Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades Fixed vs Folding Blade

OK..I am new at this. However, I wanted to know if there was a real advantage between a fixed vs folding blade hunting knife, or if it was just a matter of personal preference?

Greg

I think it is personal. I use both but prefer the fixed. Heck of a lot easier to clean up.

joes

I've never found a folding knife to have the same feel and balance of a fixed blade. I'd also agree to the clean up issue, it's bad enough getting pocket lint in a folder, blood guts and grunge is a nightmare to remove.

This is my take on fixed vs folder. For a knife that will be carried alot, and used seldom, a folder is it. For a knife that will be used extensively, fixed are always best.

The fixed blade won't accidently close on your fingers when you're miles from the truck. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> The locks on locking folders can, and do, fail, .... some sooner than others.

Some consider the folders to be safer to carry, and that may well be true if the fixed blade doesn't have a very good, sturdy sheath, ... especially if worn on the belt, rather than tucked away in a pack.

In an emergency, a good fixed blade can be batonned across the spine to quickly cut poles for a shelter, or to split wood to get at some dry kindling for a fire.

You can confidently pound on the pommel of many fixed blades to break through a sternum, sever a joint, split a sapling lengthwise, etc., etc..

I almost always carry a Swiss Army Knife of some kind (with wood saw) in addition to a fixed blade when hunting. They are too useful to leave at home, but I rely on a fixed blade to handle the tougher chores reliably and safely.

I've used both, but long ago decided that a good semi-drop point fixed blade knife with a blade between 3" and 4", worked best for me. I've used mine on elk, deer, antelope, Black bear, fish, etc. As said above, it's a lot easier to clean up a fixed blade than a folder.

As for a folder being less dangerous than a fixed blade, regarding falling on the sheathed knife and having the blade penetrate the sheath and then the person.... I've never had it happen to me, nor have I ever met anyone to whom it happened. I've taken some pretty good falls over the years, too. If it has happened, I'd bet it is about as rare as being struck by lightning in the Sahara Desert.

I alway carry my old Camillus Stockman three bladed folder, but that is for fine work, if I need to cape around the ears, eyes, nose, lips, of an animal's head I want to have mounted.

JMO. L.W.

It's been 'way too long since I was afield in these parts, but in the old days, dudes always showed-up out here with fixed-blade sheath knives (always long), and all the guides and local hunters carried Buck folders. Me? Both. And a saw (Knapp). And a hatchet (Estwing). I still have the grand old Ruana that I've carried since 1955 as well as some fancier ones that I've acquired since. Sadly, I've let my old original Bo Randall custom special and a few of my T J Yanceys get away from me. (sigh)

Both, if I'm going somewhere.

I prefer a 6" fixed skinner overall. But, I grew up in the meat industry using 6" boning, 8 and 10" breakers. And I know a lot of people view guys carrying a long knifes as rookies. A long knife is an asset if you know how to use it--and if you don't, it isn't much fun watching your own blood spurting up out of a deep cut.

Leanwolf's is a good recommendation and no flies on a folder.

My vote also goes to fixed, for all the above stated reasons. The danger of the fixed in a sheath is aborted if the knife is worn "only" behind the hip where it should be. Wearing a knife in front of the hip may allow the knife to be pushed thru the bottom of the sheath, into the leg, in the event of a fall.
I find many sheaths are poorly designed, allowing the knife to swing about. A proper sheath should hold the fixed blade knife snug against the body, with a slight froward cant, with at least part of the handle above the top of the belt.
If one is carrying a pack, where the knife would cause discomfort, it should be removed and carried in the pack, not moved around to the front of the body. JMTC

My fixed blade skinners stay in my pack, my field knife (puma folder) field dressing, etc. sits in a factory supplied chamois puoch that is hung from a lanyard and goes nicely in my shirt pocket.
All other chores are given to a Russel belt knife or a
Gerber Multi plier.
Catnthehat

I view a folder as a Novelty Act and a fixed blade as a TOOL.

I have lotsa both,by most Makers,but dat's my conclusion.

A folder is never without sacrifice................

what is the knife going to be used for? seems that was never stated. a fixed blade looks awful funny if one is in church and need to cut a thread from one's pants cuff. a mother of pearl 2 inch folder looks awful funny in a knife fight. There is no perfect knife. I have close two hundred around this place, many customs, a Randall, and folders going in excess of $300 bucks a pop. Like many of the above I use different blades depending on the job at hand. Usally at least three accompany me on my daily chores around the farm. the fixed blades look foolish when i go to town so a folder goes with me. define the job, then pick the tool that fits.

NARPI,
Your post makes a lot of sense, but "greg0320" did state that it would be used for hunting. He didn't say what he was hunting, though, and that sometimes determines what I carry, personally.

When hunting small game close to home, I may only carry a couple of pocket knives, .... usually a muskrat or trapper pattern slippy, along with the compulsory S.A.K. (with saw).
A small fixed blade might do just as well, or maybe better, for the small field dressing chores, but the pocket knives perform just fine for me in that situation, and I enjoy using them.

For bigger game, I much prefer a fixed blade as my primary knife, for its added safety, comfort, ease of use and easier clean-up. I also consider the fixed blade a "must have" when in the back country, whether hunting, fishing, or just farting around, mainly because of its rugged reliability, but also for the quick, one-hand deployment capability.

Walker, you are so correct. As a part-time dealer in knives, I have seen many folks purchase these items because of how they look and not how they work.

Also as an old-f***, i have spent over 50 years around hunting camps and hunting folks. I have seen more game cleaned with a Trapper pattern than any other blade (that covers fish to deer). It is also my all time favorite for most uses. Yes, I too love fixed blades, especially some of the customs that are around. However, with the new materials and steels that are going into customs they are just as rugged as most fixed blades. Try an Emerson, virtually indestructable.

Yes I still strap a fixed blade on when out and about but always have the folders available.

Fixed blades are better to use and easier to clean.
Folders are easier to carry and harder to clean.

A good fixed blade is cheaper than a good folder.

A leatherman type tool is the most useful of all.

On a hunt I usually have all three........DJ

....... as long as you don't need a good knife. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />