The fine line between over-built folder and EDC fixed blade...

S

ShooterMcgavin

Joined
Jan 20, 2008
Messages
609
Where is that line for you, where you think "I won't buy that over-built folder because a small fixed blade will easily surpass it"?

Carrying a hefty, over-built brute of a folder isn't always about hacking trees daily. It's about the love of the knife you have with you; I get that. I'm just considering that, there are so many high quality, small fixed-blades out there today, I sometimes wonder if I really want to carry an Adamas, Contego, Tuff, or 0561. Maybe an Izula is all I really needed? :)
 
I've had a 561; sold it as too unwieldy for me. I do still have a 550; nicer size for me.
I have a Tuff and a Adamas 275; I admire both but carry neither one.
Just too "overbuilt" for my needs. I carry a Zaan or a TAD Dauntless; they're big enough.
I have small fixed blades but never carry them. In a restaurant, I'd rather pull out a folder; less bulk.
 
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If it fits in my pocket, it's a pocket knife.
Some of my pants have pretty big pockets...:D

The Tuff fills the same niche as the Umnumzaan, which fills the same niche as the SmF, which fills the same niche as the CQC-12.
Which is the "niche" of knives I like that are handy for cutting stuff when I need to cut stuff. :thumbup:

Maybe if it weighed a pound I'd start to reconsider carrying it all the time. ;)
 
Overbuilt is a subjective term. I'm a big guy (6'4" 260) so knives like my 0350 and Strider sng cc fit me perfectly, and thus don't seem "overbuilt." My hands are so big that it is rather difficult for me to open my dragonfly one handed.
 
For me its more of a legalities issue. I live in an area where you cannot conceal carry any fixed blade, and im not a fan of open carrying. Id rather carry an extremely tough folder (stuffed) in my pocket, than walk around with a fixed blade on my hip.
 
Lately I find myself carrying a folder and a smaller fixed blade. At the moment, I find that combo covers pretty much all my bases :)
 
I recently rekindled my interest in smaller EDC sized fixed blades, and found myself carrying either my Anza PK-2, or Izula on my belt in conjunction with a traditional pocketknife of a sort. An untucked shirt or jacket covers them completely. Haven't had a question yet. I've lost a deal of interest in modern folders after using these smaller fixed blades. They're quicker to deploy, and work for me. Opinels, and SAKs suite me fine, as does my Buck 301, or GEC #56. I like very slender blades, on my folders.
 
I'm 6'5", 185lbs, 32" waist & I have XL hands. As far as a -just to be prepared for an ordinary day- EDC, the line for me is bulk. The two folders that I really liked, but did cross the line, were a Strider SmF and an RC. I really dig the knives but carrying them was a little more uncomfortable than I really wanted. Mainly bending, kneeling, sometimes even sitting and getting other things in and out of the pocket. If I'm only carrying a folder I like it to be sturdy though. The overall best folder I've found is the Lg (pick your flavor) Sebenza. It offers compact carry, light enough weight, certainly stout and as a cutting tool there's not much it does not do well. There are a few other folders that I have that also fit the bill, but I find the Seb to be on top w/ the SnG to be a very close 2nd. I really like my FBs somewhere between 3 - 4.5" for an "EDC." I also want them to be able to take some ab-use. There are tons of FBs out there that would likely fit the bill for me but some favs are the TFK Rubicon, Strider SA-GG, ESEE-3, a smaller Fiddleback Forge, & my (so far) all time fav, The Boye Basic 3 in Dendritic 440C.
 
I like knives of all sizes. I've carried knives ranging from a tiny SAK Classic to an Adamas. The Adamas was great for pocket carry, I never understand people who say it's too "bulky". Obviously it's pretty large, but it's not like your EDCing a cinder block. That title goes to knives like the Medford Praetorian.
 
I won't carry a folder with a blade over 3.5". When they get much bigger than that, the handle starts to get preposterously large for me. For what I use a folder for (relatively light EDC stuff), I would much rather have a small blade and only get a 3 finger grip on the handle. If I need something bigger than that, I can use my Mora. If I need something bigger than the Mora, I can use my hatchet :rolleyes:
 
Not everyone can carry a fixed blade due to local communist, over-protectionist, downright f-ing silly laws.
 
Random Dan, I believe you've hit the nail squarely on the head.
Especially with the marked over portion.
 
This is not the forum for political opinion giving. We have a specific forum where all political discussion belongs.
 
Random Dan said:
Not everyone can carry a fixed blade due to local communist, over-protectionist, downright f-ing silly laws.
Click to expand...

Shrub said:
Random Dan, I believe you've hit the nail squarely on the head.
Especially with the marked over portion.
Click to expand...

I respect this opinion but I don't buy it. I can't think of anything an overbuilt folder can do that a multitool couldn't take care of and probably do better. People buy overbuilt folders because they like them and think they're cool. Nothing wrong with that but I get a little skeptical when someone says they NEED one.
 
Perhaps having an overbuilt folder gives the possessor the satisfaction of carrying a knife as close to being a fixed blade as possible with the carry options of a folder? I know I would feel better having a super heavy duty folder vs a gentlemens folder if I were going to be rough using a blade, especially if there was any danger possibility. I own several multitools, but I have never carried one instead of my overbuilt folder. Piece of mind equals need sometimes? :)
 
I can definitely see the logic in carrying an overbuilt folder in a place where you cannot legally or comfortably carry a fixed blade. I wish I could carry a super small fixed all the time, just for the simplicity and reliability, but I can't. Even if you never need it, it can be nice to know you have an edged tool that won't break. With that said, by how I define overbuilt, my only overbuilt folder is a cold steel large voyager tanto. I don't like a whole lot sticking out of my pocket and I don't like having trouble getting at my phone because of a big knife. I like big overbuilt folders, but I just wouldn't use them enough to justify having them.
 
I feel like its entirely possible to carry a rugged, beefy, over built knife without feeling like your carrying a brick of steel in your pocket. For instances you could carry an Emerson cqc-7. The knife itself is really rather small, it doesn't take up much space in your pocket, and its not in your way when you reach into your pocket. Yet a cqc-7 is capable of stabbing apart a block of concrete or prying open a garage door. I tend to dislike knives that market themselves as rugged and heavy duty but in reality are not. For example i would point to the ZT 561. The 561 has a very nice titanium side, but then on the other side its got a very thin steel liner, on top of this its blade has a large cutaway trench for the rotating pivot washers, in addition to the overall blade design not being so rugged. I still like the ZT 561, i just don't consider it a serious knife, especially after it failed me on a two week minimalist hiking trip. If your worried about having your folder out shined by a small fixed blade then you need to consider do i need the extra blade length my folder offers or should i just carry my small fixed blade? If you do need the extra blade then remember K.I.S.S. when it comes to your folder and dont opt for one with million features or all kinds of artistic flare that could jeopardize the function of the knife.

For me im not to easily hammpered by the size or weight. My favorite EDC is the Emerson Roadhouse, followed by the cqc-8 or cqc-7
 
What happened to your 561? What specifically about the steel liner and blade design compromises its ruggedness? Also it should have ball bearings and not washers at the pivot.
 
orangehero said:
What happened to your 561? What specifically about the steel liner and blade design compromises its ruggedness? Also it should have ball bearings and not washers at the pivot.
Click to expand...

Were those questions for me? I've never owned a 561. I've considered it. Nice knife but more than I need, and more nicely built than I need too. I have an aluminum Hogue EX-01 to fill my tough-folding-knife role.

ETA: Oh, I went back and did some reading. Nevermind :) I'd like to know the answers too.
 
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