade? Fixed blades don't have moving parts, hence there is less of a chance for things to break. Fixed blades are generally stronger, and you don't have to unfold it to use it, and then fold it back up again. Some might argue that these are minor things, well perhaps so. But if there's any advantage of a fixed blade, no matter how small and irrelavant, why would anybody buy a folder as opposed to a fixed blade?

To you knife experts, this will probably sound like an odd question, but it doesn't to me, and it's been bugging me, so I needed to ask it. Thanks :)
Click to expand...

I think this is a self answering question, if you think it over for,say 3 minutes.
 
Aelius said:
How is a folding blade better than a fixed blade? Fixed blades don't have moving parts, hence there is less of a chance for things to break. Fixed blades are generally stronger, and you don't have to unfold it to use it, and then fold it back up again. Some might argue that these are minor things, well perhaps so. But if there's any advantage of a fixed blade, no matter how small and irrelavant, why would anybody buy a folder as opposed to a fixed blade?

To you knife experts, this will probably sound like an odd question, but it doesn't to me, and it's been bugging me, so I needed to ask it. Thanks :)
Click to expand...

Aelius said:
Another related question I have: Why would someone get a 6" fixed blade as opposed to an 8"? In terms of blade size, is bigger indeed better? Ignore knife laws for this question.

Speaking of which... why do some places have laws for blade size? Why is it "bad" to carry a 10" knife, but an 8" knife is perfectly okay? A 10" knife can kill a man with as much ease as a 2" knife...
Click to expand...

i'm having a real hard time believing you are actually having trouble comprehending these things.

i'm gonna give the benefit of the doubt and assume you're more inteligent than that and, you're just trying to stir up conversation.
 
Aelius said:
How is a folding blade better than a fixed blade? Fixed blades don't have moving parts, hence there is less of a chance for things to break. Fixed blades are generally stronger, and you don't have to unfold it to use it, and then fold it back up again. Some might argue that these are minor things, well perhaps so. But if there's any advantage of a fixed blade, no matter how small and irrelavant, why would anybody buy a folder as opposed to a fixed blade?

To you knife experts, this will probably sound like an odd question, but it doesn't to me, and it's been bugging me, so I needed to ask it. Thanks :)
Click to expand...

In some jurisdictions, it is a crime- in many instances a FELONY to carry a fixed blade, where carrying a folder is perfectly legal. It is also not always necesary to carry such a hunk of steel. Usually, there is no need for prying or that sort of thing, and it is much easier to carry a folder. A folder can be clipped to your pocket, worn on a sheath, used as a key-fob, carried in a pocket, etc......... A fixed blade is not so practical for EDC. For many folks who work in enviroments other than farms, the outdoors (hunting, fishing, some construction, etc....), carrying a fixed blade is totally out of place. A folder can also have more versatility- I don't know of too many multi-purpose fixed blades, but SAK's, Leatherman tools, scout knives are all folders.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top