Would you go fixed-only if legal/social issues disappeared?

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wutitiz

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Mar 5, 2008
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I recall once reading a knifemaker who questioned the need for any folding knives. He had a point; fixed blades are inherently much stronger, safer to use, and faster. They usually have more ergonomic handles, and a better handle to blade ratio. Their inherent simplicity also should mean easier production, and better price/performance ratio.

The only advantage for the folder is ease and safety of carry.

I cannot legally carry a fixed blade, and sheeple seem to view even a small fixed blade as something only an assassin or serial killer would carry. I love the clickety-clack that a smooth-opening folder makes. However, I have to conclude that if legal and social considerations disappeared I would edc a fixed blade only, and get probably rid of every last folder that I own. Would you dispense with folding knives if you could?

edit: one other advantage of folders that I meant to mention is the possibilty of multiple blades, although ironically most folders sold these days have only one blade.
 
I would never get rid of all my folders.I would definately alway's carry a fixed blade,if such an unlikely scenario were to arise.
 
My situation is the total opposide. Law on folders is blurry, laws on fb are much clearer.

Yes folders are easier to carry, and I recall that my sister saw the sheath of my CRKT Plan B and said: "You really are carrying THAT?"

To her, that small FB looked bigger than my Camillus Heat, even if the blade was smaller.

Dunno, sheeples are weird. Maybe a FB looks more concealed than a folder clipped in the pocket.

I still carry more folders, but only because I have more folders that fit as EDC.
 
I wouldn't get rid of any folders because ease and comfort of carry is very important to me. If I could I would probably carry a bowie around from time to time.
 
At one time, I probably would have carried a fixed blade for daily carry if legal.

But, since I started carrying approximately 4 inch bladed folders, I'm not so sure.

A equal blade length fixed blade knife sure would get in the way more due to overall length. Then, too, there really are some pretty well made, readily available locking folders now.

I'd probably stick with the folders. Just more discrete and convenient to carry.
 
Maybe in some settings a machete and fixed blade knives would be appropriate, but in every other circumstance in life I have been well served with one or another folder. Even if there were no legal or social considerations, I prefer to keep my EDC convenient and discrete.
 
I can carry a fixed blade in my state but seldom do as they aren't as convenient to carry, or at least they aren't for me. For a sheath knife to be comfortably positioned it needs to be on one of your hips, placed so it doesn't poke when sitting and doesn't hinder pocket access. Those spots on my belt are occupied with holsters, adding anything else to the belt would just serve to make things way too cluttered.

As far as upsetting people, I must live in a much different country than most of you, people here don't really bat an eye at a knife unless it is really outrageous or you try to show off with it like flipping around a balisong. Of course Indiana has approximately 300,000 CCWs currently issued so about 20% of the population can carry a concealed handgun so knives seldom raise an eyebrow,
 
wutitiz said:
I recall once reading a knifemaker who questioned the need for any folding knives. He had a point; fixed blades are inherently much stronger, safer to use, and faster. They usually have more ergonomic handles, and a better handle to blade ratio. Their inherent simplicity also should mean easier production, and better price/performance ratio.

The only advantage for the folder is ease and safety of carry.

I cannot legally carry a fixed blade, and sheeple seem to view even a small fixed blade as something only an assassin or serial killer would carry. I love the clickety-clack that a smooth-opening folder makes. However, I have to conclude that if legal and social considerations disappeared I would edc a fixed blade only, and get probably rid of every last folder that I own. Would you dispense with folding knives if you could?
Click to expand...

Wutitiz: You must have an ordance in Bellvue. I have checked the state laws and they do not even address the carrying of a fixed blade unless it is used in a crime. Checking with my local leo's(at least 3 or 4 different ones) and I am told I can carry a fixed blade as long as I am not TRYING to conceal it. One of the leo's said I could carry a machete or sword if I wanted and he knows of no state law against it.
I carry at least one (usually more) fixed blade EDC and have not had any hassels from the leo's yet.

Ciao
Ron :thumbup:
 
I carry a fixed blade on me most of the time anyways. If the sheeple factor was subtracted, I would carry a fixed blade all the time. Folders would still have a place, as they are good for a backup.
 
I'm a firearms instructor.
I personally believe if you carry a handgun you should have at a minimum a small fixed blade weak side for weapon retention purpose.

If someone is trying to snatch your gun, a folder is too fine a motor skill for most to deploy successfully under that kind of stress.

A small fixed blade in a kydex sheath or old style gambler bowie with leather belt stud sheath is just as easy to carry as a folder if you are already wearing a cover garment because of handgun carry.
Way faster,stronger, with less to go wrong.

During high stress you lose about 90% of fine motor skills.
For the majority of people the way to go is fixed blades and handguns without external safeties.
 
During my 8 hours of work a day at the Post Office.....its a folder(2) , unseen untill needed , there are 2 folder used daily .
but its a diff story when i'm off the clock !
I stll carry a small folder (KaBar Thorn) but the larger folder is replaced with a small fixed blade set up for pocket carry , a Dawson pocket ATS34 , I guess if I could carry a larger fixed blade with out Spooking the masses ...I would...and it would be about the size of a 3/4 ka-Bar.......I may have to check the local laws on the small fixed blade..but with approx a 3" blade i belive I'm good , even in the PR Kalif....
 
InfidelShootist said:
I'm a firearms instructor.
I personally believe if you carry a handgun you should have at a minimum a small fixed blade weak side for weapon retention purpose.

If someone is trying to snatch your gun, a folder is too fine a motor skill for most to deploy successfully under that kind of stress.

A small fixed blade in a kydex sheath or old style gambler bowie with leather belt stud sheath is just as easy to carry as a folder if you are already wearing a cover garment because of handgun carry.
Way faster,stronger, with less to go wrong.

During high stress you lose about 90% of fine motor skills.
For the majority of people the way to go is fixed blades and handguns without external safeties.
Click to expand...

I believe if you have the need to carry a handgun then you have the need to carry a BUG as well...lol. It is very seldom I don't carry 2 BUGs when I leave the house.
 
I use my knife as a tool. I often use it to perform fine cutting and trimming operations. A small blade such as is commonly found on a folding knife works better than the larger blades found on fixed blades.

I would keep my pocket knives.
 
I really don't care for fixed blades unless I'm in the woods, camping, fishing, hiking etc. My folders are much more comfortable to carry (clipping into a pocket as opposed to strapping to my belt), and, believe it or not, my folders feel more comfortable, more ergonomic to me. I'd keep the folders.

An interesting thing to think about, tho Wut - thanks for the topic.
 
For 99% of my daily needs, a fixed blade offers no advantage, and some disadvantage. So for me, the self sheathing knife (aka folding knife) is better suited for me.
 
I would keep my folders for sure since they are easy and comfortable to carry.

That being said - if the OP's scenario was to come true I would always carry a FB and Folder.

My Graham Bros spearpoint would be perfect to EDC. Damn Sheeple, Damn Laws....
 
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