What are the benefits of a sm. FB over folder knives?

psy-ops

psy-ops

Joined
Sep 27, 1999
Messages
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I often pack my CS master hunter 4" blade in my BOB. Lately though I am thinking of having few folders no FB and a hatchet.

The only benefit I can see is a FB has to offer is it is more sturdy when used as with a baton.

If one has a folder with a saw that could even there scales.


any insights?
 
as you say, the weakest fixed blade is stronger than the strongest folder, so you have to decide what is important about the folder, is it the length, the size the weight, if you are carrying it in a pack who cares, if you carry on your belt then it might matter, so you make your choice depending on what suites you the best.

alex
 
Other than SAKs and Multitools, which I carry mostly for the other tools on them and not the knife blades, I don't like folders. I guess I'd be happy enough with a one-hand-opening folder for SD but I don't feel they're good for survival in general, and I certainly wouldn't want to have to depend on one.

A fixed blade is stronger, more reliable and needs less maintenance than a folder, you can't pry with a folder and they general (not always) are not designed with ergonomics in mind; blisters on the hands aren't fun when you've work to do. To anyone how thinks their folder has a well designed handle, try wittling some hard wood for an hour and then see how your hand feels. Folders are made to be compact not comfortable, as far as I can see anyway.

I'll take a folder in a pinch but for choice I want a fixed blade.

Matt
 
I carry a folder for serrations, and a folder for sheeple... I use fixed blades 90% of the time though.

large hands and folder ergos don't match a lot. I buy spyderco because sal focuses on comfort and function over looks. They may be ugly but they work well.
 
IMO, it seems that a folder (PC issues aside) recommends itself on one ground only - it folds into a shorter package. Otherwise, it is harder to deploy and weaker by it's very nature. The ability to baton wood open is no small thing when the dry part is inside. A saw is good for getting wood but poor for opening it up.
 
Folders can get filled with food/blood/guts/gore/fishscales/mayo/etc.
FB's are easier to clean.
It's a SlipJoint and FB for me ;)
 
My EDC is a slipjoint SAK, a small fixed blade, and a multitool. I have several locking folders, but they don't perform like the FB. For social occasions, the SAK sees the most daylight, but the FB is always there when I need it.
 
I agree with what the others have said - a FB is easier to clean and much less prone to breaking. In a folder, there's a pivot pin, a locking mechanism, and various other parts, all of which are subject to breaking. A folder is smaller, but since you are using it in your BOB, I don't think that your Master Hunter is going to weighyou down, too much. Plus, the idea of a BOB is having gear which you can depend on in the event of some type of emergency. For such instances, *any* knife is better than *none*, but a FB is, IMHO, much better than a folder.
 
My thinking is, I can have 3-4 folders that would take not much more space then my master hunter. Those folders have saws, files, 6 blades etc. Than the one stout blade.

now remember I am also carrying a large chopper or hatchet.

So it seems like the FB is the un-necessary tool in the mix.
 
I'm no survival expert,but I feel if you choose the right folder/folders and use them knowing their limitations.I would feel pretty confident with one,even in absence of a fixed blade.I usually always have a folder on me.My geographic location,job etc. just doesn't lend itself well to carrying around a fixed blde.I'm not an Alaskan Guide,so I carry a survival blade that fits my situation.In fact with the state of quality,and design of alot of folders available,I think one can find a survival folder that really can take a beating,and should be a good survival tool even in place of a fixed blade,short of needing a chopping tool imho.
 
The best Survival Knife is the one you have with you when you need it. As folders are approaching the strength of fixed blades, the dillemna is soon becoming just a matter of preference, and the possibilty of having several very strong blades during an emergency is higher.
 
True that folders are quite tough these days, but to me FB's are still one step ahead for what comes to reliability. All other things being equal, a FB has less moving parts than folders. This means less possibilities of a mechanical failure of any kind.

I do EDC folders but whenever I go for some serious work, I just grab the FB.

Cheers,

David
 
I usually use a folder for hiking and camping. They are sufficient for my actual needs. A fixed blade is probably more capable, but do I need that capability?

I haven't yet. And I enjoy using folders more in general. I usually have a fixed blade hanging around somewhere in the kit, but it's not what I go to first.

For pleasure, use what you like. For emergencies, have a fixed available.

Phil
 
Come on! ...let's quit kidding ourselves. Folders are not as strong as fixed blades. If they were, my bayonet might have a pivot pin -- and it doesn't! If you can only have one "survival" knife it better be a fixed blade. Anyone who wants to bet his life on a single knife -- and that being a folder -- is taking an awful risk and probably needs a little more real experience.

When I go hunting/trail riding (motorcycle)/backpacking, etc. in Utah, Idaho, or Washington, I'm not taking just one knife. If you want to minimalize weight in some areas, don't make it with, arguably, the most important tool you carry! ...and one of my knives is always going to be a fixed blade.

A folder only is better than nothing, but shame on you for putting yourself, or others at increased risk because you were too worried about a few ounces!

Bruce
 
bruce said:
A folder only is better than nothing, but shame on you for putting yourself, or others at increased risk because you were too worried about a few ounces!
Click to expand...

Well put, Bruce. Besides, if you really want to save on weight you can pick a smaller fixed blade...

I'd choose a good quality little necker over a folder anytime.

David
 
Each folder and fixed blades have their merits and drawbacks... I'd put up a Strider folder against many fixed blades anyday...
 
MelancholyMutt said:
Each folder and fixed blades have their merits and drawbacks... I'd put up a Strider folder against many fixed blades anyday...
Click to expand...

It's like many other things... ALL OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL, fixed blades are more reliable than folders.

David
 
MelancholyMutt said:
Each folder and fixed blades have their merits and drawbacks... I'd put up a Strider folder against many fixed blades anyday...
Click to expand...

:yawn:

And I'd put my Fehrman First Strike up against your Linton folder anyday. :p

Proving what? That a quality fixed blade is better than a POS folder just as a quality folder may match SOME fixed blades?

The basic point is really not debatable. Fixed blade is inherently a stronger design. You get far more strength for the $$ AND the weight with a fixed blade beause it is expensive to overcome with design, quality, and mass the inherent weakness of a folder -- it's already in multiple pieces, dude.
 
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