Practical uses for a fixed blade?

G

GerberGuy

Joined
Jul 14, 2006
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I would like to eventually get a large fixed blade knife. However, if I ever need to make use of it, I am going to be asked the inevitable question: "What do you need that huge thing for? Couldn't you just use a smaller knife?"

What should I say here? Also, what common situations warrant such a large knife?
 
I think it depends on why you are buying the knife. If you want a larger blade, and choose to carry it even though it may be much more knife than is needed, I wouldn't try to justify it- it is a personal choice.
As to your second question, I don't know what situations actually warrant a large knife; perhaps some skinning usages, or cutting that requires a heavy-duty blade, like tree trimming, etc.
I personally just exchanged a Benchmade Pika for a Sypderco Jester, because I managed to cut myself twice with the Benchmade, not being used to what for me was a large blade knife. I just figured out that I really didn't need that larger blade.
Good Luck with your purchases!
 
GerberGuy said:
What should I say here?
Click to expand...


"can't you wear the same shoes you wore yesterday?"

What practical purpose does a gold bracelet serve?"

Or you could do it my way.

Step one - Start talking about a large chopper blade to help with the yard work, gardening, (shows that you intend to do something constructive) and camping.

Step two - Show whoever it is that would question such a blade a ton of custom knives in the $500 to $1000 price range. Throw in a couple High end Busse Combat knives.

Step three - [repeat after me] "Hey Look! I found a 9" knife that is only a fraction of what the others cost!" [Ranger, Swamp Rat, Becker, etc...] This shows that you are fiscally responsible as well as willing to do yard work.:D
 
Some things large knives are good for:

Any chores requiring chopping power
Batoning through wood
Prying
Self defense (Might not want to mention this one though, heh)
Hammering
 
GerberGuy said:
What should I say here?
Click to expand...

It depends on who is asking the question. If its Wifey, then the yard work, chopping, etc. answer is good. If its anyone other than Wifey, say "this thing saved my life a couple of times when I was in Pakistan" and look at them like they are an idiot.

cheers
 
I have been in a robbery once before. I didn't like having a gun in my face. I'm too young to be carrying a gun of my own(legally), but I would like a knife for self-defense IF I HAVE TO. I would not use it to be a hero and save the store from losing a couple hundred bucks, but if I felt that my life was in danger I would not hesitate.
 
you don't want to go to a gun fight with a gun. that said, for self defense, you would probably be better off with a good quality large locking folder with a thumb stud or assisted opening carried in a belt sheath. a large fixed blade is not appropriate in most public places. plus you have to consider your local carry and concealment laws. don't look for trouble. as for the use of large fixed blades, hunting, camping, backpacking, fishing, war...

johnnie
 
Best place to carry a fixed weapon would be inside the sleeve of a jacket or long-sleeved shirt. Get a very secure sheath so it won't fall out. If you get into trouble, one quick reach up the sleeve.
 
GerberGuy said:
I would like to eventually get a large fixed blade knife. However, if I ever need to make use of it, I am going to be asked the inevitable question: "What do you need that huge thing for? Couldn't you just use a smaller knife?"

What should I say here? Also, what common situations warrant such a large knife?
Click to expand...

Can you be more specific as to your definition of "large"?????:confused:
After all.....7" is required to reach all the vital organs during covert deanimation; common situ for all mall ninjas!:eek:
 
GerberGuy said:
I would like to eventually get a large fixed blade knife. However, if I ever need to make use of it, I am going to be asked the inevitable question: "What do you need that huge thing for? Couldn't you just use a smaller knife?"

What should I say here? Also, what common situations warrant such a large knife?
Click to expand...

Perhaps you should define "large"????:confused:
After all, only 7" gets you to all the major organs for covert deanimation.....a common enough situ for all aspiring mall ninjas!:eek: ;)
 
Just about no folder is suited for torquing, prying, chopping or batoning. Even if you don't do these things often or at all, I think everyone should have a heavy duty full tang fixed blade just in case. Think of it as your "end of the world knife" if nothing else.
 
GerberGuy said:
"What do you need that huge thing for? Couldn't you just use a smaller knife?"

What should I say here? Also, what common situations warrant such a large knife?
Click to expand...

Try "Large knife? [insert maniacal laugh] No, my large knife is the one I'll use to hack up your body. I'll need this tiny little thing to cut you into chunks so the police can't find you. [repeat maniacal laugh]" :eek:

Folks will stop asking about your knives. :D
 
It is funny how the perception of "large" can change.
Several years ago a 8-10" knife was large for me.
About 2 years ago I started to buy some khukuries (Himalayan Import), and now a 15" oveerall length khukuri or eeven a straight knife is "just the right size" and not large. Now the 7-8" knives appear to be smallish to me.:D
 
i think gerberguy is talking about carrying a largr fixed blade. how many of you experienced knifers carry a large fixed blade daily. not for work but as your edc.

johnnie
 
I've finally found the best way for me to answer when someone ask that annoying "why do you carry a knife like that?".

I just simply ask them "Why do you not carry a knife like this?". :)

Stumps them almost everytime!
 
I'm also wondering where I would conceal the knife when wearing a short sleeved shirt. Inside of the waistband of my pants?

Also, certainly can't take a weapon like that to school :D
 
I really like the big knives. However, I find that anything over 8 or 9 inches OAL, is hard for me to EDC.
 
GerberGuy said:
I would like to eventually get a large fixed blade knife. However, if I ever need to make use of it, I am going to be asked the inevitable question: "What do you need that huge thing for? Couldn't you just use a smaller knife?"

What should I say here? Also, what common situations warrant such a large knife?
Click to expand...

Good questions... let me know if you find out the answers! :rolleyes:

I bought a Swamp Rat Camp Tramp a couple of years ago because I wanted a large fixed-blade. I love it! ...just haven't used it for anything yet. :o

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
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