what knives are better?

[ian_glover]

fixed / sheath knife or a folder?

ive only used a fixed knife but i have a few folders id like to try out.

are there any benifits for either? does one have more uses?

i can imagine that a folder is easier to store in a pocket compared to a fixed blade. but i think a folder may snap closed when under pressure.

thoughts please.
thanks

 

[Stew]

You pretty much have the arguements right. Also add possible discomfort to the folder due to having the gap in the handle where the blade goes. Only a possible as it may not be an issue. Also, if it's a lock knife the chance of it closing are minimal but if it doesn't have a lock, the only time it'll likely close is if using the tip.

Try it out and see which you prefer.

 

[JonathanD]

For bushcraft, a fixed blade is certainly much better than a folder. Safer, stronger and no mechanism that attracts grit and grime.

 

[ged]

I much prefer a fixed blade for heavy duty tasks, a folder will always have weak points. But most of what I do needs nothing more than a folder, and excluding things like machetes I'd guess that I use a folder 95% and a fixed blade 5%. Almost all my folders lock. I rarely use one that doesn't, but I carry a tiny non-locking Victorinox folder in a leather belt pouch together with a lighter. I'd hate to be without the Victorinox because it has a pair of scissors as well as a lovely sharp little blade.

When I'm out and about I always carry a folder, and I almost never carry a fixed blade. If I'm going to the woods to work, I'll usually take more than one of both. For play, usually just a folder and a multi-tool.

If from all that you've deduced that I play in the woods more than I work, you'd be right.

 

[Highbinder]

Both have their place.

 

[brancho]

Both have their place.

I second this

 

[bushwacker bob]

Both have their place.

and both need to be sharp.

 

[Barn Owl]

My folder of the moment is an Eka 8.

BUT I usually have a sak and leatherman too as well as a fixed blade.

In town it's a sak farmer or explorer.

 

[forestwalker]

The folder is good for carrying everyday, for all those small tasks that come up, while the fixed blade knife is the real user, for when you expect to actually use the knife.

The folder is also good as a spare knife.

 

[rik_uk3]

Opinions vary, so as you already have both why not try both and write a review for the forum.