Hmm, interesting. I've just been thinking about that again on my trek yesterday.

I carry both a folder and a fixed blade outdoors all the time. For my needs, I have never found a folder as good as a decent fixed blade. Especially as far as ergonomics. I do a lot of woodworking and no folder comes close to a Mora when you have to do some serious whittling. A somewhat bigger knife also has enough chopping power to fell small trees and branches for a lean-to. That's something no folder can match.

But I can understand how a "civilized" hiker who sleeps in a tent, cooks on a Coleman stove and never needs to do much woodworking could get away just fine with a strong folder.