Why don't I like folders?

redbeardrob

redbeardrob

Joined
May 25, 2011
Messages
855
I feel like there is something wrong with me because nothing about folders is appealing to me.:eek: I know some of you are going to call this blasphemy and for those of you that keep folders close to your heart allow me to apologize in advance. I have been a steady collector (and user) for a little while and I have nothing but fixed blades and ONE leatherman tti which I feel is the only folding multitool I will ever need. Does anybody else feel this way or am I all alone here? :confused: Perhaps I just need some folder porn therapy...
 
I'm in the same boat as you. I have a friend who prefers folders and, every time I show him my knives, he comments on how I'm more of a traditionalist. (His own words. Not some official knife dictionary definition of what traditional is.) I like the the finger guard, the bolster, pommels, which, in my humble experience, are more commonly found in fixed blades. And I like that it doesn't have moving parts. Maybe I like that it's less convenient, too--what's cooler, to build a fire with sticks or with a match? to make a cake from scratch or to buy boxed cake mixes? Maybe you just like the traditional aesthetic more, too.
 
Is there an underlying issue you have with folders (like they'll close on your fingers)?

What type/style of fixed blades do you prefer?

There's nothing wrong with having love for fixed blades.
 
Everybody has their preferences. I personally like folders more than fixed blades because I can actually carry them on me whenever I want. The fixed blades only get carried/used when I'm hiking or camping. Who knows maybe later folds will grow on you.
 
You're definitely not alone (although I'm not one of the crowd that goes for FB only). There are quite a few folks here that have nothing to do with folders. In my case, folders are a compromise rather than a preferred first choice in my knife purchase and carry. I really like carrying FBs, both small and medium sized, and do much of the time. There are times, however, when a FB doesn't give me all the size I need (usually blade length) or concealability in the environment where I find myself and a folder is a better choice. Even with pocket sheaths and <7" FBs, I still find occasions when a folder will disappear better and allow me to do the slicing or cutting that I need to be better than a short FB will.

If you can carry a FB that works for you where you are, more power to ya. That's just what I'd do if I lived in a more reasonable environment. I'm a firm believer that "simpler is most always better" and there's no simpler cutting tool than a good FB.
 
redbeardrob said:
I feel like there is something wrong with me because nothing about folders is appealing to me.:eek: I know some of you are going to call this blasphemy and for those of you that keep folders close to your heart allow me to apologize in advance. I have been a steady collector (and user) for a little while and I have nothing but fixed blades and ONE leatherman tti which I feel is the only folding multitool I will ever need. Does anybody else feel this way or am I all alone here? :confused: Perhaps I just need some folder porn therapy...
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Many folks like folders because they can be less obtrusive and more convenient to carry than fixed-blades, but I have seen some very classy looking fixed-blades out there with very subtle and tasteful belt or pocket-carry sheaths that sort of make this argument moot. Nothing wrong with being a fixed-blade kind of guy. Me, I like my folders, but I can certainly see your point of view...

Why are you trying to like folders? Do you see a need for one? If not, stick with what you like best! :thumbup:
 
jimnolimit said:
Is there an underlying issue you have with folders (like they'll close on your fingers)?

What type/style of fixed blades do you prefer?

There's nothing wrong with having love for fixed blades.
Click to expand...

I don't have an issue with folders. I suppose I just don't see as much aesthetic appeal, and they just seem delicate to me (moving parts vs. full tang solid steel). Maybe it is somewhat of a traditionalist viewpoint because folders do have somewhat of a "contemporary" feel to them. My first knife was a typical rambo style survival knife with waterproof matches and fishing line stuffed into the handle and a compass for a buttcap (given to me by my grandfather when I was 4). Since then I have always loved fixed blades.
 
timberweasel said:
Many folks like folders because they can be less obtrusive and more convenient to carry than fixed-blades, but I have seen some very classy looking fixed-blades out there with very subtle and tasteful belt or pocket-carry sheaths that sort of make this argument moot. Nothing wrong with being a fixed-blade kind of guy. Me, I like my folders, but I can certainly see your point of view...

Why are you trying to like folders? Do you see a need for one? If not, stick with what you like best! :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Well it is refreshing to know that I am not the only one on here. I don't know that I'm trying to like folders but I am certainly trying to gain fresh perspective. I don't see much of a need for one with my leatherman because I'm pretty sure that thing will outlive me. I guess I'm just trying to understand what everyone loves about folders and I would love to see some pictures posted to possibly broaden my horizons.
 
dalefuller said:
You're definitely not alone (although I'm not one of the crowd that goes for FB only). There are quite a few folks here that have nothing to do with folders. In my case, folders are a compromise rather than a preferred first choice in my knife purchase and carry. I really like carrying FBs, both small and medium sized, and do much of the time. There are times, however, when a FB doesn't give me all the size I need (usually blade length) or concealability in the environment where I find myself and a folder is a better choice. Even with pocket sheaths and <7" FBs, I still find occasions when a folder will disappear better and allow me to do the slicing or cutting that I need to be better than a short FB will.

