Transitioning from fixed to folding EDC

TheWambo

TheWambo

Joined
Apr 21, 2012
Messages
1,138
While I was in college I carried my BK-14 daily (and yes this was legal and permitted by my college, its a rural school with a focus on forestry so it was a common sight to see guys walking around with a full felling axe strapped to their backpack).

In any case I recently graduated and moved back to NJ and my area is a lot more restrictive and phobic when it comes to knives. As a result I've switched back to carrying a folder (D2 Mini Griptilian with AWT Scales), but I always feel under equipped after 4 years of fixed blade carry.

Anybody else have to give up fixed carry, and does anyone have any suggestions for a folder that inspires fixed blade confidence?

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If you search "hard use folder" in the thread titles of General Knife Discussion, almost 100 threads pop up. Frequently discussed topic here. Hope you find something perfect for you! :thumbup:
 
I'd say any Zero Tolerance, Hinderer, or Strider knife would give the confidence of a fixed blade.
 
banana-clip said:
I'd say any Zero Tolerance, Hinderer, or Strider knife would give the confidence of a fixed blade.
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Of the three brands which do you like best? I've been eyeballing the ZT's for a while but I've never had a chance to handle a Hinderer or Strider personally. I'm trying to stick to a sub $200 price range (EDIT: so unfortunately Hinderer is out)

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Cold Steel. TriAd is strong, reliable and imparts confidence.
 
Im guessing you want a big knife so i would suggest a spyderco military. Cold steel has some good options which can be had at 3 inchs up to 5 inch blade.. Emerson makes some big boys too.
 
115Italian said:
Im guessing you want a big knife so i would suggest a spyderco military. Cold steel has some good options which can be had at 3 inchs up to 5 inch blade.. Emerson makes some big boys too.
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Not necessarily a big knife, I'm looking for something strong and functional primarily, but yeah probably in the 3"-5" range, those are definitely some strong contenders.

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I live in Central NJ as well and I carry fixed and folders alike.
From a BK11, BK24, custom JK Knives to CRK, Manix 2, ZT.

Just don't be flashy with your knife and you will be fine. I have used knives for dinners out, cutting stray strings, opening packages, you name it. Just don't keep flipping it open and closed and be responsible with it and you Should be fine.
 
NJBillK said:
I live in Central NJ as well and I carry fixed and folders alike.
From a BK11, BK24, custom JK Knives to CRK, Manix 2, ZT.

Just don't be flashy with your knife and you will be fine. I have used knives for dinners out, cutting stray strings, opening packages, you name it. Just don't keep flipping it open and closed and be responsible with it and you Should be fine.
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Fair point, but it's mainly a matter of appearances for me, trying to keep my nose clean with my new job and while they don't have any specifically listed restrictions on knives in the workplace, I get the vibe that a fixed blade may be frowned upon. Also as you may know the knife laws in NJ are unsettlingly vague so I figure unless I know that I'll need a fixed blade for something I'm going to be doing I leave it in the Jeep.

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The benchmade Adamas folder might be of interest to you. Or you can look into the ZT 301. Both tanks
 
Often overlooked and forgotten is a good old Buck 110 or 112. You could go through the Buck custom shop and have a knife personalized to suit your taste with choice of scale material brass or Nickel bolsters blade steel and finish and engraving. All for under budget. There are people on this forum who have carried a buck for 30 plus years and with a lifetime warranty..... just my .02
 
I would be more likely to think that a classy smaller edc sized fixed blade with a classy wood set of scales would generate less glaring looks than a black bladed folder with a 3.5" blade that "appears out of nowhere" with a loud thwack.

It is all about appearances.
JK Knives, Mini Canadian with buckeye burl.


I know it is a little short, but he has plenty to choose from, or will make your own design for you.
 
mdell49 said:
Often overlooked and forgotten is a good old Buck 110 or 112. You could go through the Buck custom shop and have a knife personalized to suit your taste with choice of scale material brass or Nickel bolsters blade steel and finish and engraving. All for under budget. There are people on this forum who have carried a buck for 30 plus years and with a lifetime warranty..... just my .02
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Hadn't considered that, I actually have a 110 but it's kind of a sentimental piece from my grandfather, and they're a bit bulky for my liking

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I'd suggest anything cold steel because their lock seems to be the strongest and would be the closest thing to a fixed blade with the convenience of a folder.
 
Visitors message sent, but for others information take a look through the results of this search.
Edit to add:
I don't know why my search wasn't showing up...

All I did was go to custom fixed blade in the exchange and searched for "Gentleman" and scrolled through the results.
 
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