FIXED? or FOLDER?

One of the best self-defense tools that exists is a knife. And all knives can cut - no matter if they are cheap or expensive. What does matter is the structure of the knife. What is better? A folder or a fixed blade? Two things that we need to consider in this argument is durability and deployment.

• DURABILITY

Durability is basically how strong the blade is structurally (we are not talking about knife edge durability). Using a knife and hitting it into an object or an attacker will take a toll on the structural integrity of the blade. Thin, cheaper knives may break off. And this is where most folding knives are quite lacking. The weakest point is the locking mechanism that keeps the blade out and in place. That connection between the blade and the handle is a huge point of failure. Now there are some folding blades that use a robust locking system such as the Cold Steel tri-lock that have a 3-point locking system tested up to 800 lbs of pressure and will do good. But this is the exception, not the rule. When your life is on the line and you are being attacked, do you want to rely on a flimsy locking system? Overall, it’s hard to bet against the durability of a fixed knife.

• DEPLOYMENT

Deployment is the often forgot about aspect of knife training. Deployment is getting your knife out-and-ready in a smooth, quick & efficient manner. Deployment depends upon where the blade is being carried - on the belt, in a pocket, around your neck, etc. All of these pose certain issues that need to be circumvented for good deployment and trained again and again. Ok, so let’s say you get to your knife and your are able to freely clear it from its position. With a fixed blade you are ready to go. For most folders you still need to flip the blade open. Again, in a time of need, under pressure, this is just one more step that you have to deal with, unfortunately. Yes folders are easier to carry - slip it into a pocket and you are good to go. But getting them out and fully deployed is rough. And yes, there are automatic knives that open with a push of a button (check legality) and others that have assisted methods of opening (e.g. Emerson wave). So there are some options out there that can be utilized, but overall, it’s hard to beat the deployment of a fixed knife.

In the end, I use and train with both types of knives. But if I was knowingly going in to a area where my safety was suspect (first off, why go??) I would opt for a fixed blade that was easily carried on my waist or pocket. Why leave things to chance if you don’t have to? No matter what though, training (including practicing deployment under stress) is the key.

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