+1 to sharps comment. Believe me, I would love to have a small, EDC fixed that i could carry. It would be both stronger and more comfortable. However, when you look at the role that a small fixed blade plays in more people's tool array (light work like slicing), it typically is used for tasks that require neither strength nor absolute comfort. Furthermore, folders are less scary to people unused to knives (like all of Sharp and my friends). The people i spend time with, sadly, would FREAK if I suddenly whipped out a fixed blade to slice an apple or cut a box, whereas pulling out may griptillian only generates quizzical glances. I carry a folder because i believe that it can accomplish all of the light task that one might throw at a knife that size, its more compact, and because it just plain freaks people out less.

That said, if you're in an area of the country where the culture finds it permissible to EDC a straight knife, go right ahead!