Fixed vs. Folding for Tactical Knife Use

• Tactical knives are designed to be pulled out quickly and used at a moment’s notice.
• You can choose between buying a fixed or folding tactical knife when you’re in the market for one.
• Consider the plans you have for tactical knife use before deciding whether to opt for a fixed or folding option.

Fixed and folding tactical knives share many key characteristics. They’re both made out of durable materials, feature non-reflective finishes, and boast the ability to be deployed rapidly when necessary. However, there is also a gigantic difference between them that can impact your tactical knife use. One has a fixed blade that doesn’t open and close, while the other has a folding blade that you can put away when you don’t need it.

Because of this, you might not know which option to select when you’re shopping for a tactical knife. So before you can land on the right one, you must carefully consider each of their pros and cons to arrive at a final answer. Check them out below as you compare these two great choices.

What Is a Fixed Tactical Knife?

A fixed tactical knife is a type of knife that features a permanent blade that does not fold away when you aren’t using it. For a long time, fixed tactical knives were used almost exclusively by military personnel, but fixed tactical knife use has become increasingly common among civilians over the years. Fixed tactical knives have earned a reputation for being strong, sturdy, and reliable, regardless of who is using them.

The Pros of Using a Fixed Tactical Knife

Since a fixed tactical knife doesn’t fold away, it doesn’t have any moving parts, and that automatically makes it stronger and more durable than the average folding knife. It’s also easier to pull out a fixed tactical knife and begin using it than it is to deploy a folding one because of its design.

Additionally, a fixed blade knife is typically much easier to maintain than a folding option, as it doesn’t have a hinge or a locking mechanism that can trap dirt and other debris. Each of these factors gives a fixed tactical knife a slight edge over a folding tactical knife from the outset, and they may encourage you to purchase a fixed tactical knife and use it.

The Cons of Using a Fixed Tactical Knife

While a fixed tactical knife will deliver a wide range of benefits when you use it, nothing is perfect. This type of knife can be much harder to conceal than a folding tactical knife, as it’s often larger, and you need to use a sheath to carry it. If your primary use for your knife is work or outdoors, however, concealing it won’t matter much. It’s also important to note that some states have also outlawed fixed tactical knives outside of certain groups (like law enforcement) or situations, which could instantly take it out of the running as an option, depending on where you live.

What Is a Folding Tactical Knife?

A folding tactical knife is a type of knife that features a foldable blade that you can put away when you aren’t using it. Folding tactical knives feature pocket-knife-style blades that are small but mighty, as they have the potential to inflict just as much damage as fixed options when used correctly. At the same time, they tend to be lighter, easier to handle, and even safer in many cases, thanks to their folding blades.

The Pros of Using a Folding Tactical Knife

A folding tactical knife is better to use than a fixed tactical knife if you plan to carry it every day in most instances. One of the most significant benefits of choosing this kind of knife is that it’s highly portable and easy to conceal. It also won’t come with the same legal concerns as tactical knives with fixed blades.

Another advantage of selecting a folding tactical knife over a fixed one is that you won’t look as intimidating when you pull it out to utilize it. People probably won’t bat an eye, which may not bode well if you plan to buy a tactical knife and use it for self-defense purposes, but it will be a huge plus if you wish to avoid raising any eyebrows with your knife. In addition to all of this, a folding tactical blade is also a safer option, as it can be closed to reduce the chances of accidents occurring.

The Cons of Using a Folding Tactical Knife

Just like fixed tactical knives, folding ones aren’t without their downsides. To start, they have weaker blades that may fail if you push them too hard or use them too often. It also takes slightly longer to pull out a folding tactical knife and use it. Even though it might only be a few fractions of a second longer, this time could make a big difference if you’re using it to protect yourself.

As we alluded to earlier when discussing the pros of using a fixed tactical knife, folding knives require more maintenance due to their hinges and other moving parts, which can collect dirt and debris. Plus, folding tactical knives aren’t always capable of featuring great designs like fixed ones. The folding component limits what manufacturers can do to some degree.

Let Us Help You Pick Out the Right Fixed or Folding Tactical Knife and Use It

Before you buy a fixed or folding tactical knife and start to use it, give serious thought to the pros and cons associated with each. If you’re still not sure which one to invest in after doing this, Architect Knives would be happy to help you make a final decision. Contact us to talk to a specialist about your specific needs.