Choosing the right knife for yourself is usually a matter of personal preference. Whether you are looking for a suitable knife for camping/hiking, or EDC/self-defense, the question of which knife is better in terms of functionality and durability remains complex.
Also Read: How To Get Free Knives
People usually choose between knives with fixed blades and simple folding knives. Whatever knife you choose, a good knife is which you feel safe and comfortable using. What’s more, the knife should be durable, and strong, and offers a convenient and stable grip without burdening you with its weight.
Therefore, if you plan to use the knife for a long time, I recommend you put much thought and research before making the purchase. That’s why to help you make your decision, we have compiled the pros and cons of both fixed-blade and folding knives. At the end of the article, you’ll have a much better understanding of them as well as find out which is the best for you.
1. Fixed Blade
If you’ve noticed, most survival knives tend to be built with fixed blades. Since the blade is fixed to the handle, it does not fold over. That’s why fixed-blade knives are more strong and more durable.
As The Knife Hub explains, fixed blade knives are much tougher than folding knives, especially if they have a full tang. This is because the presence of a joint greatly weakens the knife.
Plus, compared to folding knives, it is easier to clean and maintain them. However, I wouldn’t suggest a fixed blade for everyday use as it’s difficult to carry them around. You might need good health to ensure safety. Below you can see the pros and cons of fixed blades clearly.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Strong and durable | Usually heavy |
| Easy to clean and maintain | Not convenient to carry around (requires sheath) |
| Perfect for tough outdoor tasks | More expensive |
2. Folding Knife
Some people know folding knives as pocket knives. Generally, they have blades that are 3 inches or shorter. Therefore, it’s incredibly convenient to carry them around. You won’t need any sheath or protection. So safety is another advantage of folding knives. Overall, they make the perfect EDC knife.
However, it can collect dust and dirt, further damaging the knife. Plus, you might have a hard time cleaning them. In addition, since there are moving parts, it breaks easily. You have to make sure you are not putting too much pressure on the knife when using it. So it’s not very ideal for cutting tough material like wood and stuff.
Another advantage is that folding knives are more lightweight. Overall, you can see that they are more suitable for everyday simple tasks. You can find a myriad of multi-functional folding knives as well!
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Safe and convenient | Easy to break |
| Makes the perfect EDC knife | Difficult to clean and maintain |
| Lightweight |
Final Verdict
In general, you can see that both knives have their own pros and cons. So it comes down to what type of tasks you will be using the knife for. While a fixed blade is more suitable for tough tasks in a rugged environment, a folding knife is convenient to be carried daily.
If you are looking for a more versatile, lightweight, and EDC knife, a Folding knife is the go-to one. On the other hand, if you prefer a more durable, though, heavier knife, a Fixed blade is the opt one for you. The great advantage of fixed blades is that there are many knives with a compass or fire starter on them. A versatile knife is crucial when you go camping or hiking!
Again, whichever knife you choose, it should feel comfortable and convenient for you to use. Besides the functionality, pros and cons, do not forget that high-quality knives are always the best choice regardless of the knife type.
Last but not least, don’t forget to check your local laws regarding knife use. Some places approve the knife use depending on their blade size, etc. So make sure you are following the law while using the knife.
