Do you know that folding and fixed blade knives both have their strengths and drawbacks? Let’s discuss them one by one:
Folding knife:
In many aspects, a good folding knife can serve as an excellent backup to a fixed blade. They are available in many different styles and often include multiple blades for various uses. They are great tactical knives. They are usually legal to carry as long as the blade is fairly small around two inches in most places.
The blade of your folding knife should be smaller than that of your fixed blade and something that you can easily place in your pocket wherever you go. While a folding knife won’t be as durable as a fixed blade, it will be more compact to carry.
Folding knives are more discrete, the blade folds into the handle when not in use.
Folding knives are, naturally, by design, not as strong as fixed blade knives. They are a common general-purpose tool and are used extensively for camping, trekking, hunting, and in most cases for day-to-day uses.
Fixed Blade Knife:
Hunting knives were the very first knives, and are the most popular among all fixed blade types. They have probably the most recognizable shapes in the cutlery industry. Fixed Blade Knives are used to cut, slice, cut, pierce, skin game, field dress, dress out, cape, trim, quarter, manage, clean game, de-bone, and generally process game animals.
The advantages of these knives are clear: They can be made in very large sizes, and their design is simple – yet they are known for their potential strength.
Because the blade is all one piece, from handle to blade tip, there are no moving parts and the knife is sturdy and long-lasting. They are also easy to keep clean.
Fixed blades do not fold. They have either a full tang or a stick tang that makes them extremely stout and secure.
So, if you are looking for a hunting game and want a strong, classic, and extremely durable hunting companion, a fixed blade is the best idea. But if you are looking for a more versatile knife, something that you can carry around not just in the woods, then a folding blade might fit you a little better.