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Ontario RAT 3 is (in my mind) very close to the ideal in terms of this
application: cost/quality/concealability/utility.
Around $85.
A very nice knife.
A bit larger and you get into stuff like the RAT 5, Camillus CQB, and
Becker Campanion, and maybe something from Al Mar or Benchmade Nimravus.
Those are too large for me, though.
The laws for concealed folders vary greatly depending on which state you live in as well as possible local ordnances. For example, CA is quite liberal regarding the size (no limit) of folders you wish to keep in pocket or belt.
In this case, the OP is asking about fixed-blade knives specifically.
As CWL and PJ have pointed out, each state has it's own laws regarding knives and carrying them. You can research the individual laws on possession and carry by going to a good third party summary site like Howard Levine's and look at what he's put together or mine the individual state websites for their laws. For the most part though, if the knife is on your belt or clipped in your pocket with the clip expose on the outside of the pocket, it is not considered concealed (YMMV).
A fixed blade offers two advantages over a folder, if your local laws permit its carry. The fixed blade is ready for immediate use upon drawing. This is an advantage when every split second counts. Also, its design is stronger than a folder. While these points obviously favor a fixed blade, skill and determination are more important factors.
With this in mind, I recommend the carrying the largest blade that is legal in your particular jurisdiction, if you can bring yourself to use a knife. Please remember that any knife is not a "light saber" that can incapacitate a BG with the flick of a wrist. You must close with your assailant and be prepared to inflict gory, potentially fatal, injuries. Think about this before you decide upon a blade for self-defense. Sadly, too many people neglect this awful truth.
I'm in Texas and restricted to 5.5" max length and single edge blade. I carry a Cold Steel Kobun IWB left side blade forward and a Ka-Bar TDI right side OWB. Total cost for both knives was $60. I am thinking of trying a RAT3 since the Kobun rubber grips chafe my side if worn more than 4 hours.
At under $200, I'd look at the Gerber Yari, if you can find one. They stopped making them a few years ago. There's plenty of similar knives out there, though. I've also always liked the Mark I.
I'm also partial to the Cold Steel Tanto. If money were no object, I'd have a Cold Steel Imperial Tanto (limited edition of 1000), or maybe an Imperial Tai-Pan (also a limited run). Both of those are no longer manufactured, but regular Tantos and Tai-Pans can be found out there.
That's all I could think of off the top of my head.
Been looking long and hard at the Kershaw Military Boot Knife (also the RAT-5, but price is an object).
1.4116 steel isn't particularly tough and it won't hold an edge as well as some, but I'm not looking for a utility knife (that's what my spydie is for), just a SD piece. I've read plenty of favorable reviews from those who expected a sharp knife that was solely for SD purposes, and plenty of not very favorable reviews from those who wanted a multipurpose tool. The carry system looks promising...
The Kershaw boot is a proven design that's been around forever. As a dagger it's a pretty good design for thrusting, but it certainly isn't suitable for cutting/slashing. Also, check your laws on double edged or dagger possession/carry to see if it is legal. There are plenty of other options that won't add that additional burden.
I keep my CRKT in my pocket at all times, but if I ever had a need to carry a serious fighting blade, I would hang my Gerber Mk II upside-down in the small of my back. In Utah you can carry concealed knives with a CCW.
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