The Truth About Pocket Fixed Blades

Pocket fixed blades have been increasing in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. These compact knives offer a unique blend of durability and ease-of-use that makes them a compelling choice for everyday carry (EDC). While folding knives are certainly more common, pocket fixed blades have distinct advantages.

Why Choose a Pocket Fixed Blade?

• Strength: Fixed blades are generally more durable than folding knives of a similar size, and can handle tougher tasks like twisting or prying.
• Reliability: Fixed blades are inherently simpler than folding knives and therefore less prone to failure. With no moving parts to break or wear out, there are simply fewer things that can go wrong.
• Accessibility: With no deployment mechanism needed, you can always access your blade quickly and easily, which can be essential in an emergency situation.
• Cleanliness: With their nooks and crannies, folding pocket knives can attract dirt and pocket lint which can even affect the operation of the blade or lock mechanism, whereas fixed blades are much easier to keep clean.
• Ease of Maintenance: Folding pocket knives have clip screws or pivots that may need periodic adjustment or lubrication. These are things you won’t have to worry about with a pocket fixed blade.a

What are the Best Pocket Fixed Blade Knives for EDC?

MKM Pocket Tango

• 2.91” blades: Nessmuk for versatility and slicing, reverse tanto for powerful and precise cuts
• MagnaCut Steel offers the perfect balance of edge-holding, toughness, and rust resistance
• Magnetic leather pocket sheath is classy and ambidextrous
• Designed by David C. Andersen

Boker Knives Burnley Barlow BFF

• Narrow 2.56” blade is just enough for daily use without extra bulk
• Inspired by vintage Barlow pocket knives, made in Germany
• Ambidextrous leather sheath features a pocket clip for convenience
• Designed by Lucas Burnley

Boker Knives Daily Knives AK1

• Drop point, tanto, and reverse tanto profiles, ~3” long with full-sized handles for more capability
• Reversible lanyard loop can be tucked inside the handle for a cleaner profile
• Sheath features an UIti-Clip to fasten the sheath in place so it won’t move

What are the Toughest Pocket Fixed Blade Knives?

Viper Berus

• M390 blades are overbuilt for extra durability and a long-lasting edge
• 2.64” Drop point or 2.44” sheepsfoot blade profiles with G10, Micarta, or Carbon Fiber handles
• Ambidextrous Kydex sheath and Ulti-Clip provide rock solid pocket carry

CRKT 4037 Razel

• 3-inch blade with Chisel-like front edge makes this a perfect craft or tradesman’s knife
• Micarta handles provide plenty of grip and a full tang for strength
• Thermoplastic sheath features the convenience of a pocket clip

Kansept Korvid S

• Oversized 2.9” cleaver-shaped blade is the perfect utilitarian shape capable of big cuts
• Kansept offers heaps of value with both budget 14C28N and upgraded S35VN blade steel options
• Kydex sheath with custom reversible pocket clip completes the package

What are the Best Pocket Fixed Blade Knives for Self Defense?

Benchmade Knives SOCP Dagger

• Designed by Greg Thompson for the Special Operations Combatives Program
• Finger ring enables rapid deployment of the blade and retention in tactical grips
• Double-edged for maximum effectiveness with 3.22” and 2.22” lengths to suit your mission
• Trainer version also available

Cold Steel Drop Forged Push Dagger

• Single-piece construction makes this arguably the strongest push knife on the market
• Double-edged and easy to use thanks to intuitive “aiming” – simply point and punch
• Ambidextrous Secure-Ex sheath and Ulti-Clip keeps the knife poised for rapid access

What are the Best Pocket Fixed Blades for Camping and Hiking?

ESEE Izula

• Drop point shape with 1095 carbon steel (S35VN also available) is a time-proven combination for a tough outdoor blade
• Choose the light weight of the original or the Izula-II (pictured above) for a longer and more ergonomic handle
• Molded sheath works great with the included clip or as a neck knife too

MKM Terzuola TPF Defense

• 3.27” blade and expert handle design: great for wood carving, food prep, and camp tasks
• MagnaCut steel: tough, stainless, and edge-retention to outlast your expedition
• Magnetic pocket sheath is standard, Kydex also available for increased carry options
• Designed by the legendary Bob Terzuola

What are the Best Affordable Pocket Fixed Blade Knives?

CIVIVI Circulus

• Sleek 1.96” blade and ultralight construction make this great for EDC
• 10Cr-series stainless steel offers great bang for the buck
• Kydex sheath with reversible pocket clip
• Designed by Ostap Hel

CRKT Scribe

• A pocket fixed blade with “USB Thumb Drive” aesthetics
• Removable cap reveals the 1.74” blade
• Super light at a scant 1 oz. when clipped in your pocket
• Designed by TJ Schwarz

SOG Instinct

• Two sizes: 2.3” or 1.9” clip point blades are precise and fairly robust
• Prominent finger grooves make the handle very secure so you can tackle bigger jobs in addition to small ones
• Injection-molded sheath features a rotating pocket clip so you can customize your angle

Pocket Fixed Blades: Are They Right For You?

While folding knives are a great choice for many people, pocket fixed blades offer a unique set of advantages that make them worth considering. Whether you’re looking for a durable, reliable knife for everyday carry or a versatile tool for hard work or self-defense, a pocket fixed blade may be the perfect option for you.