Best folder for IWB carry for self preservation

A

AfterDark

Joined
Apr 9, 2007
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I am looking to replace my EKI CQC 12 with a different folder. I previously carried the cqc 12 in my front right pocket unclipped. I am looking to carry a new folder clipped IWB strong side around 3-4 0'clock. The problem with my CQC 12 is that it is waved so when I pull it out of IWB, the knife will partially flick open halfway. Perhaps I can shave off the wave with a custom knifemaker to make it more suitable for IWB?

The knife I am looking for to replace should have: g10 scales, at least 3.7 inches- 6 inches, strong reliable lock, finger guard/choil preferably. I would also prefer it has a black coating.

The only folder I am considering is a spyderco chinook. Please give me some other suggestions that is similar in quality to the chinook or cqc 12. This will be a late christmas present to myself. : ) I am looking to spend $100-$500. Customs are ok too. On a side note, I am considering looking into striders but they seem more like for utility. Thanks in advance.
 
Kershaw Lahar comes to mind.

VG10 steel, G10, liner lock with good lock-up (I dont like liner locks but this one seems pretty darn good), flipper that acts as small guard when open, tip up, about a 3.7" cutting edge but I dont think it comes in black...
 
Your absolute best bet in my experience is a Spyderco Military. I carry a Military or Paramiltary IWB, depending on where I'm at. I also sometimes carry an Emerson CQC-7B w/ Wave in my front pocket when concealment isn't a number one priority.

I know you said tip up carry, and I carried only that way for many years, but after some formal training, especially when carrying IWB, I prefer the tip down Military.

I buy all my knives from Randy at www.savsonswordsandknives.com

Good luck,

Clay
 
The Millie is a great rec. Don't pass up look'n at the P-Mil. also. The P-Mil. replaced my Emerson "7".
Lycosa
 
I would have recommended the Chinook or the Manix, except for their weight. Which is why I carry a Military. I actually carry it in my right back pocket.

Tip down is not a bad idea IWB. It won't open accidentally as easily, and won't be as much of a hazard if it does.

The liner lock is as reliable as any liner lock out there. The thin tip is more durable than you might think. It's a GREAT slicer.
 
Another with huge praise for the Military. Mine carries in my back pocket and deploys very quickly for covert deanimation and peeling of fruit and other delicious items. I have not practiced carrying it IWB but I am certain with practice it would be second nature to deploy. It opens easily with a flick and locks into place. The enormous handle gives you a solid grip on the knife and is hands-down one of the best slicers I own.

I'm thinking the Chinook is a bit thick for IWB but everyone has their own tastes. Also consider a Manix if you like the idea of the Chinook, as they are very similar, with the Manix having a more typical blade shape.
 
Emerson CQC-10. Has a hole, not a thumbstud....but you would need to grind off the wave. You for sure don't want something that will come open on its own. I have occasionally had a knife open in my pocket, but never the 10.
 
Zero Tolerance ZT 0200...That's what I carry...It's perfect for what you're looking for.
 
I believe that Spyderco will soon be releasing the G-10 Stretch and the G-10 Endura.
I think they would be well worth the wait.
 
Sometimes I carry my Microtech Mini SOCOM Elite Manual (frame lock) IWB. No problem with the thumb studs catching and opening too early. I hope MT makes another run of them.
I've also carried a large classic Sebenza IWB and no problems.

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Hell for a while I carried a MOD Mark I IWB right now I have switched to a fixed blade but I still like it as a IWB folder.
 
Thanks for all the responses so far. I will definitely consider a spyderco military and the other knives suggested. If anyone else can give me some more recommendations, that would be great. I also edited my original post, tip up or down is fine. For IWB, tip down doesn't seem as bad as I thought it would be. In fact, with certain folders, tip down is easier to access than some of my tip up knives.
 
pat crawford perfigo w/the stud vs the pocket clip is the best IWB folder i have seen FWIW.
 
Spyderco Endura/military/police - slim, thin, no sharp edges :), no bumps or studs.
Perfect for IWB.
 
Can you carry a fixed blade where you live? I would think a RC3, Rat 3, or Fixed Griptilian would work with a IWB sheath.
 
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