Worked in a machine shop where I did a lot of different duties. I wore a fixed blade to work one day and people were looking at me like I was a threat. Mind you in a shop full of roughneck men. It made them uncomfortable. So I just carried a folder from then on. But, it's sad that even other men have adopted this fear like old women about a common tool.
For a short time I wore this beautiful Bowie with a stag handle. I got the same looks except from old woman who complimented how pretty it was, ha, go figure!
I have myself carryed a fix blade but I feel the same way I start out Carry it I also try to keep it conceal but under a t shirt it's hard I think. Shirt might lift up or you bend over working on different things. People might see it. Not that anybody I think ever saw my fix blade but it's something I always thought about while I had it on me at work. Never wore one out in public. But yes had cold steel folders in both pockets out in public or at work. It's way easier to carry folders any where than fix blades. But yes fix blades ate a lot stronger.
What the Craziest thing is, I could walk into my work Jimmy John's open carrying my 9 millimeter (P365) on my right hip and my 5 inch fixed blade (Esee 5) on my left hip, and No one would notice for a while because I work with a all teens. It is also my MO I don't really talk to people a lot but they know Im an enthusiast of gear I EDC a scout carried appendix with my shirt completely tucked in (CRKT mininalist) and a Microtech Stitch clip pocket carried. No one gives 2 fucks I guess that has a lot to do with knowing me and being so young compared to me I'm 32 years old.
Similar, I work in a place that dies welding, fab, powder coat, assembly, shipping and receiving. I was wearing a mora kniv and got grief. It was handy, I used it a lot.
Also, grab one of your fixers when your cooking. Cutting onions, potatoes, etc doesn't always have to be done with the kitchen blade. This will help your hands (yes use both) develop that intimate relationship it needs with your personal Cutting crew. USE YOUR GEAR DAILY my people. We are not in peacetime. Great video thank you.
@@Swearengen1980 Are you going to have your Shun when you have to defend yourself? You have to train/ use the knife that you are going to use for self defence. Using it in the kitchen is a start. Nothing wrong with that. (For me)
I’m Marine Recon retired, I carry both a spring loaded folder and a SOG SEAL Pup fixed, not at the same time, depends on what I’m wearing, time of year, and level of threat I might face that day. It’s very important to evaluate your daily schedule, and plan your rout, to the extent you can, ( especially college girls)
I never served in the military, but I do the same. I try explaining this to my family members, but they think it means I’m paranoid. It’s so routine for me because of where I grew up that I almost do it without thinking. I’m not walking around expecting to be attacked at any moment. I’m just aware of my surroundings and prepared to deal with a threat. I see the way some people walk around completely oblivious to what is going on around them; they are walking targets to anyone with bad intentions. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. 🤷
USMC VV. Folders are underestimated, but it takes practice. It doesn’t scare anyone, but in less than 1 second I can have my folder out & threat eliminated. This isn’t for the college lady. This is for someone who will put in the practice. At touching range I would rather have a knife than pistol. For trips into the woods I supplement with a SOG Pillar. The part about the edge should be addressed. If you are carrying for self defense you shouldn’t use that blade for chores. For self defense the edge should be so sharp that cutting cardboard boxes will dull. For self defense you should be able to shave with the blade. This is when the sole purpose is self defense. Edit: Forgot to mention the folder I’m referring to is very high quality that costs more than my SOG. I’m buying a Speedcoat for my wife. I’ll teach her how to attach to purse keeping it unnoticeable yet easy to draw. She would never practice enough to use a folder as I described. I’ll probably buy a Fieldcraft for myself to try. Thanks for the high quality All American knives.
I've carried a pocket knife since I was 8. Everywhere. It's not illegal to my knowledge. I show it off too. It's very useful. I carry fixed blades for easy access. And also I like to show it off. Not many people carry fixed blades anymore.
I've carried a fixed blade USA made Shrade while back country hiking and camping. Then carried it when I was an engineer in a tire factory and needed a large knife to cut samples. Now as a retired guy who gets out in a small town while walking a dog, I'm not sure how people would react to a nice fixed blade. I conceal carry, and have a pocket knife and even a spare knife in the pack that carries the dog's water. but carrying a nice bushcraft/defensive knife might make a few people freak. I was recently given a K-Bar and while I greatly admire it as a knife and tool, but I like being kind of invisible as I walk my dog.
i’ve carried a knife every day since i was five years old but i didn’t start carrying a fixed blade until about eight years ago and it has made everything better. i always like to pair knives and to find knives which really work well together. with fixed blades it adds a lot of options. i have found several ways to carry fixed blades and there’s still more to learn but since i can carry them differently it makes a great secondary option because it takes up different real estate on my person. they are often better in hand than folders and the overall geometry is not dictated by if the blade would fit in the handle or not and also there’s no pocket clip or weird flipper tab extrusion. usually fixed blades are cheaper and tougher than folders. it’s difficult to find fixed blades which are thin behind the edge but there are still a lot options. it’s really nice to have a full handle that i can put my whole hand on instead of digging a slippery folder out of my pocket. it’s nice when i can fully conceal a fixed blade whereas with a folding knife you could either see the pocket clip or see it inside my pocket through the fabric of my pants. since most fixed blades are tough they are also easier to resharpen and so they are an excellent choice if the job is going to dull the blade because blades with higher edge retention are not as tough and also if the job is going to dull the edge then it takes much longer to sharpen it again so that’s a great reason to carry a fixed blade. also there’s less moving parts so if you were getting gritty and muddy then you should use your fixed blade. if i had to choose one or the other i would probably choose folders but carrying both has been an improvement.
That was an absolutely fantastic breakdown of the pros and cons of fixed versus folders! Thank you for putting all that into words, your much appreciated! Best regards from Bastrop, Texas, Brent
I carry 2 fixed blades on me everyday. One is a Crkt minimalist Bowie which is attached to my keys. And I also keep a Crkt S.P.E.W on my belt in the front right by my belt buckle. The S.P.E.W just about disappears once it is on the belt. I often forget that I have it on me. And they are cheap enough that if I need to ditch it or if I run into someone that needs a knife more then me I can just give it to them and I am only out 20 bucks or some. I have tons of knives but those are my 2 edc knives. I highly agree with a small fixed blade for edc
My folding Hinderer Xm18 3.5, and its a beast. I like my fixed blades too. I bought a Hinderer Harpoon Fieldtac with Micarta handles with a 6 inch blade. Perfect for camping and the kitchen.
