If you’re looking for a compact everyday carry knife, you might think that a folding knife is your only option. But have you considered a fixed blade? At first glance they might not seem like the best for EDC, but you’d be surprised. They actually offer a few advantages over their folding counterparts that make them better-suited for your EDC. In this guide we’ll break down the benefits of fixed blades and show you 10 excellent options that offer serious performance at a size and weight that puts some folders to shame.

What’s a “fixed blade,” and why would I carry one instead of a folding knife?

In short, it’s a knife that doesn’t fold into the handle, and usually carried in a protective sheath. While folding knives are more convenient for many people, a fixed blade has its own set of advantages:

• More reliable: with no moving parts to break, they won’t fail on you during hard use.
• Knife legality: if folding knives are restricted where you live, a small fixed blade might be a legal carry option instead.
• Alternative carry options: you can carry one at your belt, on your leg, in a boot, around your neck, or even attach it to your bag, instead of taking up more space in your pocket.

If it sounds like your EDC could benefit from a fixed blade, check out these knife options.

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