Fixed and Folded: A Revelation

How a fixed blade obsession reminded me why I love my folders

Mar 16, 2025

It’s no secret, I am in a fixed blade phase, but ironically, it’s helped me appreciate my folders more...

Let me explain. My morning ritual, as I prepare to head out into the world, is to labor over which knife I will carry in my front right pocket. Then I think about what fixed blade, slip joint, and ESK (emotional support knife) will compliment it.

But in going back to my roots and so firmly embedding myself in a fixed blade phase, my ritual has been upended.

Now I worry more about which fixed blade to carry in the waistband or on my belt than which full-size folder to carry.

Now, I seem to just impulsively grab one of my (very sweet) folders, clip it to my front right pocket and head immediately to my other rolling tool chest to consider and reconsider my fixed blade carry.

Consequently, I end up carrying the same full-size folder for a few days in a row without rotation — that continuous carry shows me how great the folders I already have really are.

For instance, this past week, I have been carrying the Pro-Tech Rockeye day after day and am reminded of how much I love the Les George design, how thin and slicey the CPM-D2 blade is, and that automatic action!

As a knife junkie with an active channel and plenty of friends and contacts in the knife world, I get sent a lot of beautiful knives and I also buy my fair share, so there is always a latest and greatest.

But to slow down and appreciate the knives I already have and to remember why I was so excited to acquire them in the first place has real value.

It also serves to show that I am a collector of knives, not a hoarder of knives.

Not trying to be preachy, but appreciate what you’ve got and remember why you got it in the first place.

It’s like acquiring the knife all over again.

Knife Junkie Out!

Mike Wertin, Northern Knives: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 579)

In episode 579 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob speaks with Mike Wertin, owner of Northern Knives in Anchorage, Alaska. Mike shares how he transitioned from the car business to becoming Alaska’s premier knife retailer and maker of “the toughest things in Alaska since bears.”

Northern Knives’ in-house brand, 3 Dog Knife, creates ultra-durable fixed blades designed for Alaska’s harsh conditions. Their most popular model, the MAC, combines the best features of several hunting knives while remaining affordable for practical users.

Mike also reveals their pioneering laser anodizing technique that allows for detailed, multi-colored designs on titanium—a service now in such high demand they can barely keep up.

The most exciting news?

Northern Knives is developing their first line of folding knives, priced at $399 to make quality accessible. Using premium CPM S125V steel for their prototypes, the folders will combine the best features from Mike’s favorite knives while maintaining the durability Three Dog Knife is known for.

Check out the full episode to hear about Mike’s story, Northern Knives’ custom Cerakote services, and why virtually everyone in Alaska carries a pocket knife—even to the office.

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