Posted: 11/27/2005 5:54:12 PM EDT
| I have always had knives that were folders. I like how you really didnt need a scabbard and you could just drop them into your pocket. Recently I purchased some Gerber clip knives and they have solid handles. I am actually starting to like them better. The handles are thinner and the cutting seems much more controlable. |
The big advantage of tanto blades are they have very strong tips, for puncturing tin barrels and tires. |
Tires? 
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It's against the law.
I have no problems with my folder. I have, in fact, been with friends and been able to grab, deploy, use, fold and return my knife to my pocket before anyone really noticed I was doing something. Granted, that's no great accomplishment with some of thee people, but it does speak volumes about what can be done with a folder. That said, it's still not going to be as fast as a fixed-blade. Also of note, for uses of an "interpersonal" nature, most folders are not long enough to do the required job. Sure, you can slash with them, but slashes cause bleeding, penetration of organs is what we are after, and I have yet to see a folding-blade do this well. |
I carry the 5.5" Cold steel Voyager. It would poke a good hole in a body. 
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I've carried a folder for years, since I was always in a suit. My new line of work will be jeans or casual slacks (no more suits), and so I may go to a fixed blade. Even in a suit, I've carried a fixed blade from time to time, but to do so effectively usually means a change of the factory issued sheaths. Most of the fixed blades I like come with sheaths designed more for flight vests or load bearing vests than regular concealed street carry. Getting a different sheath made for EDC isn't such a big deal, but it does require some experimentation. I'm already carrying a 1911 plus a spare mag and often a flashlight, so it can be a bit of a challenge. I really like the SOG SEAL Pup, and used to have a good concealment sheath for it, but need to get a replacement. I think my favorite fixed blade to EDC however, would be an Emerson PUK, preferably with a plain edge. I used to carry one, but sold it a few months ago and would like to get another. Until I make that change, I'll be sticking with the folder I've carried for the past few years, a Mission MPF A2. And in my case, plain edge. With a 4" blade and a framelock, this knife pretty well turns into a fixed blade with a firm grip. It's made of titanium, so the weight isn't much, and it's profile is nice and flat. I'm a big fan of Mission Knives. 
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I've been tempted to get a Cold Steel Vaquero, big assed folder to be sure but carrying the thing would be a pain in the ass. My favorite general purpose folder is by far the CRKT M16 and M21 folders with aluminum scales. I like them so much I have 5 of them total, 3 smaller ones for putting into packs or with small carry pouches and 2 larger ones of which one I carry and the other stays in my truck full time. Have plenty of fixed blades as well, but for general utility the folders are best. |
Good point about the length. I imagine deploying a knife in support of your point of view would be really difficult if you're, um, grappling. I have almost zero confidence in my ability to do so with a folder while wrestling because of the very unstable and un-secure hold you have on it while flicking it open. Ever notice how little your grip is in that moment when you find the thumb stud and move it open. You have to hang on to the edges go get the blade past the fingers- it's an open hand grip and looks/feels pretty unsure. Better, obviously, to get it open before you need it but that's not always going to be possible. Still, I'd rather have the folder with me then the fixed blade at home... and it always is. |
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For me, a folder is the way to go. I carry a SOG Flash II. I don't intend on using it as a weapon, it's just a tool. It does everything I need it to, and it's compact. The assisted opening makes it a breeze to open one handed. It's not too often that I find myself "wanting". Daily carry items for me include a Gerber multi-tool, a sweet little aluminum LED flashlight from Cabellas, my SOG, and a SA1911. I find that I'm pretty well covered, short of carying my tool chest with me everywhere I go. For me, a fixed blade is just too large and cumbersome for everyday carry. My little folder has served me well. As always, YMMV. |
Real sure. I'd direct you to the Bernard Levine's website. Levine is widely acknowledged as the knife law expert.
Note that there is no distinction between a fixed blade or folder. If you have time, go the the State of Texas DPS website and look up the Concealed Carry statutes that are for handguns, but will also define what constitutes a legal and illegal "weapon." It's in PDF format, and is on p.32. You may want to print a copy to show that misinformed LEO.  |
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A year ago my everyday stuff was always a folder. Now, it is sometimes mixed but I am slowly selling off most of my folders just to get them gone since I prefer the fixed blades. I have a cheap fixed blade for everyday stuff. I am thinking about a more defined fixed blade for defense but my cheapy should be better than nothing for right now. I went to that site about the knife laws and got a headache reading the ohio section. Does anyone have the cliff's notes version by chance? I mostly got my headache from the ccw mentions and had to wonder about carrying a deadly ordinance being bad but only carrying a gun that was a deadly ordinance and overall lawyer speak is evil and should be outlawed. |
Kershaw speed-safe... best knife on the market for a great $$$ |
I know a guy who teaches knife fighting (and other stuff) he claims that even well trained guys cannot deploy a folder fast enough to handle a trained opponent. The knives I have seen him carry are not particularly long bladed and he teaches a stabbing/penetrating style of fighting. |
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What do you want to do with it ? If you want a daily carry, cut boxes and shit... Get a folder. If you want a defensive knife, get a fixed. If you want a hunting/survival knife, get a fixed. If I can't carry a pistol, I carry a fixed 4" in an IWB sheath. ETA: Get trainning for the knife too... |
I can believe it, as far as the speed thing goes. I would like to hear his reasoning behind using relatively short-bladed knives. I'm place no doubt that if he teaches it, then he knows a great deal more than I do. |
Well I don't know about the "can't deloy a folder fast enough" part. The way I look at it from the defense end is..... Your defense knife should be the knife you can carry every day, Fixed blade knives are of course stronger than folder. But can you carry a fixed blade everyday? can you use the fixed at work?... |
+1.......but like I said your defense knife must be the same blade you handle every day. |
| I personally carry folders all the time....and I mean all the time. One thing you can count on with me is I always have a knife. That is why I'm a big fan of the folder because I can carry it everywhere....yes if you and I are sitting by the pool drinking a beer.......I will have a knife on me. Also I draw it like I'm going to use it...smooth draw and it's open [use to scare the crap out of my co workers] and that is the secret to quick deployment of a folder....muscule memory. Between work use and just drawing it because I'm bored, I deploy my knife about hundred times a day. |
I'm not sure you have that correct. As far as I know, it's only illegal to carry a fixed blade knife with a blade longer than 5.5", but correct me if I've got that wrong. |
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Texas Concealed Handgun Laws and selected statutes Go to p.32 in this PDF. Carry a fixed blade in Texas? As long as it doesn't exceed 5 1/2", please do!
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Darned if I know, he spent a couple of minutes showing us some stuff at a gun class. He holds the knife in a reverse grip and stands in a sort of closed in boxing stance and starts poking with it very fast numerous times. There may be some pattern or method to how he does it, he looks like almost like a sewing machine when he goes at it. Interesting stuff, too bad it is not more commonly taught. |
That's what I have, with the serrated edge. |
