Who likes small fixed blades? I do :)

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JWright214 said:
I’ve seen you bring this question up several times in other threads, so, I’ll do my best to answer with MY reasons why.

Because…

Why not? What’s wrong with carrying a non folding knife?

Not everyone’s needs, desires, and preferences are the same.

I like them better than folders.

Easy access with either hand.

Easier to clean after gross jobs.

Less moving parts to failure/break/malfunction.

Custom fixed blades with dialed in heat treatments and better overall performance can be had cheaper than a lot of production folders. Generally speaking, fixed blades are cheaper than folders when comparing similar quality and materials used.

They are not uncomfortable to carry if you choose a reasonable size and carry method.

I do not care about the opinions of others that may think it’s awkward, weird, scary, or unnecessary to carry a fixed blade. I spent most of my adult life working in law enforcement, I am thick skinned, and I am used to people looking at me in a negative manner.

My fixed blades are carried in addition to a folder (that does the majority of cutting day to day) and mainly serves as a backup or for rough/dirty jobs.

Because I can.

I think part of the problem is this public misconception, or misguided assumption, that fixed blades are weapons. They are tools, first and foremost. Of course they could be used as a weapon, just as a hammer could be used as such.

Last, but definitely not least, I am one of those folks you mentioned that carries a pistol daily as well. I’ve carried a pistol daily for over 20 years and there is an adjustment period and a bit of experimentation that goes along with it. But it can be done comfortably if you choose the right method for you. Hopefully, this will help you get a better understanding of it.
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UMmmm . . .if it works for you, well OK.

I am open to the idea of other folks dealing with a short sheath knife. The images in this thred of belt-worn short knives in the context of Ranch work (horses, cattle, etc) are pretty explanatory. Other images I have seen in YouTube videos that extol the utility the EDC of a fixed blade show handles sticking out of a pocket or some neck-rigged sheath . . .which looks uncomfortable to me. It seems to me (and it seems that I am wrong) that there is a trade-off in the characteristics fixed blade and a folder as the sizes go up and down.

I have a folding dagger, a "Cuda Maxx", that has a 5 1/2 inch blade. Looks great and flips open if you just think about it. When open, it is as formidable as any fixed blade dagger of that size. In need, I would rather have that than an AG Russel "Sting". But the thought of carrying it in a pocket is ludicrous. I avoid going where I'd need either. Please lets ignore the fact that this is a dedicated weapon and not a daily use utility knife. I feel the trade-offs are the same for knives with real world everyday utility., both folder and fixed.

In my mind, and others do think differently, a plot of the utility advantage of a fixed blade over a folder asymptote towards zero as the size of the knives gets smaller. Others have found this not to be the case for them . . .that's fine.
 
VorpelSword said:
UMmmm . . .if it works for you, well OK.

I am open to the idea of other folks dealing with a short sheath knife. The images in this thred of belt-worn short knives in the context of Ranch work (horses, cattle, etc) are pretty explanatory. Other images I have seen in YouTube videos that extol the utility the EDC of a fixed blade show handles sticking out of a pocket or some neck-rigged sheath . . .which looks uncomfortable to me. It seems to me (and it seems that I am wrong) that there is a trade-off in the characteristics fixed blade and a folder as the sizes go up and down.

I have a folding dagger, a "Cuda Maxx", that has a 5 1/2 inch blade. Looks great and flips open if you just think about it. When open, it is as formidable as any fixed blade dagger of that size. In need, I would rather have that than an AG Russel "Sting". But the thought of carrying it in a pocket is ludicrous. I avoid going where I'd need either. Please lets ignore the fact that this is a dedicated weapon and not a daily use utility knife. I feel the trade-offs are the same for knives with real world everyday utility., both folder and fixed.

In my mind, and others do think differently, a plot of the utility advantage of a fixed blade over a folder asymptote towards zero as the size of the knives gets smaller. Others have found this not to be the case for them . . .that's fine.
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Buy and carry what you like, simple as that.
 
Well for me there are three main uses for knives. Food, general utility, self defense/any other emergency. The latter I usually just shorten to SD/ER.

My SD/ER knives are dedicated use only - always as new sharp. Always ready. I always carry a utility knife for any other task. For SD/ER a fixed blade makes perfect sense to me - in any SD/ER need it can be instantly used, in a blink. I do have some folding SD/ER knives but prefer a fixed for no fumble speed, effect and strength. I am quite happy with a utility knife anywhere between about 2 1/2 to about 5 inches fixed blade - or folder - and have no qualms about wearing a fixed blade of any size on the belt openly, under a hanging shirt, or in a pocket. I often see people wearing belt knives fixed and folders. In some families I know even the teenage boys wear fixed belt knives regularly.

Carried this one in a pocket today going to Whole Foods who prohibit pistol carry, along with a utility folder. Met a guy and his lady in there not too long ago that was wearing a Fairbairn Sykes WW2-type dagger openly on his belt and had a short pleasant chat with him.....

IMG_20250614_141546624.jpgIMG_20250614_161154574_HDR~2.jpg
 
R
PZip: Nice!

But the tanto is not really a" small" knife. It is the size I would carry if I regularly did wear a SD blade.

And in a way you validate my view that a larger fixed blade makes more sense if one feels the need for a knife larger than a pocketable folder. T. I just feel that the converse of that statement is also true. The guy with the openly worn F/S dagger also validates this relationship between sheath knives and folders as the size of the blade goes up or down.

In the end, it does come down to doing what works for you.
 
I carry a short fixed blade in a Crossdraw sheath on the regular...and I work in an office environment. I prefer small fixies (3.25inc blade and smaller) over a large folder. No mechanism or pivot to foul, no need to worry about lint buildup, or lock failure (liner locks have failed on me before). I do still carry folding knives as well.

This is the one on my belt daily. Blade is 3 inches.

ZAqSGdj.jpeg
 
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