Been carrying this winkler for a while but recently found out fixed blades fall outside of “ordinary pocket knife” and is potentially illegal in my state.
It is also highly plausible but not explicit that conceal carry of fixed blade is OK with a CCW.
I carry mine in my front pocket and you can only see the handle, unless I’m wearing a coat.
Once I was sitting in my car parked at the gas station and a couple of city cops approached me (my tags were expired).
One of the cops called it out “knife passenger side pocket” to his partner but nothing else came of it, I have no idea if it was because I was in my car (considered private property) or because the cop saw I have a CCW on my DL or maybe it’s just legal.
Anyways now I’m thinking I could either formally inquire the DA (and burn plausible deniability), switch to a folder, or just switch to a cheaper fixed I wouldn’t mind being potentially confiscated.
To be clear I’m not asking for legal advice I’m just providing context.
I very much prefer fixed over folder for simplicity and durability, I use mine for outdoor cooking and eating, crafting, whittling, bushcraft and occasional batoning. I wouldn’t willingly use it for self defense if other options are available but it’s a very good stabber too.
Long story short can you recommend both a fixed option under $100 and a folder option that would work for my use cases.
by RegardedCaveman
8 Comments
Nice knife, I would hate to get it confiscated to. A Mora is cheap… but it looks cheap. BPS is a good alternative and they have good carbon steel. I don’t like their stainless. Mora has decent stainless but these are a lot cheaper. Better steel and maybe looks Kizer has a good line up of fixed blades.
Or you could go the opposite direction and get a slipjoint and get a Case or something. I’ve been stuck on carrying Bradford recently
Fixed option: Esee izula.. affordable high quality and non threatening.
Folder under 100 something kershaw would do the job plenty of options based on your preference
The cop was just calling out a potential threat to their partner, just being probably overly vigilant.
I don’t get it. Your knife was literally identified by two cops on your person and they didn’t take it or arrest you. Why wouldn’t you just keep carrying it?
Better find out for sure. Check your state legislature. In my state, California, the defining factor would be whether or not it’s in the pocket. Belt carry is legal. Pocket is technically concealed. Even though the handle sticks out either way 🥲
If they seen it it wasn’t concealed
Greetings, fellow caveman.
Others have provided some great fixed blade options, and I am the last person who should be giving legal advice. However, I do have a folder suggestion.
If you’re looking for a super sturdy folder for under $100 that you can occasionally baton with, your best bet is probably Cold Steel. My suggestion would be the [Air Light in drop point](https://www.coldsteel.com/air-lite-drop-point-1/)
That’s a sweet looking knife. I’ve been wanting to get a Winkler Drop Point Crusher, but now you are convincing me to get the Operator.
As for your question about recommendations:
For fixed blade that is similar size and shape but affordable in case you have to ditch it or it gets confiscated, you can’t beat Mora knives. I’d recommend the Mora Companion Heavy Duty. It’s actually a really solid knife and is a great all around knife that you won’t be afraid to lose. The Mora Bushcraft is a bit nicer and is still only in the $60
range on sale. Another fixed blade option is LT Wright knives and their Patriot model. It’s right under $100. Lastly, I’ll recommend ESEE knives. The models I’d recommend that fit your style the most would be the Camplore, Izula 2, and the Ashley Game Knife. The Ashley Game Knife is such a comfortable knife in hand. It’s just over $100, but you could probably find one on eBay for less.
Now for folders, the options are bountiful. I’m not sure what your budget for a folder would be since you have a $350 fixed blade but if we are sticking to the sub-$100 range then I’d go with something like Kershaw. They have a lot of sub $100 knives that are made in the USA. You could also go Buck 110 if you want a more classic option. Honestly, there are a lot of sub-$100 options but it would depend on your preferences in a folder. Over $100 has an even greater selection and while I could name some it would be better if you told us what you were looking for in a folder.
Things like:
Price Range
Blade Length
Blade Shape
Locking Mechanism Type
Preferred Steel
Preferred carry method (pocket clip, belt sheath, in pocket)
What you want to use it for