9mmforMe,
Many people, at least in the U.S., think of a fixed blade as a hunting knife or 9" sharpened pry bar instead of a 2 or 3 inch small all purpose fixed blade. In reality the small fixed blade with a 3 or 4 finger handle is very convenient to carry as long as you have a well designed pocket or belt sheath (there are a lot of neck knives these days that fit this description). I've carried small fixed blades in the pocket when their sheaths allowed for it and forgotten they're there.
OTOH, I also carry a folder all the time, at least all the time I'm allowed.
The compact folder is convenient to carry and you don't have to worry about it getting pushed through or coming out of the sheath and injuring you. With a small fixed blade you don't have to worry about the lock or pivot failing in use and they can be even lighter than a sturdy folder. There are always benefits and drawbacks to anything (we hope there are benefits, at least).