I rotate two fixed blades that I carry every day. The TOPS Brakimo and the TOPS Prather War Bowie. I carry them behind my back, inside the waistband, at about a 30 degree angle. Almost nothing is visible except the handle. Never had a problem with either, or had them get in the way.
I’d say the biggest factor in the self defense category is having to manipulate a flipper when the adrenaline and struggle is on; good luck. Only advantage to the flipper is the dual use as a kubotan without a blade exposed if you’re not at a 10 yet but still, fixed is better. Thanks for the vid!
NOTE: If you're going to carry a knife for self defense, PLEASE TRAIN. It doesn't really matter what you carry if you're not ready when the fight happens. Either because you didn't see it coming, or because you couldn't avoid it and don't have the proper muscle memory. Or, frankly, just the attitude that you WILL fight. Crooks are looking for victims. If you see someone shady, and don't start looking all nervous and shaky, chances are they'll look elsewhere. The best self defense training I've personally had is Krav Maga. All of the things your trained NOT to do in other martial arts (eye gouging, groin kicks, etc.) are actively encourage, up to and including RUNNING AWAY if the person isn't within striking distance.
I live on a ranch in south Texas. I carry a 5" blade in a horizontal leather sheath. A friend made it for me. No idea of the steel. Hard and keeps an edge. It is dual pupose for work and backup defense tool. I taught knife fighting decades ago in the Army. I believe everyone needs a knife as a tool and backup weapon.
Great vid. I think about and go through the things you described and always wanted to go back to fixed blades but I always carried Bowie's. Didn't really know about these small utility fixed blades. Nice
I carried a folder for years. I used it at work frequently, I had opened it thousands of times before, and I considered it fast and intuitive. Then I watched some security camera footage of real self defense encounters with a knife that got me thinking. I had a feiend try to rob me at plastic spoon point while I tried to access and deploy my trusty folder. I couldn't do it. Dozens of attempts all proved futile. I got stabbed up every time I ended up clinched and grappling with my draw contested. Interpersonal violence happens at close range. Hands on. You're going to be drawing from the drop, at a disadvantage, responding to a tool that is already in hand and trying to avoid being stabbed, beaten, or shot. Your efforts to avoid injury or death are going to require so much of your concentration that little of your coordination is going to be left to get your tool into the fight, and those efforts are going to be contested by someone familiar enough with violence that they are not going to let you do that thing with the zip tie, that little button, that flipper, your little wrist flick. Even when I got my folder from my pocket, my friend was able to grab or slap my hand and arm enough to make getting the blade out and locked impossible. I died every single time I tried to defend myself from a plastic spoon with a folder, and my friend is 10 inches and 100 pounds smaller than me. I tried the drill with a small fixed blade and we had to stop because it got really dangerous for him. Much harder to contest the draw when all you have to do is grab and yank. No fine motor coordination, little buttons or flippers. Gorilla grip. Yank. You're in business. Now he has to dedicate 90% of his process power to not getting stabbed up. Game on. I now carry a Tops HOG 4.5 in kydex or a Lionsteel T5. I would love an MKC, if for no other reason than to rep my home state. Fucking Biden economy is killing me.
Do you have to pull the sheath out to put the blade back in . I've seen numerous EDC pocket Fixed Blades but it requires you to pull the sheath out to put the blade back In . That's what so handy about FOLDER. Close it and clips right back into your pocket and you can do it without looking . When tools have pointy things on the end I'm gonna look at that blade until it'a rendered safe lol.. I love the quick access to pull out but putting back in is always an issue with pocket clip fixed blades . If you have this where it's just as easy to take out as to put back in . I'm freaking sold bro.. This are probably minor issues for some people . I'm low voltage tech and I use a knife a lot during the day . I've tried numerous fixed blades but non offered me the ability to put away without having to look at the sheath or pull out the sheath to make it safe again until the next time . Absolutely love the blades . Definitely picking up that blade you and Fieldcraft collab..
Remember before knives became tactical, they would always fall or slide out of my pocket. Lost some nice ones, so I started buying cheapest ones when it got dull I’d toss it and try a different one. Gun shows three for ten dollars and I was good. Now days it’s those Xmas knives when they go on clearance. Have a couple ready in my stash.
I carry both a fixed and a pocketknife for two reason one is i use the pocket for working in my mowers and other odds and ends and two in my line of work you don't want to get too close to venomous snakes or spiders. Sometimes i have to use my fixed blade like a machete which is why i prefer the bowie because the extra weight comes in handy on thick vines.
I carry a fixed blade specifically for self-defense. Thankfully, I've never had to use it for that purpose but, it comes it handy for multiple utilitarian purposes & I never regret carrying it. I also keep a fire extinguisher in my truck that I've never had to use. Hopefully I'll never need to use either of them but, if I do it's nice to know that I have them.
I step into a bite on a fishing boat 80 miles offshore, went overboard , if I didn't have a knife strap to suspenders I would be at the bottom of the ocean, Thank You GOD for having that knife
I carry 2 knives daily. A Dozier Personal in a kydex horizontal sheath and an Opinel Garden knife. My wife's cousin got upset with me carrying a knife and then my wife told her that I carry 2 knives not 1!!!
My wife and I went to fixed blades years ago. Many of our outdoor and Everyday chores involved dirt and Other granular substances like Seed, feed and fertilizer. A fixed Blade does not accumulate grit And dirt. My ESEE Izula carries IWB with ease. Try it. You'll like It.
Pro tip: when walking in the dark you should already have your knife in your hand and ready. A lot of people tend to forget or don't have the muscle memory to get to the knife quickly. Stay paranoid, stay alive. 😂
Exactly! If your knife is not in your hand before you get in a dangerous situation; it is very little chance you will be able to access it be it folder or a fixed blade.
