Why carry a fixed blade knife ?

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Wow, that little folder sure is awsome! I'll abet it is an absolute joy to carry.
 
I have no idea- but I got a ZT 0170 today and it just feels right.
 
I carry one to do this (folder in pic for size reference):



5160 steel for being nigh on indestructible. :)
 
marcinek said:
I have always hoped that someone would come up with an untested folding knife with a overly complicated locking mechanism that would, in computer models, stand up to lateral stresses as well as a fixed blade! I have lots of prying I need to do. :D

Why carry a fixed blade? Simple. Because it doesn't fold, and all folders fold.
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I love it when we debate things with nothing but anecdotal evidence and simulated data!
 
What exactly does everybody need a "prying" tool or knife for all the time? The only time i've ever needed a prying tool is during demolition... Or using a peavey for moving logs... lol I just don't see the point of a knife that can "pry"
 
olybears57 said:
What exactly does everybody need a "prying" tool or knife for all the time? The only time i've ever needed a prying tool is during demolition... Or using a peavey for moving logs... lol I just don't see the point of a knife that can "pry"
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The most I can see needing prying in everyday life is staples.
Beyond that, beats the hell out of me.
 
Reasons are the same as most others here.

As far as steel, I like 52100, L6, W2 and A2.
 
Any size is legal in my town and in certain circles it's less hassle to carry a fixed than a folder.
 
olybears57 said:
What exactly does everybody need a "prying" tool or knife for all the time? The only time i've ever needed a prying tool is during demolition... Or using a peavey for moving logs... lol I just don't see the point of a knife that can "pry"
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"Need" is entirely subjective. For example- I don't need a knife that can chop wood, but I don't scoff at people who buy knives with wood chopping in mind. Just because I don't need a knife to chop wood doesn't mean other people don't have that need, or that they can't reasonably fill that need with a knife. Personally, I would choose an axe or a hatchet to chop wood, but I can certainly understand if people want to carry a tool that can be used as a knife, and a hatchet. To each their own, with no judgement from me.

Some people also like to carry tools that they think they MIGHT need someday. Nothing wrong with that either. Personal choice and all. And sometimes being prepared for the unexpected really pays off.

I wonder how many people on this forum could easily go a day, or a week, or an entire year without NEEDING to carry a knife of any kind. I imagine a lot of people on this forum could get by just fine carrying a folding pair of scissors. But they choose to carry a knife, not because they NEED it, but because they MIGHT need it. Or for any other reason they might think of. Once again, to each their own. I for one would not question their reasons.

I carry a fixed-blade everyday. I have used it for prying on several occasions (5" blade, almost 1/4" thick, D2 steel). I've had jobs that required light prying (there's all different kinds of "prying"), and my fixed-blade proved to be the ideal tool because it served as both a cutting tool, a chisel, and a prying tool. I liked the fact that I could effectively accomplish a variety of tasks with one tool on my belt rather than having to carry a variety of tools that each had only one purpose.

I may never need to pry anything ever again with my fixed-blade, but I like knowing that it is capable of doing some prying if the need arises.
 
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Has anyone tried Bucorp Unimax for a field craft or camp chopper ? It's like H13 on steroids. Used for recycling steel and concrete(pdf).
 
grownstar said:
Strength, reliability, less working parts to clean out. You just throw it in your bag or pocket and you're good to go. I'm looking forward to reading other people's responses, as I have limited experience with carrying fixed blades.

Personally, I like 1095 and O1.
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You pretty much nailed it. That and I like fixed blades.

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Beckerhead #42
 
FFK said:
What are the reasons to carry a fixed blade knife ? What steel do you prefer ?
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I carry fixed blade knives because they don't fold. I carry folding knives, because they do.

I prefer stainless steels. I live by the ocean and when I started knife making i was working in my garage when we had a series of storms come through blowing the salt air in through my partially opened door. I could literally watch some carbon steels rust as I worked on them.

I mostly make culinary knives these days and a folding culinary knife is a good way to make yourself and anyone you cook for very sick or dead unless you dunk the whole folding in say, Alcohol or some other strong anti bacterial cleaner. I use all of the steels listed below.

440C, ATS-34, CPM-154 CPM-S30V CPM-S35VN CPM-D2 and a few out of 1080

Mike,
Why the sudden interest in fixed blade knives?
 
Lighter, cheaper, more comfortable, no compromise on blade to handle ratio.

And I make fixed blades. ... Only made one folder and I prefer my fixed blades.
 
FFK said:
Has anyone tried Bucorp Unimax for a field craft or camp chopper ? It's like H13 on steroids. Used for recycling steel and concrete(pdf).
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I assume you're refereeing to Uddeholm Unimax.

I have never seen it used in knife blades, but know it's used with some success in cold work tooling applications.

Having a Carbon content of only 0.5%, I don't know how well it would work at the high hardness/thin cross section seen in knife blades.




Big Mike
 
What about carrying a fixed blade just cause you like a fixed blade?
I sit full time so carrying in a pocket isn't great. Sure most of the folder with clips work fine but I just like fixed blades.

I usually carry a neck knife for the small daily task.
I carry this everyday on my left side. I call it my get off me knife if someone goes for my gun on the strong side.
I may never need to pry but I'm pretty sure I could remove a car door with this thing and it would beg for more.





I carry a folder once in a great while and there are some fine ones out there these days but I just like a fixed blade myself.
 
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