Buck manages to get such incredible results with their 420HC because they have the heat treating down to a science. I am amazed at how good my Buck 119 is. They also know how to do a proper edge. Cliff Stamp says that the 119 did as well as the Chris Reeve Green Beret. Much to the annoyance of Chris Reeve fanatics.

I am of the opinion that the Buck 119 is one of the best fighting knives on the market. It can be modified to suit many styles ,is very cheap and easily available. It is also light and menacing looking.


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I would much prefer a good folder to the miniature fixed blades, though. Here is my thinking:

1. The handles will always be large enough for a good grip with any folder with a 3" blade or larger, and the overall length folded will be much shorter than a fixed blade of the same size.
2. Modern folders have improved locks and are strong enough for anything one could reasonably do with a small knife.
3. You can get a quality folder for less than $100.
4. They are very convenient for concealed carry, but are not limited to that. Belt pouches are available for those models too large and heavy for the pocket.

I know that a fixed blade is stronger than a folder, but how much force can I apply with a 3" handle on a 2.5" blade? I'm not saying I'm right and those who want a very small fixed blade are wrong. I'm just stating my own reasons for prefering folders in blades < 4".


I am of the opposite opinion, I think infi makes much more sense in a small EDC than a survival knife where toughness is paramount and Sr77 is just as useful.

Where infi really proves it's worth is in an EDC that can be used much harder than you would ever consider with a folder. If yopu are in the bush a little rust is not a big deal and since you use the knife a lot you will need to sharpen it no matter how good the edge retention. Sr77 can be sharpened to a usable edge with a smooth rock. Rust resistance is nice in an EDC that will often be used for food and put away wet or even with citric acid. I also like having my best most expensive and best looking nife the one I have with me most of the time. Honestly my big knives don't get nearly as much use as I would like.


Some of the main reasons I prefer fixed EDC's over folders have to do with Canadian laws so are not applicible in the US. Still a small fixed blade is faster than a folder to bring into play ,stronger and they look better.

I also like the Viking ethos of having your wealth and status shown by your quality of person gear and effects. If I am going to spend a bunch of cash on a knife it should be the one that I use the most and am most probably going to have in an emergency. On the other hand you could say that the knife that should be the most expensive and high quality should be the survival knife your life may deped on.

I also think fixed blades are better looking ,like a hardtail chopper.
A bike analogy would be Hardtail=fixed ,Softtail a folder based on a fixed like the Applegate folder ,a Dyna would be a fullsize folder and a sportster would be a smaller folder.

This is turning out to be a cool thread.