I carry a swiss army Tinker, and a Buck woodsman. Neither are super durable, but they are both useful "to me" easy to sharpen. But I don't use a knife for non knife stuff.
I carry a 6" blade fixed blade in boot or kidney carry, a folder in my front pocket and an old timer folding straight razor with a 3" blade but i try to avoid that type of response if i can. Levi's makes a nice sized watch pocket thats perfect for brass knuckles. Thats the EDC of a felon.
I hate finding cool blades only to discover there are none for sale. Curious to know how much a para-wrapped handled knife costs. I do like the designs and completely agree and always carry a fixed blade (Murray Carter neck knife). Nice knives for sure though.
I've carried the same fixed blade buck vanguard 192 since I was 17 and I use it about everyday at work I also use it for hunting,fishing,camping, bushcrafting and whittling but one day it stopped a man armed with a knife that tried to rob me as I was getting in my truck
Arrived here after seeing an article in Field & Stream about a guy who was attached by a pack of dogs, pretty nasty. Thinking I need something faster than a folder.
Im a welder. I came to find that weld dust had worked it’s way into my pockets no matter what. This made my pocket knives very sad and gritty. Fixed blades were way easier to maintain and clean.
I need to upgrade my blade, but have been carrying the SOG Instinct Mini for about a year and a half. It's small enough to not be noticed on the belt line and my main reason is, if for some reason I can't access my pistol or it's out of the fight and I get rear naked choked, that's my escape. Severing tendons and arteries in the inner elbow joint should make them let go. Either that, or reverse grip stabbing and pushing down in the rib/kindey area to open up the wound should also work.. and if they decide to snap your neck, they will bleed out soon after anyhow.
I carry different blades, sometimes I carry my CS Kobun and lately been carrying CS Counterpoint 1, it's not a fixed blade but it's still a Badass blade.
I carry a Buck 110 folder and ESEE Izula fixed blade everyday but neither is a defense tool that role is filled by my Ruger SP101 in 327 Fed Mag it penetrates much deeper than a knife
I carry my knives in case I need to cut things. I carry my 9 x 19 CZ for defense. I carry OC spray so I have something between a harsh word and my gun.
I have lots of pocket knives good brands but I have probably 8 fixed blade knives for different uses. I think the smaller fixed blade would be quick as any and you don’t have to open it.
One of the scariest scenarios is pulling out a knife as self defence, and the other guy smiles and says lets go. Not everyone is capable of being in a knife fight.
I purchased (last night) my first (1st) Knife from MKC, a Speedgoat. @MontanaKifeCompany Unfortunately, I live in Los Angeles, Califirnia and can only carry a blade less than 3" in my county. I now hope soon I can locate a Mini-Speedgoat to match my New Speedgoat with the ability to carry it.
I sometimes wish I had a job where I could use a knife more. Of course when I was younger and had jobs like this, and spent more time outdoors, I wasn't into knives yet
I have always carried man's second tool, a knife. I carry a fixed knife Horizontal belt or a neck-fixed bladeknife. No question that a fixed blade is the best for self-defense. But do take a simple local class in knife self-defense. Just like one would do to conceal carry a firearm. MKC is my next knife buy. An excellent American small company. Their Mini Speedgoat, beautiful, lightweight could be a geat EDC. I do have a concealed carry permit & always carry but remember, you do not have to reload a knife.
My edc is a delica w/ Emerson opener. The fastest folder I know of, it deploys like a fixed blade; draw from the pocket and it's open and ready. I'll still give it to fixed blades in the simplicity, durability, reliability categories, but deployment speed for self defense, Emerson openers are imo equal to fixed blades. Add to the fact that I don't have to carry a sheath, and folders are looked at as less threatening, delica wins out for me as my edc.
I like you said "please carry a fixed blade" and you didn't specifically say buy yours, you sir are genuine and truly care and have earned my business. I'll be purchasing soon.
I love my world War 1 trench knife with nice Quality leather sheath. with knuckle protectors very good grip shorter blade too very sharp less weight and length made years before the next Wars the us had like m4 m5 m6 m7 Bayonet knife for the rifle end and hand to hand combat. Love the ww1 trench knife with nice with knuckles to protect your hand all one fixed blade great camp knife and was my great uncles passed down to me strong built knife by us Military. Great tool for camping and fishing anything .
I carry a 180t mighty mite in my pocket . It disappears in there. I also carry a fixed blade . I have a few different ones . I always modify the sheath to a dangler . When I do not want to attract attention , the dangler allows me to slip it into my front pocket easily . Prodigy , mora , 5" or so blade . Not to big not to small . Just right .
Working in construction, it’s easy to carry a fixed blade on my belt to the side of the pouch on my tool belt, you can get to it with less steps than reaching in your pocket and unfolding a knife
When I was about 15/16 I was at on holiday horse riding in France and they used to insist on a a lead rope being attached around a horse neck in case it needed to be used ,I cant remember the exact way but over the many years I went there it was mostly safe. However one day one of the more spicy horses somehow got a leg up and in the rope which was tied far to loose while people where mounting up. I couldn't unfold my little pocket knife and had to shout at people for a kitchen knife as most people where standing there like stunned mullet (the kitchen was near the the mounting block). Cut the rope when one was brought to me and since then I've always thought fixies are far superior to folding because when you need it it is ready. While we don't live in a world full of daily crazy situations id always rather be ready. Shame knife law in my country (UK) make my preference illegal but as a chef i often have a collection of large sharp knives in my bag that are exempt from the laws due to my profession. It never ceases to amaze me how many people freeze in an emergency.
