Choosing an everyday carry knife is a matter of personal choice. Knives are divided into 2 main categories, featuring fixed or folding blades. In our fixed blade vs. folding blade comparison, we’ll explain the pros and cons of each type.
A fixed blade knife is usually called a sheath knife and usually features a strong blade because of the lack of moving parts. A pocket knife has one or more blades that fit inside the handle and is quite easy to carry and conceal. So which one should you go for? Keep on reading to find out.
What are Fixed Blades Good For?
Fixed blade knives usually have a reputation for being more serious. They come with lots of benefits. Check out this review article on the top 10 fixed blade knives if you are looking for one!
- These knives are available in multiple sizes, so you can easily find the right one for you. Even the smaller models have powerful and sharp blades.
- Cleaning and maintenance are straightforward because there are no folds, hinges, or any hidden parts.
- A fixed blade knife is an essential survival tool that can be used in cutting, digging, food preparation, or as a first-aid tool.
- The knife is always ready for use, and there’s no chance of mechanical failure.
- With a proper sheath, the fixed blade knife can be easily concealed under your clothes.
- Blades are usually long.
What are Fixed Blades Not So Good For?
Although this is an excellent EDC knife, there are a lot of downsides that you need to consider before carrying a fixed blade knife.
- The blade is usually very sharp, so you need proper training to hold and use it properly to avoid serious injuries.
- You’ll probably have to buy a high-quality sheath if your knife doesn’t come with one. This will protect the blade and help conceal the knife when needed.
What are Folding Knives Good For?
Folding knives are popular because they’re easy to use and conceal. Here are some of their advantages.
- They’re suitable for beginners and people who are buying an EDC knife for the first time.
- These knives work for routine tasks like opening boxes, cutting ropes, trimming wire, or maintaining several items around the house.
- These knives are available in multiple sizes and models, so you can easily find a suitable one.
- Some folding knives have multiple blades ( e.g. Victorinox Swiss Army Knives ) that can be used for various tasks.
What are Folding Knives Not So Good For?
These versatile knives aren’t suitable for everyone because they have some disadvantages.
- No matter how durable the blade is, the hinge is a weak point. It will never be as strong as a fixed blade.
- Folding knives aren’t that easy to clean and need regular maintenance to stay in good shape. You will find some excellent quality pocket knife sharpener here.
Conclusion
Choosing your next knife is an important decision because you need a model that you can depend on whenever you need a blade. Fixed and folding blades are available in several models and sizes, so you can easily find the right one for you.
Generally speaking, folding knives are less durable and can be more suitable for beginners than fixed blades. However, with proper training, there’s nothing that the right blade won’t do. If you have any questions, feel free to post them in the comments.
