What Makes A Folder A Fighting Folder?

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BeTheToad

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Nov 27, 2010
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I know nothing about fighting knives and hope to never be in a situation that I need to know anything about knife fighting (that's why I carry a gun after all), but I am curious as to what makes a folding knife a fighting knife.

Right now I have a Kabar Baconmaker folder in my pocket. Why isn't it a fighting knife? Is it the shape of the blade/grip? Is it the material? Or is it more the person holding it that makes it a fighting knife or not? Just curious.
 
Funny you should ask, I was thinking the same question this morning. I look forward to the answers. I carry a Umnumzann and sure as hell would not want to be on the wrong end of it, but from what I have read it is not a tatical knife. Thanks for asking the question.
 
some knives have been designed with the intent to be used for knife fighting/combat knife training/etc. they usually feature a more positive grip, in a neutral non reflective color, some of them feature a blade coating, with a blade designed with slashing and stabbing in mind, and a very strong lock. a lot of thought will go into some of these builds, and you can feel how comfortable the knife is to use in various grips, it usually also will conform well to your body,allowing it to be carried very discretely.

, then certain knife companys look at them, add on a dozen scary looking but useless features, and call them a fighting folder.
 
then certain knife companys look at them, add on a dozen scary looking but useless features, and call them a fighting folder.
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You mean like Dark Ops Knives?

What are some examples of true fighting folders, not anything like the offerings from places like the above mentioned company.
 
BeTheToad said:
You mean like Dark Ops Knives?

What are some examples of true fighting folders, not anything like the offerings from places like the above mentioned company.
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:P
 
I think most any knife, folder or fixed blade is a fighter, however, some knifes for a number of reasons excel in that category. Certain fixed blades sacrifice strength and utility for effectiveness in self defense, like a dagger, it is not as efficient as a drop point for utility, but it is a purpose built tool, and that purpose is self defense, not to say it could be used for utility, but that was not the designers primary intention.

So to with a folder, for it's size and weight, certain knives intention was to be more for self defense or utility, some may excel at both, A Stiletto has little utility value aside from opening mail, but it is a great self defense option if you want something slim and trim. Or you can go with a big old awesome all arounder knife, that can work great for utility and still have the grip and reach to make it a good backupp weapon.

For instance my Lovely Darrel Ralph Custom AXD
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I think blade shape and length is what makes a folder or a fixed blade a fighter.

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Some of the better "fighting folders" are knives such as the Spyderco Chinook, Benchmade 806/860, Emerson CQC-12. The main things, in my opinion, that matter in knives of these types (which is also why the ones I mentioned are better than average) is grip security, and lock reliabilty/strength. The basic things are that you can open it, that it stays in your hand, and that it stays open, all as reliably as possible. After a quick look at the Baconmaker, it would be my thougth that it doesn't have adequate grip security to be considered a "fighting folder". Obviously, it, and vitually any knife or anything, can be used as a weapon.
 
I have heard that most knife attacks are done with kitchen knives but then there's probably no fighting involved there.
 
If the folder has actually been (mis)used for the purpose in question, a good indicator that it's a "fighting folder" is that its owner is most likely either dead, being raped in a prison shower or a fugitive from the law. As knife aficionados, we really need to disabuse gullible wannabes and no-nothing kids of the idea that knives and "fighting" (i.e., using an edged weapon in an attempt to commit murder) somehow go together outside of prison stabbings, unusually stupid-vicious gang murders, movies and TV and rare-as-hen's-teeth military encounters.

As far as design features go, a "fighting folder" is whatever the company's marketing division can dream up to empty the pockets of adolescent boys of all ages.
 
Even though I agree with those who say it's irrelevant, or make fun of this question, I also like to fantasize about it sometimes (not the fighting, just what knife would be most effective).
  • A razor edge is important. If you do score a hit, better make it count.
  • Some range. Both for penetration and standoff.
  • Grip. You wanna minimize the risk of releasing the knife for whatever reason.
  • Solid lock. The knife closing on you is a nightmare at any time, but it can't get worse than during what must be a fight for your life.
  • Camo. Minimize your opponent's chance of seeing the knife coming... Ok, I'm joking here. :D But a stealth knife would be good! :cool:
Can't think of much else. It's all academic anyway, but fun. ;)
 
Rick said:
If the folder has actually been (mis)used for the purpose in question, a good indicator that it's a "fighting folder" is that its owner is most likely either dead, being raped in a prison shower or a fugitive from the law. As knife aficionados, we really need to disabuse gullible wannabes and no-nothing kids of the idea that knives and "fighting" (i.e., using an edged weapon in an attempt to commit murder) somehow go together outside of prison stabbings, unusually stupid-vicious gang murders, movies and TV and rare-as-hen's-teeth military encounters.

As far as design features go, a "fighting folder" is whatever the company's marketing division can dream up to empty the pockets of adolescent boys of all ages.
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Really? Used to commit murder is the only way "fighting knife" can be interpreted? Please...For some people firearms aren't a legal option for self defense, and while a knife is far from ideal, it's better then nothing.

-sh00ter
 
BeTheToad said:
I know nothing about fighting knives and hope to never be in a situation that I need to know anything about knife fighting (that's why I carry a gun after all), but I am curious as to what makes a folding knife a fighting knife.

Right now I have a Kabar Baconmaker folder in my pocket. Why isn't it a fighting knife? Is it the shape of the blade/grip? Is it the material? Or is it more the person holding it that makes it a fighting knife or not? Just curious.
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Any knife or screwdriver or pointy thing or sharp thing and whatnot can be used as a weapon.

In My Opinion, A folder can be a "fighting" knife in design. Like others have said it depends on blade shape, size, and handle shape. The Espada, Bedlam, and Darrel Ralph Custom above are good examples, along with different switch blades and stilettos.

I think the Baconmaker has a good blade shape for that type of purpose, but i wouldn't at all say it was a "fighter"
 
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