🍻 Sadly a lot of places where concealed carry of a firearm is restricted also restrict carrying a fixed blade concealed. Looking forward to your folder. Please include a real cross guard to make it less likely your hand will ride up onto the blade when thrusting. I love and carry the CRKT M21-14SFG for this reason, although it's a brick. Thanks
I carry a fixed blade tanto, helps distract from my pistol printing 😆. It’s kind of obnoxiously large but at this point I just don’t care anymore. I don’t go places that it bothers people and if it bothers anyone, nobody says anything to me about it.🤷🏻♂️ that’s not to say that I give a damn if it bothers anyone 😆
Ive carried knives on me since I was a child because of my best friend getting stabbed in 2nd grade, they make me feel safe and I'd never trade that feeling of safety for anything!°-°/ And fixed blades feel better in quick situations, I've cut my fingers trying to quickly open a switchblade.
I carry a heavy 4 inch blade. I use it to clean my finger nails, open packages, dig up weeds, and 100 other little uses. But I carry it to support my carrying of a pistol. In the event someone gets brave and tries to take my gun, I'll be slashing and stabing. It also comes in handy as I hunt a lot, year round.
I edc a fixed blade and prefer it the folders simply because I use my knife for work about ~5000X a day and there is no folding/closing to contend with or gum up. Having a sheath (kydex ftw) that allows easy and fast "in/out's" is critical. Dont overlook or neglect the sheath. My go to is the Bark River Jx6 and Mora Classic. I really love the scandi grinds/ zero degree most since its by far the easiest to sharpen and touch up by hand. Does Montana Knife Company have plan's on making some kind of edc style (3-4inche blades around 7 overall length) blade with a Scandi grind in the future?. Great Vid !, and your skinner and fieldcraft designs look excellent.
@@gullo8410 You'll be stoked for sure once it's in. It's such a good design. I have a semi respectable knife collection (users all) of many fixed blades and folders, and that silly little $15-$20 Mora knife gets more use than probably the rest of of them all.
I've been carrying fixed blade for a couple of years, mostly because I figured out I was paying (like $25 or more) for the folding bits. I do a lot of stuff involving wood, so I carry a Scandi grind carbon blade.
It does not have to be large. Lots of options. Not all fixed blade knives are big. Mine is 5" blade and the handle is not large. 5" gets to the vitals. 6" is better, but getting larger.
As far as self defense goes a knife is good to have but it's second to something like pepper gel or a gun. Knives are difficult to use for defense and if you cut someone up you are not going to have fun in our broken court system. Pepper gel (better than spray) is completely harmless and much easier to use plus it has range. Same with a gun you can pull it out and shoot a warning shot or just point it as a deterrent and it can actually be a great non lethal option that also requires far less ninja skills. Knife fights are not pretty for you or the attacker and they should be a last resort.
In Missouri a fixed blade knife is considered a weapon. Frankly, I find this interesting because a person could use any knife as a weapon. Despite this obvious fact, many businesses, university campuses, etc., post on their premises a no weapons sign. Be alert to your state's laws regarding fixed blade knives. I enjoy them, and I collect them, but I would also have to conceal them to carry them in certain places. So, instead of clipping the knife to your bag, put the knife in your bag and don't show it or talk about it. This limits how quickly you can defend yourself, but it also may keep you out of trouble.
I agree that fixed blades are awesome but do have advantages and disadvantages over folders. With that being said, I’ve carried an Esee 3 daily for several months and can say that I enjoy having a more robust knife and the sense of security. However, each day, after getting dressed, the first piece of gear I put on is one of my folding knives, in my left front pocket (usually a Case Stockman or Case Sod Buster Jr.). Second piece of gear is a Streamlight Micro, followed by a full size Bic lighter, both in my right front pocket. After that, the Esee clips on my left side on my belt in a vertical position. I enjoy carrying my fixed blade daily but it is a secondary choice to my folder - even when I’m in the woods.
Worked in a machine shop where I did a lot of different duties. I wore a fixed blade to work one day and people were looking at me like I was a threat. Mind you in a shop full of roughneck men. It made them uncomfortable. So I just carried a folder from then on. But, it's sad that even other men have adopted this fear like old women about a common tool.
For a short time I wore this beautiful Bowie with a stag handle. I got the same looks except from old woman who complimented how pretty it was, ha, go figure!
@@braddenison6034 ha! Sounds about right
I have myself carryed a fix blade but I feel the same way I start out Carry it I also try to keep it conceal but under a t shirt it's hard I think. Shirt might lift up or you bend over working on different things. People might see it. Not that anybody I think ever saw my fix blade but it's something I always thought about while I had it on me at work. Never wore one out in public. But yes had cold steel folders in both pockets out in public or at work. It's way easier to carry folders any where than fix blades. But yes fix blades ate a lot stronger.
What the Craziest thing is, I could walk into my work Jimmy John's open carrying my 9 millimeter (P365) on my right hip and my 5 inch fixed blade (Esee 5) on my left hip, and No one would notice for a while because I work with a all teens. It is also my MO I don't really talk to people a lot but they know Im an enthusiast of gear I EDC a scout carried appendix with my shirt completely tucked in (CRKT mininalist) and a Microtech Stitch clip pocket carried. No one gives 2 fucks I guess that has a lot to do with knowing me and being so young compared to me I'm 32 years old.
Similar, I work in a place that dies welding, fab, powder coat, assembly, shipping and receiving.
I was wearing a mora kniv and got grief. It was handy, I used it a lot.
I’ve carried a fixed blade for years now! I work in an office…no one has noticed. I carry horizontal
I like the name
you wearin in the front or back?
I carry mine horizontal in the front and same thing almost no one notices.
@@joshua-nr9tl , I carry in the front. My favorite carry is my Bradford Guardian 3
@@cajunpipesmoker1519 so i bought myself a fixed blade… any leather sheath suggestions?
Also, grab one of your fixers when your cooking. Cutting onions, potatoes, etc doesn't always have to be done with the kitchen blade. This will help your hands (yes use both) develop that intimate relationship it needs with your personal Cutting crew.
USE YOUR GEAR DAILY my people.
We are not in peacetime.
Great video thank you.
GREAT ADVICE!!!
There is no world where I'm grabbing one of my fixed blades over my Shun to do kitchen tasks. 🤦♂
@@Swearengen1980 Are you going to have your Shun when you have to defend yourself?
You have to train/ use the knife that you are going to use for self defence. Using it in the kitchen is a start. Nothing wrong with that.
