Why I Like Folders

Horn Dog

Horn Dog

Joined
Sep 9, 2005
Messages
4,363
This all seems so obvious and intuitive to me, I wonder why I am even posting this. But apparently, there are those who like to carry fixed blade knives for everyday use instead of folders. Why? What chores do you do with a knife that require the strength of a fixed blade? I use my folding knives to cut things. Rope, tape, wood, paper....even limes. Whatever needs cutting in daily ordinary life can be done with a good folder. And once folded, the knife is about half the length of a comparable fixed blade. Most pockets are only 5" to 7" deep. Hence....the Folding Pocket Knife!

Observe the HEST with it's 3" blade is about 7" long overall.

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Now observe the ZT0301, with nearly a 4" blade at 5" OL. Duh!

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And as an added bonus, the handle serves as the sheath, protecting the user from the sharp blade. Some even have handy pocket clips to keep the knives at the ready at the top of the pocket. Sheer genius.

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And you don't have to carry a heavy framelock like the ZT, there are many nice linerlocks and lockbacks that are light and easy carrying.

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Oh, some might say, but the folder is not strong enough to use as a weapon. If you had spend as much time in redneck bars as I have, you'd know that the venerable Buck 110 has carved many an unfortunate patron.

I like the HEST and the Izula II just fine for outdoor woods use. But for a knife to have on me at all times, the folder rules. Why do you think Jeff is so hell bent on making a ESEE-3 F folder? Just my opinion.
 
Horn Dog said:
But for a knife to have on me at all times, the folder rules. Why do you think Jeff is so hell bent on making a ESEE-3 F folder? Just my opinion.
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:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

You nailed it, HD. Absolutely nailed it. A folder is my "go to" blade since it is on me all the time. A folder has far, far more value to me than a fixed blade.
 
For me, carrying a fixed blade everyday and everywhere I go isn't as comfortable.

Again, that's only my opinion. :)

So I'm with you, Vic. Love my fixed blades for woods time, but I have to have a folder for everyday carry.

An ESEE folder would be very cool. :thumbup:
 
But when the zombies attack, you'll cut your fingers off when stabbing through the skull.:eek::D
 
Good God, Horn Dog, a Buck 110? My Grandpa and all his buddies use those things. You need to get with the times. This is, after all, 2011. Next thing you're gonna tell us that a 1911 is all that's needed in a pistol. The damn thing's a hundred years old!
 
Bro I hear ya loud and clear.. !! although I mostly carry my hest, I've destroyed to many pairs of pants that cost more then the knife:eek: so riding on my belt is nice..

really it depends I mean sometimes I even carry my old school 1970 puma slippy.. works great for basic chores, but I agree a folder excels in so many areas of EDLife .... my main folder choice is spyderco.. I just like them.. but you know I just picked up my first SOG FlashII and this thing has an awesome clip and conceals like mad !!! doesn't bother my pants at all..

I'm patiently awaiting the Laser Strike FOLDER :eek::eek: J/K...

btw, that zt is a beast !!
 
R.A.T. said:
:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

You nailed it, HD. Absolutely nailed it. A folder is my "go to" blade since it is on me all the time. A folder has far, far more value to me than a fixed blade.
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Plus, I have found that most fixed blades work great for what they're designed to do, but a folder has to be built just right to work well.

Again, based on personal preferences.

It has to carry well, and not get in the way (I carry my wallet in the same pocket, so it can't chew up my hand every time I get my wallet out.)

Can't be too small, or too large (I hate handles that are too short and I tried carrying a Vaquero Grande for a year and it's just too big in the pocket.)

A folder is a tricky thing to get right, which is probably why Jeff's been so focused on doing one himself... I'm assuming. :)
 
Joe Fowler said:
Plus, I have found that most fixed blades work great for what they're designed to do, but a folder has to be built just right to work well.

Again, based on personal preferences.

It has to carry well, and not get in the way (I carry my wallet in the same pocket, so it can't chew up my hand every time I get my wallet out.)

Can't be too small, or too large (I hate handles that are too short and I tried carrying a Vaquero Grande for a year and it's just too big in the pocket.)