If you can carry a FB that works for you where you are, more power to ya. That's just what I'd do if I lived in a more reasonable environment. I'm a firm believer that "simpler is most always better" and there's no simpler cutting tool than a good FB.
Click to expand...

Okay I could see how concealability would be a desirable factor. But I generally don't have an EDC anyway so I guess that's probably why I haven't ventured down that road because where I live does not permit it. My only knife usage comes out of wilderness ventures while camping/hiking/backpacking/fishing.
 
redbeardrob said:
Well it is refreshing to know that I am not the only one on here. I don't know that I'm trying to like folders but I am certainly trying to gain fresh perspective. I don't see much of a need for one with my leatherman because I'm pretty sure that thing will outlive me. I guess I'm just trying to understand what everyone loves about folders and I would love to see some pictures posted to possibly broaden my horizons.
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A lot of fixed-blade guys tend to gravitate towards traditional style folders... have a look at the traditional forum on this site. Plenty of nice knives and great photos! You may see something you like...

Edit: here's a group shot of my most carried folders...

pockethogs01.jpg
 
I enjoy folders for a couple of reasons, for me I find them easier to carry as others have mentioned, but I also find them aesthetically appealing (when done right). I also enjoy knives with unique or especially well designed locks and deployment options. In my opinion there is an ingenuity to a well designed folder that I don't often see in fixed blades. Just my opinion
 
Its a balancing act of competing attributes. I'd rather carry a Remington 870 fed with buckshot, but it won't fit in my pocket so I'm carrying a Ruger SP-101 357 mag. Most of us carry folders because size, convenience and stealth supplants everything else.
 
redbeardrob said:
Why don't I like folders?
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Cuz they come already broken in half?

I dunno, I was in a phase where I didn't like folders. Now I wouldn't dream of giving up my Spyderco. I've found that folders are generally better slicers then a comparible fixed blade and make the most sense for me as an EDC. I use my Military for practically everything except chopping herbs in the kitchen and wood in the woods. You just can't beat a good chefs knife or hatchet.
 
Josh Carrasquillo said:
I enjoy folders for a couple of reasons, for me I find them easier to carry as others have mentioned, but I also find them aesthetically appealing (when done right). I also enjoy knives with unique or especially well designed locks and deployment options. In my opinion there is an ingenuity to a well designed folder that I don't often see in fixed blades. Just my opinion
Click to expand...


+1 ^

I like a good fixed blade just as well as the next guy/gal. But I have to agree with you, I have a true appreciation for a well designed, well built folder. I mean after all, look at the ZT200- Simple, durable, and beautiful, (Well, if you like your knives with some junk in the trunk) :D
 
I like folders because there's a much better variety of them. You don't have as many options with steels and designs with fixed blades, especially at the lower price ranges. It would be nice to see some more entries into the market, but apparently the demand isn't sufficient. Plus, they're fun to play with when you're bored. And of course, folders are easier to conceal, which is a plus if you live in an area where most people know nothing about knives (and are therefore irrationally opposed to them).
 
redbeardrob said:
I don't have an issue with folders. I suppose I just don't see as much aesthetic appeal, and they just seem delicate to me (moving parts vs. full tang solid steel). Maybe it is somewhat of a traditionalist viewpoint because folders do have somewhat of a "contemporary" feel to them. My first knife was a typical rambo style survival knife with waterproof matches and fishing line stuffed into the handle and a compass for a buttcap (given to me by my grandfather when I was 4). Since then I have always loved fixed blades.
Click to expand...

Folder come in all shapes, styles and sizes. Some folders are delicate, some are built like tanks. I personally own more folders than fixed blades because I EDC knives. Like I said before, nothing wrong with having love for fixed blades. Keep an eye out for more traditional style folders (example: opinel, svord, case), you just might find something you like.
 
I don't mind them but my main use is usually fixed. The most I've spent on a folder is $80 and that's almost too much afaic. I'm not about to spend 10 times that much on a knife I might lose and/or gives marginally better performance. A $50-$80 folder cuts stuff just as good as a $500 Sebenza and usually isn't some super-steel I have to spend hours to sharpen.
 
Shotgun said:
Cuz they come already broken in half?

I dunno, I was in a phase where I didn't like folders. Now I wouldn't dream of giving up my Spyderco. I've found that folders are generally better slicers then a comparible fixed blade and make the most sense for me as an EDC. I use my Military for practically everything except chopping herbs in the kitchen and wood in the woods. You just can't beat a good chefs knife or hatchet.
Click to expand...

That's what I'm afraid of haha.
 
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