(For me)
@@benjamincoetzee1369lmfao you paranoid bro.
@@boyo1348 that is ok.
I’m Marine Recon retired, I carry both a spring loaded folder and a SOG SEAL Pup fixed, not at the same time, depends on what I’m wearing, time of year, and level of threat I might face that day. It’s very important to evaluate your daily schedule, and plan your rout, to the extent you can, ( especially college girls)
Yeah! Dem purdy college girls that don't carry knives sure is easy pickins! 🖐️🤠
I never served in the military, but I do the same. I try explaining this to my family members, but they think it means I’m paranoid. It’s so routine for me because of where I grew up that I almost do it without thinking. I’m not walking around expecting to be attacked at any moment. I’m just aware of my surroundings and prepared to deal with a threat. I see the way some people walk around completely oblivious to what is going on around them; they are walking targets to anyone with bad intentions. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. 🤷
USMC VV. Folders are underestimated, but it takes practice. It doesn’t scare anyone, but in less than 1 second I can have my folder out & threat eliminated. This isn’t for the college lady. This is for someone who will put in the practice. At touching range I would rather have a knife than pistol. For trips into the woods I supplement with a SOG Pillar. The part about the edge should be addressed. If you are carrying for self defense you shouldn’t use that blade for chores. For self defense the edge should be so sharp that cutting cardboard boxes will dull. For self defense you should be able to shave with the blade. This is when the sole purpose is self defense. Edit: Forgot to mention the folder I’m referring to is very high quality that costs more than my SOG. I’m buying a Speedcoat for my wife. I’ll teach her how to attach to purse keeping it unnoticeable yet easy to draw. She would never practice enough to use a folder as I described. I’ll probably buy a Fieldcraft for myself to try. Thanks for the high quality All American knives.
I've carried a pocket knife since I was 8. Everywhere. It's not illegal to my knowledge. I show it off too. It's very useful. I carry fixed blades for easy access. And also I like to show it off. Not many people carry fixed blades anymore.
I've carried a fixed blade USA made Shrade while back country hiking and camping. Then carried it when I was an engineer in a tire factory and needed a large knife to cut samples.
Now as a retired guy who gets out in a small town while walking a dog, I'm not sure how people would react to a nice fixed blade. I conceal carry, and have a pocket knife and even a spare knife in the pack that carries the dog's water. but carrying a nice bushcraft/defensive knife might make a few people freak.
I was recently given a K-Bar and while I greatly admire it as a knife and tool, but I like being kind of invisible as I walk my dog.
i’ve carried a knife every day since i was five years old but i didn’t start carrying a fixed blade until about eight years ago and it has made everything better. i always like to pair knives and to find knives which really work well together. with fixed blades it adds a lot of options. i have found several ways to carry fixed blades and there’s still more to learn but since i can carry them differently it makes a great secondary option because it takes up different real estate on my person. they are often better in hand than folders and the overall geometry is not dictated by if the blade would fit in the handle or not and also there’s no pocket clip or weird flipper tab extrusion. usually fixed blades are cheaper and tougher than folders. it’s difficult to find fixed blades which are thin behind the edge but there are still a lot options. it’s really nice to have a full handle that i can put my whole hand on instead of digging a slippery folder out of my pocket. it’s nice when i can fully conceal a fixed blade whereas with a folding knife you could either see the pocket clip or see it inside my pocket through the fabric of my pants. since most fixed blades are tough they are also easier to resharpen and so they are an excellent choice if the job is going to dull the blade because blades with higher edge retention are not as tough and also if the job is going to dull the edge then it takes much longer to sharpen it again so that’s a great reason to carry a fixed blade. also there’s less moving parts so if you were getting gritty and muddy then you should use your fixed blade. if i had to choose one or the other i would probably choose folders but carrying both has been an improvement.
That was an absolutely fantastic breakdown of the pros and cons of fixed versus folders! Thank you for putting all that into words, your much appreciated! Best regards from Bastrop, Texas, Brent
I EDC a cold steel gi tanto and it's a great carry knife. Thin and light weight full tang and is a fighting and throwing knife. Check them out.
I carry 2 fixed blades on me everyday. One is a Crkt minimalist Bowie which is attached to my keys. And I also keep a Crkt S.P.E.W on my belt in the front right by my belt buckle. The S.P.E.W just about disappears once it is on the belt. I often forget that I have it on me. And they are cheap enough that if I need to ditch it or if I run into someone that needs a knife more then me I can just give it to them and I am only out 20 bucks or some. I have tons of knives but those are my 2 edc knives. I highly agree with a small fixed blade for edc
My folding Hinderer Xm18 3.5, and its a beast. I like my fixed blades too. I bought a Hinderer Harpoon Fieldtac with Micarta handles with a 6 inch blade. Perfect for camping and the kitchen.
I rotate two fixed blades that I carry every day. The TOPS Brakimo and the TOPS Prather War Bowie.
I carry them behind my back, inside the waistband, at about a 30 degree angle. Almost nothing is visible except the handle.
Never had a problem with either, or had them get in the way.
I’d say the biggest factor in the self defense category is having to manipulate a flipper when the adrenaline and struggle is on; good luck. Only advantage to the flipper is the dual use as a kubotan without a blade exposed if you’re not at a 10 yet but still, fixed is better. Thanks for the vid!
My daily carry is a Becker BK-9, 2 pocketknives, a swiss army knife and a multitool.
Fixed blade all day….Appreciate all your guys hard work
We use our knives mostly for bushcraft & on many occassion we have rescue people and animals with it. Cheers for the updates.
NOTE: If you're going to carry a knife for self defense, PLEASE TRAIN. It doesn't really matter what you carry if you're not ready when the fight happens. Either because you didn't see it coming, or because you couldn't avoid it and don't have the proper muscle memory. Or, frankly, just the attitude that you WILL fight. Crooks are looking for victims. If you see someone shady, and don't start looking all nervous and shaky, chances are they'll look elsewhere.
