I have decided I want a folder....

[AnklePocket]

Probably not a bad idea is to go to some of the better online retailers' sites who show most every knife out there. The two that come to mind are www.1sks.com and www.knifecenter.com . You can navigate around to see what's out there.
IMHO, a killer combo is the CRKT M16-03Z and a Camillus Talonite EDC although the new Buck Mayo TNT and Camillus Dominator are soon to come out and will probably be as good as it'll get for many years to come.

 

[sm]

I too needed a folder, this bunch really knows their blades. I'm currently carrying a Ken Onion 1660 (Leek).

I'm still learning and taking it all in...did learn to lean back from the laptop...keyboard not drool-proof.

Funny, forever a Case Trapper did me fine. 1911's my main choice in pistol...simple...arrgg to many choices, and these guys really know how to tempt.

Tamara's probably the worst culprit--what does she NOT have a pic of...

 

[hso]

Search Knifeforums and Bladeforums for more information about knives than you'll ever use. Bladeforums have numerous folks that write reviews of commercial and custom knives. So if you want to read a review on a knife of interest, and then the lively debate that results, you should take a look over there.

 

[labgrade]

Quick question (after not having read any of the posts).

Why a folder, when a fixed blade may likely do evrything you'd want?

A folder must be "un-folded" first, no? While a fixed blade is probably stronger in all aspects .....

I settled on a Gerber Guardian Back-up long ago for a "defensive knife." Grab it & you have a blade - no un-folding, nada.

Some folders are great, no doubt, but why go folder when there's already better (& quicker stuff) already out there?

Just a question.

 

[brownie0486]

Folders are convenient to carry, straight blades can be problematic dependant on your circumstances.

With practice you can access a folder as quickly as any straight blade. I know this from experience and often show the students this "Brownie Pop" I had developed 10 years ago. Some can perform the opening of the folder right away while others need some ramp up time to become proficient at presenting the blade.

Granted folders are not as sturdy for lateral pressures as a rule, though some folders are stronger than some fixed blades as well.
It comes down to choices. I can carry a folder almost everywhere and if the clip is spotted on the pocket nobody takes issues with it. Try walking around with a fixed blade in most cities and watch how fast the LE's take notice or someone is making them aware of your status in fixed blade guise.

Some states restrict fixed knives to ridiculously small blade lengths [ usually down south due to the culture born there in the 1830's ].

The folders are always with me. MY fixed blades come out only when I am dressed properly and have concealing garments which keep the sheeple at piece with me.

Brownie

 

[labgrade]

Won't argue, far as, brownie0486, but it's just my nature,

"With practice you can access a folder as quickly as any straight blade."

If you have to do any extra motion, it's not as fast, or as reliable. No "flicking" is as reliable or quicker than just grabbing the "end of a stick" & hauling it out.

Any fixed blade can be carried, IWB, etc. just as "stealthy" as any folder.

Far as blade length - that goes with being seen in the first place. I figure if I can easily enough conceal a BHP, I can also do so with any blade.

Too, Colorado law exempts any blade length if "for sporting purposes." Do mention that to them if made.

Again, no arguement. Mostly I always carry a coupla pocket folders - wouldn't be w/o 'em.

 

[brownie0486]

labgrade:
Agree that some straight knives can be accessed as easily and as well some easier with the right carry system accessory. Most straight blades do not come with a sheath/carry system thatr allows faster access.

My only point was I hate to wear over garments just to conceal a blade. Course if you are already doing so to carry the BHP then no issue there as well.

I have some pretty nice stuff in straight configurations and most are not accessable with the the speed of the clipped blades [ for me anyway]. I realize most have no familiarization with the "Brownie Pop" so they probably will be slower as a rule drawing a folder.

My technique doesn't involve flipping the knife at all. Just lift it from the pocket and it's open on the draw stroke. Flipping the knife with the wrist to create centrifigal force attempting to open the blade can be dangerous as the act of doing so can be blocked/trapped if the opponent is sharp.

I do like the fixed blades and put them on when I think I may actually need something like that. Usually goes hand in hand with the glock 30 or Colt Sistema.

Brownie

 

[Tim Schlosser]

There's roughly 4 million different "flavor of the week" Tacticals out there that can run up in to the thousands of dollars apiece. A Benchmade Stryker is an excellent choice or an AFCK, or a Spyderco Military..... It all comes down to personal choice as long as you're buying reputable stock. If you really "need" to worry over every last little possible situation, then nothing is perfect. Just pick something quality made that fits your hand and you'll be golden.

 

[brownie0486]

Tim Schlosser:

Good luck with your website.

Brownie