One of the most important tools a person can carry is a pocket knife. In most cases it would be a folding type knife of some sort. Choosing the proper one for the right task is vital.
If the scenario is suited to carry a fixed blade full tang knife (non folding type) this would almost always be a better choice, however many scenarios won't accommodate for this. I will explain why ultimately a fixed blade is a better option.
Folders have the added benefit of being able to be carried fairly discreetly with just a pocket clip. These are great for having to pop a box open, cut some tape, or do very basic all around tasks.
Fixed blades however (full tang) are basically one piece of metal with some scales for grip and pins to hold it all together. These are very robust and strong options with little moving parts or components.
Now I know a lot of people that will read this will say "well no shit", but it's important to cover this basic principle first. Having a blade is always better than NOT having one.
To be fair a lot of people may use a pocket knife for remedial tasks. Not everyone is going to be batoning wood to survive on the daily. Which would be a task that is suited for the aforementioned stronger fixed blade option.
But what about for self defense?
Is a folding knife enough for self defense? Well, hopefully it is if you ever had to use it this way. But, did you choose a beater knife that is barely good for cutting packing tape or boxes? Then I can say it will be a slim chance it will be optimal for a defense need.
In the years I've carried knives I've found that a good all around EDC knife ticks a few boxes. It has to be easy to sharpen. Easy to maintain. Perform the majority of tasks I ask of it. It must have good reliability. Even better if the steel holds and keeps an edge.
Sharp knives are safe knives.
Basically if it does those things then it would be pretty ideal for me. The other preference will come over time and with experience. Like having the option to change the carry clip, carry tip up or tip down, switch from left to right hand carry. Flippers, assisted, and full blown auto knives then start to come next. Having one handed deployment might be something you care about.
Also I can add the style of lock up is important too with folders. Not all folding knives are equal and will have mechanical failures with enough stress. This can be dangerous for the user and also the people around the person using the knife.
Plus, folders have a lot of moving parts. They are a pain in the ass to clean and to maintain. They have parts that can easily wear out or break. While fixed blades have very little to worry about as they are just a piece of metal with some handles on it. Just keep it sharp and clean stupid.
The company Cold Steel for example will do tests and host data showing how strong the locking mechanisms are on some of their folding knives. These tests showed definitive proof not all knives are equal. Failure points were very different across the multiple different locking types. The steel choices also made a difference in durability and can make the maintenance a priority to pay more attention to.
Fixed blades are almost always going to be better for most tasks but the fact is a lot of people cannot open carry a fixed blade due to work for example. So pocket carrying a folder is perfect for a large majority of people. They are usually very discreet and not alarming to the lesser prepared.
However, if self defense is at all important in an EDC knife, accept no substitute for a fixed blade. Otherwise you are chancing complete failure probably when you want reliability the most.
A folding knife will get you to a fixed blade, fixed blade to a pistol, pistol to a rifle, and the rifle and some training will get you out of hopefully anything.
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