The best self defense training I've personally had is Krav Maga. All of the things your trained NOT to do in other martial arts (eye gouging, groin kicks, etc.) are actively encourage, up to and including RUNNING AWAY if the person isn't within striking distance.
I live on a ranch in south Texas. I carry a 5" blade in a horizontal leather sheath. A friend made it for me. No idea of the steel. Hard and keeps an edge. It is dual pupose for work and backup defense tool. I taught knife fighting decades ago in the Army. I believe everyone needs a knife as a tool and backup weapon.
Sound advice 👍
Lol I lost my sypdeco knife for over 10 plus years! Than one put on some old insulated bibs and what did I find in the ruler pocket 🤩
Great vid. I think about and go through the things you described and always wanted to go back to fixed blades but I always carried Bowie's. Didn't really know about these small utility fixed blades. Nice
I carried a folder for years. I used it at work frequently, I had opened it thousands of times before, and I considered it fast and intuitive. Then I watched some security camera footage of real self defense encounters with a knife that got me thinking. I had a feiend try to rob me at plastic spoon point while I tried to access and deploy my trusty folder. I couldn't do it. Dozens of attempts all proved futile. I got stabbed up every time I ended up clinched and grappling with my draw contested.
Interpersonal violence happens at close range. Hands on. You're going to be drawing from the drop, at a disadvantage, responding to a tool that is already in hand and trying to avoid being stabbed, beaten, or shot. Your efforts to avoid injury or death are going to require so much of your concentration that little of your coordination is going to be left to get your tool into the fight, and those efforts are going to be contested by someone familiar enough with violence that they are not going to let you do that thing with the zip tie, that little button, that flipper, your little wrist flick. Even when I got my folder from my pocket, my friend was able to grab or slap my hand and arm enough to make getting the blade out and locked impossible. I died every single time I tried to defend myself from a plastic spoon with a folder, and my friend is 10 inches and 100 pounds smaller than me.
I tried the drill with a small fixed blade and we had to stop because it got really dangerous for him. Much harder to contest the draw when all you have to do is grab and yank. No fine motor coordination, little buttons or flippers. Gorilla grip. Yank. You're in business. Now he has to dedicate 90% of his process power to not getting stabbed up. Game on. I now carry a Tops HOG 4.5 in kydex or a Lionsteel T5. I would love an MKC, if for no other reason than to rep my home state. Fucking Biden economy is killing me.
All valid points. I have had a Dozier Straight Personal for years - nothing to go wrong.
Do you have to pull the sheath out to put the blade back in . I've seen numerous EDC pocket Fixed Blades but it requires you to pull the sheath out to put the blade back In . That's what so handy about FOLDER. Close it and clips right back into your pocket and you can do it without looking . When tools have pointy things on the end I'm gonna look at that blade until it'a rendered safe lol..
I love the quick access to pull out but putting back in is always an issue with pocket clip fixed blades . If you have this where it's just as easy to take out as to put back in . I'm freaking sold bro..
This are probably minor issues for some people . I'm low voltage tech and I use a knife a lot during the day . I've tried numerous fixed blades but non offered me the ability to put away without having to look at the sheath or pull out the sheath to make it safe again until the next time .
Absolutely love the blades . Definitely picking up that blade you and Fieldcraft collab..
Remember before knives became tactical, they would always fall or slide out of my pocket. Lost some nice ones, so I started buying cheapest ones when it got dull I’d toss it and try a different one. Gun shows three for ten dollars and I was good. Now days it’s those Xmas knives when they go on clearance. Have a couple ready in my stash.
My fixed blade is an AMTAC Minuteman. Love it.
Great video and reasons to carry!
Buck 110 in s30v for edc. Never let’s me down.
Montana all day!
I carry both a fixed and a pocketknife for two reason one is i use the pocket for working in my mowers and other odds and ends and two in my line of work you don't want to get too close to venomous snakes or spiders. Sometimes i have to use my fixed blade like a machete which is why i prefer the bowie because the extra weight comes in handy on thick vines.
I carry a fixed blade specifically for self-defense. Thankfully, I've never had to use it for that purpose but, it comes it handy for multiple utilitarian purposes & I never regret carrying it. I also keep a fire extinguisher in my truck that I've never had to use. Hopefully I'll never need to use either of them but, if I do it's nice to know that I have them.
Are you a skilled knife fighter?
@@RippSnortin No I'm not but, I know enough to slash & stab the soft fleshy parts & to twist & yank sideways on a good stab.
Love that blade profile.👍 Nice video.
I step into a bite on a fishing boat 80 miles offshore, went overboard , if I didn't have a knife strap to suspenders I would be at the bottom of the ocean, Thank You GOD for having that knife
All knives matter. Good show 👍
Looks like you're a great company! I just ordered an Esee CR2.5, very similar to your mini speed goat.
I carry 2 knives daily. A Dozier Personal in a kydex horizontal sheath and an Opinel Garden knife. My wife's cousin got upset with me carrying a knife and then my wife told her that I carry 2 knives not 1!!!
My wife and I went to fixed blades years ago. Many of our outdoor and
Everyday chores involved dirt and
Other granular substances like
Seed, feed and fertilizer. A fixed
Blade does not accumulate grit
And dirt. My ESEE Izula carries
IWB with ease. Try it. You'll like
It.
"Always carry a knife on you. You never know when there is going to be cheese cake,
or someone who needs stabbing." - General Mattis USMC
Been carrying a fixed blade since I was a youngster 👍🏻
Pro tip: when walking in the dark you should already have your knife in your hand and ready. A lot of people tend to forget or don't have the muscle memory to get to the knife quickly.
Stay paranoid, stay alive. 😂
Dude, does your health care plan include therapy?
@@chiznowtch any recommendations?
@@chiznowtchHave you ever been jumped?
@@morgenholz no
Exactly! If your knife is not in your hand before you get in a dangerous situation; it is very little chance you will be able to access it be it folder or a fixed blade.
Great video and thank you 👍
Well said I agree 👍🏻 I only carry a fixed blade daily.
I carry a Winkler SD 2
Great edc horizontal carry. Very sharp
I carry a swiss army Tinker, and a Buck woodsman. Neither are super durable, but they are both useful "to me" easy to sharpen. But I don't use a knife for non knife stuff.