A folder is a tricky thing to get right, which is probably why Jeff's been so focused on doing one himself... I'm assuming. :)
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Agreed, I just want to know what Jeff carry's.. I mean that time at the restaurant with the residue and all, never did find out what knife that was..

curious minds want to know::confused:
 
After going wild with fixed blades over the last few years, I'm now starting to get into folders. I also found even a small fixed not as convenient for EDC.
 
Im a fixed blade guy, havent owned a folder in at least 5 years. Fixed blades are for people who abuse there knives, like me. Ive broken many folders prying, battoning in a pinch at work. Since i switched to edcing a fixed blade i have had no failures since. Fixed blades are a does it all tool where folders really are good for the main purpose of a knife, cutting. It all comes down to how each individual uses his/her blade and the applications they use it for. Plus, if the shit ever hits the fan i'd rather have a fb on me than a folder for strength and reliability factor. Just my opinion and to each their own :-)
 
RJ79 said:
Im a fixed blade guy, havent owned a folder in at least 5 years. Fixed blades are for people who abuse there knives, like me. Ive broken many folders prying, battoning in a pinch at work. Since i switched to edcing a fixed blade i have had no failures since. Fixed blades are a does it all tool where folders really are good for the main purpose of a knife, cutting. It all comes down to how each individual uses his/her blade and the applications they use it for. Plus, if the shit ever hits the fan i'd rather have a fb on me than a folder for strength and reliability factor. Just my opinion and to each their own :-)
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Thanks for giving your reasons and experiences, RJ. I knew there had to be some reason some people only carried fixed blades. I guess I never had to use my knives that hard in the course of my daily jobs and such. Folders have always worked out fine for me, especially the little SAKs with the other tools on them.
 
RJ79 said:
Plus, if the shit ever hits the fan i'd rather have a fb on me than a folder for strength and reliability factor.
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If that happens, you need a new fan.
Or at least some potent cleaning products.
A knife's the wrong tool for that job.:)
 
Joe Fowler said:
A folder is a tricky thing to get right, which is probably why Jeff's been so focused on doing one himself... I'm assuming. :)
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After all the ups and downs of trying to do a folder and seeing good companies screw things up, we will not do a folder now unless Rowen builds it. Period. I compare Rowen to Chris Reeve when it comes to attention to detail and precision. I know when he does the ESEE-3 it will not have problems, and not need to be returned or recalled. It will either be right or it won't get shipped. We know Shon too well. Sometimes things just work out the right way even though we don't even realize it at the time.

As for what I'm carrying, it's a prototype of the ESEE-3 folder. Gianni did a good job on the protos of our design (Tom was a major part of the design). Anyway, Mike and I are carrying them to make sure we don't want any changes before Shon tools up to do this project. Once these come to market, everyone will be impressed. I can gurantee that.
 
R.A.T. said:
...Anyway, Mike and I are carrying them to make sure we don't want any changes before Shon tools up to do this project. Once these come to market, everyone will be impressed. I can gurantee that.
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I love hearing stuff like this. :thumbup: Patiently looking forward to it. :)
 
I learned it from my grandfather and my dad, but I always carry a slip joint on my front pocket. It's not tacticool but it cuts everything I need cut. I usually have a harness jack which has a substantial blade and a punch which comes in handy a lot more than one would think.

I owned one of those ZT monsters for a day. Damn thing kept pulling my pants down.
 
R.A.T. said:
After all the ups and downs of trying to do a folder and seeing good companies screw things up, we will not do a folder now unless Rowen builds it. Period. I compare Rowen to Chris Reeve when it comes to attention to detail and precision. I know when he does the ESEE-3 it will not have problems, and not need to be returned or recalled. It will either be right or it won't get shipped. We know Shon too well. Sometimes things just work out the right way even though we don't even realize it at the time.

As for what I'm carrying, it's a prototype of the ESEE-3 folder. Gianni did a good job on the protos of our design (Tom was a major part of the design). Anyway, Mike and I are carrying them to make sure we don't want any changes before Shon tools up to do this project. Once these come to market, everyone will be impressed. I can gurantee that.
Click to expand...

It will be worth the wait for us folder carriers and users. Stay on it, Jeff. A good folder and a machete and you really have all you need in cutting tools for just about anywhere.
 
My fill size crkt m21 makes a pretty mean folder, it's got the autolawks and I'd bet my life on it being pretty dam hard to break the locking mechanism.
 
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