If you’re visiting The Shooter’s Log, you probably already carry some sort of knife on a daily basis. Whether it be for defensive use, general utility, or both, a good knife can save the day. Although many will gravitate to the folding knife for everyday carry, or EDC, I would suggest you consider giving a fixed blade knife a chance.
Fixed blade knives are more capable and durable than folding knives. They are less likely to break under high stress and hard use. There is no lock interface to keep the blade in place and worry about failing, no screws holding the frame together, and no action for dirt and grit to obstruct. It is just one solid piece of steel.
Size Considerations
When choosing a fixed blade, one of the main things you’ll want to consider is size. Because they cannot simply fold in half for easy carry like a folding pocket knife, the overall length will be of greater importance. I find the sweet spot for me is between 6.5 and 7.5 inches. This tends to give you a knife with about a 3 to 3.5-inch blade. Any smaller, and I’m sacrificing too much blade length. Any larger, and it becomes too cumbersome to carry daily.
With an increase in size also comes an increase in weight. Both overall length and blade stock thickness will contribute to your weight. If it is too heavy, it will likely become too much of a burden for you to consistently carry and you’ll leave it at home. You can probably get away with up to 8 inches overall, depending on your body size and preferred carry method, which we’ll discuss later in the article.
Knife Options
Fixed blades tend to be less expensive than folders, as there is less machining required during production. They come in at all price ranges, so there are bound to be tons of options that fit your size, style, and budget. Being a knife nerd, I have blades that range from $20–1,000, and I know some who spend well beyond that.
Spending more will get you higher-end materials, such as blade steel and handle scales, but the law of diminishing returns comes into play fast. As you pay more and more, you’ll likely be buying small details, such as chamfering or hand-ground blades, that may not contribute to overall performance.
Certain knife designs are only available from specific makers, and the price will reflect that. The Strider SLCC is a perfect example. If you want this unique knife design, you have to pay to play. Even within the different SLCC models, prices will range from a few hundred to a few thousand.
Tracker Dan and Half Face Blades are two other companies that make high-end fixed blade knives that hold up to some serious use. The Tracker Dan Bloodshark, the flagship model, is built with concealability in mind, while still providing effective blade length. Coming in with about a 3.5-inch blade and 7 inches overall, the Bloodshark is one of my favorite fixed blades for EDC. The grip area may be a little small for some with large hands but should mold nicely into most.
Another great everyday carry fixed blade is the Half Face Blades Cav Jr. This is a similar size to the Bloodshark, with about a 0.5-inch longer grip. The classic drop point blade design excels at most tasks and is very durable.
For those looking for a good, budget fixed blade, I recommend the Spyderco Street Beat. The 3.5-inch bowie blade has a good tip for detail work, and the full flat grind makes it an excellent slicer. The concealed tang and FRN handle make for a lightweight package that’s capable enough for most tasks. The polymer sheath offers good fit and retention, but may require different mounting hardware if you do not wish to carry outside the waistband.
If you’re looking for the most discreet option and a capable self-defense tool, the Benchmade Mini SOCP fits the bill. This miniature fixed blade clips in your pocket just like a folding knife or small flashlight and is purpose-designed for emergency self-defense. The blade may be short, but the ring at the end makes for easy extraction and there’s plenty of handle to get a good grip.
For the most bang for your buck, the CRKT Biwa delivers. For under $40, you get a good 3-inch drop point blade, attractive black/brown G10 handle scales, and a good polymer sheath that is ready to accept multiple attachment methods. The blade steel is basic, and it’s a bit shorter than my preferred length, but it makes for a solid budget EDC fixed blade.
Sheaths/Carry Methods
Obviously, carrying a fixed blade requires a sheath. Most knives will come with a sheath, but if yours doesn’t, or it comes with one that does not work for you, you can always have a sheath custom-made. Sheath selection will typically come down to Kydex or leather. Each has its own pros and cons, so the choice will be up to you.
Kydex sheaths typically feature a distinct click! when the knife is inserted or drawn. Some even incorporate a way to adjust the retention strength. They will not collapse after the blade is removed, making resheathing your knife easier — especially with one hand. Additionally, there’s less of a risk that your blade will puncture through the bottom of the sheath.
Leather has a classy, timeless aesthetic. It also features softer edges and can be more comfortable to wear all day. Leather will tend to produce less wear on your blade finish over time. However, it will retain more moisture, which could result in rust if you don’t clean and oil your knife. Take care of your tools and they will take care of you.
When deciding on your sheath, you’ll need to determine how you plan to carry your knife. Similar to concealed carry, it may take some trial and error to see what works best for you. For EDC, my favorite methods are inside-the-waistband and pocket carry. This will keep the knife accessible, but discreet.
Resheathing isn’t as quick, but drawing the knife is simple. Attachments such as the Ulti-Clip help retain the sheath in the pocket while drawing and keep it in place for resheathing. This is a cheap bonus, but is not necessary.
If you want the blade a bit more accessible, and are willing to sacrifice some concealability, outside-the-waistband carry is a good option. Carrying vertically on a standard belt sheath works, but offers very little concealability unless you’re wearing a jacket or cover garment. Swapping to horizontal carry with belt loops makes for a more concealable package.
Worn just in front (or behind) the hip on your offhand side, the curve of your body should hide most of the shape of the blade. Horizontal carry will also shift the knife into a position that keeps the handle from poking into you and out of your shirt as you bend and move throughout the day.
Small fixed blades may be carried around the neck on some ball chain or paracord. They can be concealed under a shirt or jacket and drawn by pulling downward. Neck carry can be fairly accessible, depending on your cover garment, but I find the dangling knife flopping around to be annoying.
Final Thoughts
Moving to a fixed blade knife for everyday carry may seem daunting at first, but it’s something you get used to and allows for a more capable and dependable tool. With the right knife and sheath combination, carrying a fixed blade can be just as easy as a folding knife. If you haven’t tried carrying a fixed blade knife for EDC, I recommend you give it a shot. If you follow some of these tips, I don’t think you’ll regret it.