I carry a 6" blade fixed blade in boot or kidney carry, a folder in my front pocket and an old timer folding straight razor with a 3" blade but i try to avoid that type of response if i can. Levi's makes a nice sized watch pocket thats perfect for brass knuckles. Thats the EDC of a felon.
Will definitely be checking out your website…would have liked a knife image and recommendation for each 5
I always fancy about carrying a wakizashi but worrying about my neighbors might not like that.😮
I hate finding cool blades only to discover there are none for sale. Curious to know how much a para-wrapped handled knife costs. I do like the designs and completely agree and always carry a fixed blade (Murray Carter neck knife). Nice knives for sure though.
Great video. Agree 💯💯
Great video! What belt is in the thumbnail?
Uncle Buck out there skimming knees 😂
I've carried the same fixed blade buck vanguard 192 since I was 17 and I use it about everyday at work I also use it for hunting,fishing,camping, bushcrafting and whittling but one day it stopped a man armed with a knife that tried to rob me as I was getting in my truck
Arrived here after seeing an article in Field & Stream about a guy who was attached by a pack of dogs, pretty nasty. Thinking I need something faster than a folder.
I carry more than one knife. Usually a folder, and a fixed blade. Many times I also carry a push dagger.
Im a welder. I came to find that weld dust had worked it’s way into my pockets no matter what. This made my pocket knives very sad and gritty. Fixed blades were way easier to maintain and clean.
That’s a really great example!
Had to leave at the butt shot. Good info
I need to upgrade my blade, but have been carrying the SOG Instinct Mini for about a year and a half. It's small enough to not be noticed on the belt line and my main reason is, if for some reason I can't access my pistol or it's out of the fight and I get rear naked choked, that's my escape. Severing tendons and arteries in the inner elbow joint should make them let go. Either that, or reverse grip stabbing and pushing down in the rib/kindey area to open up the wound should also work.. and if they decide to snap your neck, they will bleed out soon after anyhow.
MKC knives are awesome! I do find it's much easier to stab something after it has been shot and/or pepper sprayed.
I carry different blades, sometimes I carry my CS Kobun and lately been carrying CS Counterpoint 1, it's not a fixed blade but it's still a Badass blade.
I carry a Buck 110 folder and ESEE Izula fixed blade everyday but neither is a defense tool that role is filled by my Ruger SP101 in 327 Fed Mag it penetrates much deeper than a knife
I carry my knives in case I need to cut things. I carry my 9 x 19 CZ for defense. I carry OC spray so I have something between a harsh word and my gun.
I have lots of pocket knives good brands but I have probably 8 fixed blade knives for different uses. I think the smaller fixed blade would be quick as any and you don’t have to open it.
One of the scariest scenarios is pulling out a knife as self defence, and the other guy smiles and says lets go. Not everyone is capable of being in a knife fight.
Agreed. These folks haven't thought out the ole grab and stab. No one wins.
I purchased (last night) my first (1st) Knife from MKC, a Speedgoat. @MontanaKifeCompany
Unfortunately, I live in Los Angeles, Califirnia and can only carry a blade less than 3" in my county.
I now hope soon I can locate a Mini-Speedgoat to match my New Speedgoat with the ability to carry it.
Thank you! We will have the Mini’s back in stock soon!
I sometimes wish I had a job where I could use a knife more. Of course when I was younger and had jobs like this, and spent more time outdoors, I wasn't into knives yet
My tkell raider is my got to right now. Mkc blades all look the same but im sure they are great knives. God bless
I like the CRKT SPEW or the Cold Steel Kobun
to name a few ,but they are reasonable to afford and that helps a lot ,💰
4:30..... No doubt... always on my mind just like you😮😅
SOG, Seal Pup , it's light and strong with full tang
Great points, I've always been in agreement. Now come up with a budget option on a solid full-tang knife that's less than 100 bucks, and I'm on board.
Cold steel gi tanto, I carry mine daily. Great knife
i carry fixed blades for hunting, camping, my EDC's are folding, I have a Sheffield, folder
When are you going to get a folder MKC?
I have always carried man's second tool, a knife. I carry a fixed knife Horizontal belt or a neck-fixed bladeknife. No question that a fixed blade is the best for self-defense. But do take a simple local class in knife self-defense. Just like one would do to conceal carry a firearm. MKC is my next knife buy. An excellent American small company. Their Mini Speedgoat, beautiful, lightweight could be a geat EDC. I do have a concealed carry permit & always carry but remember, you do not have to reload a knife.
That’s awesome!! And you are absolutely right about not having to reload. Thank you so much!!
My edc is a delica w/ Emerson opener. The fastest folder I know of, it deploys like a fixed blade; draw from the pocket and it's open and ready. I'll still give it to fixed blades in the simplicity, durability, reliability categories, but deployment speed for self defense, Emerson openers are imo equal to fixed blades. Add to the fact that I don't have to carry a sheath, and folders are looked at as less threatening, delica wins out for me as my edc.
I like you said "please carry a fixed blade" and you didn't specifically say buy yours, you sir are genuine and truly care and have earned my business. I'll be purchasing soon.
Dang, your website is sold out of pretty much everything. I would've like to grab one from you guys.
I love my world War 1 trench knife with nice Quality leather sheath. with knuckle protectors very good grip shorter blade too very sharp less weight and length made years before the next Wars the us had like m4 m5 m6 m7 Bayonet knife for the rifle end and hand to hand combat. Love the ww1 trench knife with nice with knuckles to protect your hand all one fixed blade great camp knife and was my great uncles passed down to me strong built knife by us Military. Great tool for camping and fishing anything .
I carry a 180t mighty mite in my pocket . It disappears in there.
I also carry a fixed blade . I have a few different ones . I always modify the sheath to a dangler . When I do not want to attract attention , the dangler allows me to slip it into my front pocket easily . Prodigy , mora , 5" or so blade . Not to big not to small . Just right .
