[Rogelio]

I am asking because the only knives I carry are either butterfly or fixed blade...the butterfly is no longer carried because on a previous post you guys made me discover that it was not such a good idea (very hard to open after punching for 15 seconds) and ven though the fixed blade needs "imagination" to be carried, the time to deploy it is near zero.

Why do you guys carry folders and not fixed??? Size?? Other than that..is there a good particular reason not to carry a fixed blade??

Thanks

[JShirley]

The chief advantages to a folder are convenience and social.

There are several small fixed blades I have considered carrying, but I believe a folder will be seen with less suspicion, especially by law enforcement.

John

[Cal4D4]

Here in California the laws do not allow much of a fixed blade. Locking folders are fairly unrestricted. Carry a fixed blade if you can.

[Jim March]

What Cal said: LEGALITY. California laws are particularly biased towards folders but this isn't uncommon in the US.

(Some states have blade length limits but don't specify folder/fixed...Texas is like that I think. In which case, yes, a creatively carried fixed-blade is the way to go.)

On Bali-Songs: the real advantage is "lock strength" - in the days before good folder lockworks, this was a major thing. With better locks on longer folders, I think something like the Sifu, Maxx and Cold Steel Vaquero Grande can be opened faster than a Bali under stress.

[hso]

The vast majority of people carry folders for the same reason. Convenience.

Smaller when folded than a comperable fixed blade, they fit in the pocket easily and are out of the way until needed.

[brownie0486]

It folds.

By folding it is easier to conceal.

Sometimes easier to carry.

Brownie

[TheeBadOne]

...and, it fits in your pocket. You can also sit down without it poking/catching/hanging on something.

[Rogelio]

Do you consider the time needed to deply the knife too long?? I can not picture myself opening a folder while wrestlig on the floor for my gun...

[JShirley]

In some places- I mean in the US, but I'm certain elsewhere, as well- a fixed blade is illegal to carry, but a folder is not. Most workplaces in the US will not allow an obvious fixed blade to be carried. This obviously means that carrying one forces it to be carried concealed. If concealed, it may take longer to extract when wrestling on the floor than the folder clipped onto your pants pocket.

Hopefully, you never find yourself wrestling for your gun on the floor. I will say that I've had folders I could open faster than an automatic knife. With a little skill, one can use a folder without even having it fully open, but I'll leave that technique to be shown to you by someone who understands it. Some things are a lot easier to explain in person.

[10-Ring]

The big advantage I have is that I can carry a folding knife in any situation/ any attire w/o calling undue attention. As a result, I can have a knife on me all the time whereas a firearm can be more of a challenge.

[Penforhire]

Legal and social for me as detailed by others above. If I worked in construction in another municipality, instead of high-tech in LA, I would certainly carry a fixed blade.

[Rogelio]

Thank you guys so much for all the imput...will try to get a nice folder...maybe a Benchmade 500??