Big Blade Carry Options

J

Josh Feltman

Joined
Feb 12, 2001
Messages
4,501
I've been using a 2" web belt with side release buckle for my MMHW bowie. I generally place the knife just behind my right hip. This seems to work pretty well, but I'm wondering if there a other/better carry options for large blades. Anyone use a shoulder strap? Any other carry methods I'm overlooking?
--Josh
 
Are you allowed to carry it concealed? If so, you can try carrying it in the small of the back, if the knife´s not too big (horizontal to the belt).
 
Quiet Storm-- concealed fixed blades are a big no-no in California. My white river bowie has a 12" blade and 18" OAL, so horizontal belt carry might not work too well. Thanks for the suggestion though.
--Josh
 
Sorry, I didn´t know that.

Sometimes the German law is not as strict as people usually say. Concealed carry is legal in here, with some exceptions concerning special places/events.
 
Howard-- I saw your page earlier today while I was browsing the HI forum. In fact, that's what got me thinking about alternate carry methods for large blades :). Do you find that larger blades tend to swing around too much when carried that way?
--Josh
 
I just ordered one of these for my Brend :)

SpinalBackup3.gif


RL
 
RL that spinal rig is awsome, one question, how do you plan to wear this type of rig: under a button down shirt left open or under a t shirt.
 
Hi Dan,

I doubt that I will be able to get away with a t-shirt (I am sure the rig would "print")...a thick button down shirt (left open) seems to be a viable option...I will also try with a thick sweater...the bottom line is that the rig cannot print and quick/easy access cannot be compromised.

Of course, I will wear it in the open at knife shows :D

RL
 
Josh,

I assume you're asking about the bag carry method illustrated on the page I referenced. The knife on the strap of the bag doesn't swing around unacceptably under general hiking conditions. If I was going to run downhill, cross a boulder field or a scree slope, glissade, etc., I would probably put the knife inside the bag or a pack.

The shoulder strap method is similar, but any swing could be eliminated by a horizontal belt over the strap if you wish.

Carry in the back of a coat, in a game pocket or in the lining, does not produce uncomfortable swing, but depending on the coat it may be uncomfortable when you sit down. If you want to take the trouble to do some sewing you can position a pocket where it will be least obtrusive. Nevertheless you probably would not want to drive for long distances carrying this way. This method would definately be considered "concealed."

Sash carry, in the ancient Nepalese style illustrated, should work well with a modern belt. A protrusion on the sheath to hook the belt may be necessarry to prevent the sheath from sliding through. A nut and bolt could probably be made to serve, although I'm sure the sheathmakers on the forum could come up with a better looking solution.
 
Strider BT strapped tip-up to my right calf. Works like a charm under pants. Not the quickest method, but the only one for me, and perfectly concealed. If you're clean-cut, don't worry about getting caught...

I wouldn't carry such a large blade openly, though legal in CA, I think the stares you would get would quickly convince you to conceal it. I could see private security guards and maybe even LEO's asking questions, though...

Drjones
 
Josh,

Have you used the MMHW bowie for chopping wood or other hard substances? The reason I am asking is because I was considering the purchase of an MMHW large bowie awhile back, but decided against it because I was told the hollow grinds on the MMHW bowies are not appropriate for large knives. The hollow grinds weaken the edge and allow the knife to bind in hard substances such as wood.
 
W.T.-- I've cut through a few 2x4's, and a bunch of 3-5" diameter seasoned oak and didn't experience any binding at all. This thing is a chopping beast. I do notice some binding on cardboard, but the blade is made from 1/4 inch stock, which probably has something to do with it. Another concern of mine with the hollow grind was edge durability , but so far I have seen no damage to the blade whatsoever. I've done full force swings into knots in the flat side of a big chunk of 4x6 with no edge rolling or damage. The only time the edge has blunted so far is when I was cutting a watermelon on one of those flexible plastic cutting boards on top of the counter. The blade went through a lot easier than I was expecting, and hit the counter hard enough to cut all the way through the little plastic cutting board. It slightly blunted about one inch of the edge, enough that you could see light reflecting off it-- took about five passes on the white sharpmaker rods to fix it.
--Josh
 
Thanks, Josh.

I think this is a good example of how a complex mix of factors determine the quality and functioning of a blade. Obviously the MMHW bowie you have has attributes that offset the theoretical disadvantage of a hollow grind. Maybe the use of 5160 steel, known for its toughness, is one of those attributes.
 
Thanks, Josh. I read the other thread. As usual, Cliff Stamp gives a very thorough explaination of the subject. At any rate, I think your tests prove that the hollow grind on the MMHW Bowies is no liability.

I see you live in Northern California. Did you get that Bowie for protection against a Bigfoot? :D

I once stopped at a souvenir shop in a town north of Redwood National Park (Klamath, I think.) The owner of the shop had a plaster cast of a Bigfoot footprint, mounted on the wall. He said it came from the same sighting so often seen on TV. That was the sighting in the early Sixties, of a Bigfoot walking along a creek bed, captured on an 8mm home movie camera.

I don't believe in Bigfoot, but one of those cast footprints sure would make a great conversation piece!:D :D :D
 
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