Working in construction, it’s easy to carry a fixed blade on my belt to the side of the pouch on my tool belt, you can get to it with less steps than reaching in your pocket and unfolding a knife
Absolutely!!! Not to say there’s anything wrong with folders, but fixed blades are pretty convenient!
For sure, I have folders and love them but ready to go fixed blades are preferred.
When I was about 15/16 I was at on holiday horse riding in France and they used to insist on a a lead rope being attached around a horse neck in case it needed to be used ,I cant remember the exact way but over the many years I went there it was mostly safe. However one day one of the more spicy horses somehow got a leg up and in the rope which was tied far to loose while people where mounting up. I couldn't unfold my little pocket knife and had to shout at people for a kitchen knife as most people where standing there like stunned mullet (the kitchen was near the the mounting block). Cut the rope when one was brought to me and since then I've always thought fixies are far superior to folding because when you need it it is ready. While we don't live in a world full of daily crazy situations id always rather be ready. Shame knife law in my country (UK) make my preference illegal but as a chef i often have a collection of large sharp knives in my bag that are exempt from the laws due to my profession. It never ceases to amaze me how many people freeze in an emergency.
That’s a perfect example! There’s nothing wrong with being prepared 👊👊👊
I’ve carried one for sometime now, I switch between that and my buck. 🔪
I cary my Benchmade 940 for ares never problem . Amd its realy good ratio blade to handle.
🍻 Sadly a lot of places where concealed carry of a firearm is restricted also restrict carrying a fixed blade concealed. Looking forward to your folder. Please include a real cross guard to make it less likely your hand will ride up onto the blade when thrusting. I love and carry the CRKT M21-14SFG for this reason, although it's a brick. Thanks
It is concealed. Carry it!
Yes. Hello!
Good intel!
hi, what music plays in the background?
I carry a fixed blade tanto, helps distract from my pistol printing 😆. It’s kind of obnoxiously large but at this point I just don’t care anymore. I don’t go places that it bothers people and if it bothers anyone, nobody says anything to me about it.🤷🏻♂️ that’s not to say that I give a damn if it bothers anyone 😆
Ive carried knives on me since I was a child because of my best friend getting stabbed in 2nd grade, they make me feel safe and I'd never trade that feeling of safety for anything!°-°/ And fixed blades feel better in quick situations, I've cut my fingers trying to quickly open a switchblade.
I carry a heavy 4 inch blade. I use it to clean my finger nails, open packages, dig up weeds, and 100 other little uses. But I carry it to support my carrying of a pistol. In the event someone gets brave and tries to take my gun, I'll be slashing and stabing. It also comes in handy as I hunt a lot, year round.
Always carry two fixed blades plus 9mm and handy pocket knife
I edc a fixed blade and prefer it the folders simply because I use my knife for work about ~5000X a day and there is no folding/closing to contend with or gum up. Having a sheath (kydex ftw) that allows easy and fast "in/out's" is critical. Dont overlook or neglect the sheath. My go to is the Bark River Jx6 and Mora Classic. I really love the scandi grinds/ zero degree most since its by far the easiest to sharpen and touch up by hand. Does Montana Knife Company have plan's on making some kind of edc style (3-4inche blades around 7 overall length) blade with a Scandi grind in the future?. Great Vid !, and your skinner and fieldcraft designs look excellent.
I just ordered a mora classic no 1/0. Should be here tomorrow, I’m pumped!
@@gullo8410 You'll be stoked for sure once it's in. It's such a good design. I have a semi respectable knife collection (users all) of many fixed blades and folders, and that silly little $15-$20 Mora knife gets more use than probably the rest of of them all.
I almost was robbed once at my job so yeah id suggest getting you a nice blade 😁
I've been carrying fixed blade for a couple of years, mostly because I figured out I was paying (like $25 or more) for the folding bits. I do a lot of stuff involving wood, so I carry a Scandi grind carbon blade.
I wish I could in Seattle.
In Washington State it’s ok, but the city has an unconstitutional law against it.
It does not have to be large. Lots of options. Not all fixed blade knives are big. Mine is 5" blade and the handle is not large. 5" gets to the vitals. 6" is better, but getting larger.
I carry an old timer. On the strap that holds the knife, I clip on a mini pepper spray. For easy access.
Are your knives made in the USA?
As far as self defense goes a knife is good to have but it's second to something like pepper gel or a gun. Knives are difficult to use for defense and if you cut someone up you are not going to have fun in our broken court system. Pepper gel (better than spray) is completely harmless and much easier to use plus it has range. Same with a gun you can pull it out and shoot a warning shot or just point it as a deterrent and it can actually be a great non lethal option that also requires far less ninja skills. Knife fights are not pretty for you or the attacker and they should be a last resort.
Warning shots are illegal in many states
Fixed blade is best for opening bales of hay with net wrap always keep it on my belt working the ranch
In Missouri a fixed blade knife is considered a weapon. Frankly, I find this interesting because a person could use any knife as a weapon. Despite this obvious fact, many businesses, university campuses, etc., post on their premises a no weapons sign. Be alert to your state's laws regarding fixed blade knives. I enjoy them, and I collect them, but I would also have to conceal them to carry them in certain places. So, instead of clipping the knife to your bag, put the knife in your bag and don't show it or talk about it. This limits how quickly you can defend yourself, but it also may keep you out of trouble.
Unfortunately, technicalities in law are what can get folks in a lot of trouble!
The "laws" are written by those who ignore the constitution. Ignore them.
I have never had to fix my knife !
I agree that fixed blades are awesome but do have advantages and disadvantages over folders.
With that being said, I’ve carried an Esee 3 daily for several months and can say that I enjoy having a more robust knife and the sense of security.
However, each day, after getting dressed, the first piece of gear I put on is one of my folding knives, in my left front pocket (usually a Case Stockman or Case Sod Buster Jr.). Second piece of gear is a Streamlight Micro, followed by a full size Bic lighter, both in my right front pocket. After that, the Esee clips on my left side on my belt in a vertical position.
I enjoy carrying my fixed blade daily but it is a secondary choice to my folder - even when I’m in the woods.
I do and have for years.