@lokbot. Fixed Blade Knives – Which one should you consider? As with other specialized knives, a quick search reveals that there are more than you can count. Folding vs. fixed Blade. If you are looking for the best backpacking knife for your next adventure, you've come to the right place. But, you have so much stuff to bring along, and in the world of backpacking every ounce counts. Like I said above, if I brought everything for every possible thing that could go wrong, I wouldn't be able to carry my pack… The way to a heavy pack is to pack for everything. Morakniv Companion. Locale: Portland, OR. However, fixed blades tend to be safer, cleaner, and even stronger than their folding counterparts. Mini Review: The Classic SD is one of the most popular knives on the trail for good reason. You need to decide if a folding knife or fixed blade knife is better for you. Used for light -medium campcraft. A fixed knife is stronger, tougher, and easier to use for outdoor activities, and it is, therefore, better suited for camping, compared to a folding knife. Fixed Blade vs Folding Blade: Best Style for Self Defense. In fixed blade knives, the blade is one piece of metal that runs the length of the knife. If you have been searching for a tactical knife, you probably have already seen quite a few variations of tactical folding knives and tactical fixed blade knives. For the purpose of this article, we’re going to take the position that this argument is completely wrong. For an ultralight backpacking knife, I have specific requirements that need to be met before I consider adding the weight to my pack. It is often attached to the belt for easy access. Perhaps because of the way they are depicted in so many movies, fixed knives have a reputation for being more “serious” knives. One of the most frequently asked questions about camping knives is which is better a fixed or a folding knife. Ideally, folding knives should also have a locking mechanism to provide stability when cutting, to prevent them from opening up when closed, and to ensure users keep all of their fingers! A folding knife, on the other hand, is easier and safer to carry around. Fixed blades are durable and hold up to the elements well because of their straight, simple construction without folding mechanisms. Jul 18, 2017 - Explore EKA's board "EKA SWEDE 9", followed by 363 people on Pinterest. 1. The ultimate serrated fixed-blade knife for camping and everyday backpacking, the Gerber StrongArm wields a partially-serrated, ceramic-coated 4.8’’ full-tang 420HC steel blade. Folding: A folding blade folds into a casing making it compact to carry. Folding Knives vs. Knife Anatomy 101. The folding knife market is heavily saturated with many manufacturers and vendors providing a myriad of options. Further, a fixed knife is easier to clean and maintain, as there are no folding parts. Thanks for watching! Any extra weight just slows me down and contributes to fatigue when hiking twenty plus miles, day after day. Both have their advantages, just in different ways. Full review. Some blades lock when they are open allowing you to use some force while cutting. No matter what choice you make when it comes to fixed blade vs. folding knife, always treat it well, and it will treat you well in turn. Fixed vs. Folding - Which One Is Better. A folding knife is a key piece of equipment that any hiker should have on them while trekking or adventuring. The first thing to consider when searching for the right backpacking knife is if it’s going to be a folding-type or a fixed-type. I prefer to use my fixed blade for batoning, both for safety reasons, and the fact that it has a wider blade which can give you more penetration. Folding blades will do many jobs just fine for when you’re walking on trails or when you’re hanging around a campsite with your mates. However, the truth is that more campers get cut by unintentionally opening folding knives than by a fixed blade knife. Another fantastic all-in-one skeletonized knife with a 3-1/4 inch 1095 Cro-Van carbon steel blade and recent favorite of mine. If you want a folding knife I recommend playing around with different opening mechanisms to find which is fastest for you. A well-constructed folding knife blade is as tough as fixed blade; That’s the basic argument for folding knives. Sometimes the blade and handle are one unit where the handle is covered with a non-slip material. Loki Cuthbert. Some people say that they prefer a folding blade knife that they could conceal in their pocket without much difficulty. Secondly, since a fixed knife has no moving parts, it’s far more efficient to use when performing difficult tasks like cutting wood. See more ideas about Knife, Folding knives, 15 blade. Folding Knife vs Fixed Blade: How to Choose Your Next Knife. $27 (3) Benchmade Bushcrafter Family. Fixed vs. folding knife: What is better for camping? The Backpacking Knife vs. the Multi-tool When you are preparing for a trip into the great outdoors, no doubt a knife of some sort is high on your list of priorities. A Mora knife is a kind of sheath knife that has a small size and a fixed blade. Piggy backing on the other thread: What do most people use and is there an advantage or not to a fixed blade for working up an elk. The most common types are multi-bladed, double-bladed, single-blades and Swiss Army style. A knife, at the end of the day, is still a weapon that can cause serious bodily harm if used irresponsibly, so keep this in mind at all times. Chopping, processing wood and other camp utility stuff. First, you want to choose a fixed blade knife, folding knife or pocket knife.Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to look at more detailed features like blade material, handle design, and craftsmanship. Check out my companion article How to Pick the Perfect Backpacking Knife . Folding vs. Fixed-Blade Knife. BPL Member. Folding knives uses a blade that locks, and there’s always a chance of cutting yourself due to negligence. I like fixed blades, but it seems we have to make compromises. For dangling at the campsite or walking around the road, a knife is going to do the job just fine. This knife can fulfill most tasks like preparing food and even carving. Oh, and I know the 119 special isn't exactly full tang, I was trying to make a general point. It’s better to bring a knife than to not bring a knife, and if you’ve got the space available, a fixed blade will typically be able to take more abuse than a folding knife. Folding or fixed blade. Dec 12, 2014 at 1:04 am #2156030. Take a look to get … From being handy when you are cooking, to helping in a potential emergency situation, this is not something you want to skimp on or forget about. Whether it is that you need to open a package, pop a beer bottle opener, or cut a… for a backpacking knife for the purposes I've listed above it is very well suited. If it slips, it may cause fair damage. The best backpacking knife should be folding to save space, and to carry easily and safely. This will be particularly helpful when you shop for the best backpacking knife for your needs. Reviewers Like. Looking for your thoughts on a good fixed blade survival knife folding blade combo that is strong and lightweight for backpacking. This knife is a collaboration between two knife-making behemoths. While "heavy" at 7.3 oz. Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Folding Knife / Multi-Tool Retail: $13-$25. I always carry a folding knife in my pocket, but when hiking I have a fixed blade strapped to my pack. But before getting down to the exact blade you want, you must choose between two general categories – a folding knife vs. fixed blade. But a few reasons are giving the below parameters a second look. A fixed vs. folding knife. They can vary quite a bit regarding … When I’m going on an ultralight backpacking trip or a long thru-hike I’m traveling light and moving fast. Choosing your everyday carry (EDC) knife is mostly a matter of personal choice. Others claim in critical moments, the simplicity and robustness of fixed blade knives outperform everything. best folding hiking knife; Uncategorized December 5, 2020 0 Comment. This beautiful knife came razor sharp, is easy to maintain a sharp edge, and the price to purchase was amazing. The entire folding knife weighs in at just 3.1 ounces, so you can comfortably carry it around all day, every day. It is more complicated to use because the blade has to slide out of the housing before you can use it. The overall length is just short of a foot at an impressive 11 inches. Here is my EDC folder: And my fixed blade which has a paracord wrap and is strapped to my pack. There are some knives with unique opening mechanisms. This fixed stainless steel tanto blade is five and a half inches in length, so this is a pretty large knife. In all honesty, there is no precise answer to this question as both knife types are suited for different situations. Below is an infograph of a folding and fixed blade knife, so you can identify the different parts of a knife, plus a glossary of terms. A fixed blade is a knife where the handle and blade are fixed together. It’s technically a multi-tool and is of the lightest options available. I only use a havalon piranha pro and a benchmade griptillian. It even comes in over a dozen colors to suit any aesthetic preference. Fixed-Blade (63) Folding (74) all Knives (4) Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty. As mentioned earlier, most outdoor experts advise to have one of each in your gear collection and carry the most suitable one based on your requirements. These can range in size from something the size of your fingertip all the way to something that would only fit in a bag. Tactical Folding Knives vs Tactical Fixed Blade Knives – Which one is better? The Fixed Blade Pros. Fixed knives feature zero moving parts and are made from one solid piece of steel. The Ten Best Backpacking Knives in 2020. Billy. Fixed blades are considered sturdier than folding ones because the joint that connects the blade with handle is the weakest point. Because Mora knives are often made of very tough components, they’re quite powerful regardless of their size. Unexpected things happen all the time on hikes, camping trips, backpacking trips, etc., so do your part to make sure you’ve adequately prepared for wherever you’re going. 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