Folding knife vs. fixed blade; which one is a better everyday knife (EDC) choice for you?
If you have ever wondered in which of these blades you should invest to get your money’s worth, you’ve come to the right place because we’ll finally be going to end the debate!
Before choosing your go-to blade, you need to decide on a general category, that is, if the blade will be with a folding blade or the fixed one.
Both blades have their benefits, but they’re different ones. Moreover, every knife user has their personal favorites on the general blade types so this will also play a role in the final decision.
Below, check out the main differences between folding vs. fixed blades and find out which of them suits your current needs the most.
Table of Contents
What Is an EDC & Why You Need It?
EDC is short for an everyday carry knife that is very practical in many day-to-day activities. This knife is carried by a person and used for daily tasks like cutting, scraping, opening, etc.
In addition to knives, EDCs can also be first aid kits or multitools.
Though an EDC can be used for self-defense purposes, it has so many other pivotal uses, including wood carving, slicing fruits and veggies, opening packages, cutting something in case of emergencies and accidents, cutting ropes or cords, breaking windows in emergencies, etc.
What’s more, people who carry an EDC responsibly say that it gives them confidence because they know that they can handle most daily life situations without a worry on their minds.
Plus, these knives are compact and designed with easy carrying in mind.
It’s important to note that before deciding on a pocket knife, you should always check the rules in your state. In most states, all leathermen, multitools, and pocket knives are allowed if they have blades shorter than 2.5 or 3 inches.
Still, carrying them in places like schools, planes, and courts is prohibited.
What Is a Folding Knife & Why Is It a Good Choice for Me?
Folding knives are a popular EDC and it’s not without reason.
They’re very easy to carry and compact. Therefore, many folding knives are called pocket knives precisely because of their carrying properties.
Today, there are plenty of folding knives you can find on the market and users praise them for their easy use and convenience.
A folding knife is an excellent choice for an EDC due to its ability to help with daily tasks like opening up packages, cutting ropes, and even self-defense because it can always hang on your keychain or on your belt
A folding knife is always at your hand’s reach.
But, one downside of folding blades is that they’re not the easiest to clean and are also known to break easier than the fixed ones.
Since a folding knife has several moving parts that are put together, the chance of some part breaking is higher.
Plus, they can move around while you’re cutting and prevent you from working with a sturdy blade which can sometimes be problematic and even increase the risk of injuries.
Still though, the folding knives today are made much stronger than they were in the past. A well-built folding knife by a reputable brand offers unmatched sturdiness, versatility, and exceptional design!
Folding knives don’t take up a lot of space as they’re foldable and since they’re closed after use, the risk of cutting yourself or others is brought to a minimum.
What Is a Fixed Blade Knife & Why Is It a Good Choice for Me?
Despite being a less popular option for an EDC, fixed blade knives have numerous advantages. Namely, they’re praised for their sturdiness and strength which often surpasses that of folding blades.
Some are designed as a full-tang so the blade goes the whole length from the handle to the tip of the blade.
This maximizes its strength and helps you cut stronger materials effortlessly. Since they don’t have a hinge like folding blade knives do, the likelihood of collapse is lower, especially during heavy use.
Fixed blades are also the preferred choice for outdoor jobs like digging, splitting, food prep, or skinning a buck.
People who choose a fixed over a folding blade praise it for its strength, easier cleaning and maintenance, reduced risk of breakage, fast deployment (great in emergencies), and more.
Similar to the folding knives, there are various types of fixed blades, including the popular chevron ones that easily fit on keychains or in purses. Despite all of the advantages that they have to offer, fixed blades aren’t perfect.
Users say that they’re less compact and not the comfiest to carry on the go. Plus, they lack the convenience that folding blades offer. You may need a sheath that’s belt-mountable or to store it in the backpack or a bag.
Final Thoughts
The best EDC, folding vs. fixed blade, is the one that’s legal to carry in your state and the states you visit frequently.
It also needs to be a well-performing blade and a knife that’s comfy to use. Indeed, folding knives are a popular EDC choice because of their compactness, easy use, and versatility.
Still, though, they’re considered less strong than fixed blades that are made as one piece and are less likelier to break under pressure.
In fact, fixed blades are becoming more and more common among EDC fans and are said to be a strong, durable, and multipurpose option that’s ideal for regular outdoor use.
With this in mind, if you’re someone who spends a lot of time backpacking or hiking, a fixed blade can be an excellent choice for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an EDC to use for daily home tasks like sharpening pencils, opening packagings, or cutting cords, a folding blade is an awesome option.
