Bit by a pocket clip.

[CUTS LIKE A KRIS]

So for the second time since beginning to carry clipped knives in 1996 I have been bit by a clip, and not a clip point blade, but the pocket clip. I rarely carry a tip down knife where any kind of fast motions will be needed (Self defence, trashing horses etc) after having my hand jammed in martial arts practice (Thrust Magazine seminar, must be 7-8 years ago now). My fingers didn't meet the trainer blade, but my pinky was jammed good enough to cut the inside on the end of the clip. I still have and use tip down, but am aware of the risks with "tactical" movements. (I cringed a bit using that term)

So two nights ago I was going to sit down beside my wife on our bed, and my right thumb brushed against the edge of my Alan Davis WharnKris custom folder (my design, his execution). Pain immediately hit, I looked down and saw that it had peeled my thumbnail! To say I was shocked was an understatement- I barely touched it and have very short nails. But it was split half way through regardless, day two now and pinching things like papers is still painful, and as a massage therapist it has been akward only using one thumb at work, but I sure get reminded that I shouldn't use it at all!

Yes I'm a big wuss, but something like this I am going to let heal a bit before starting surgery to remove what has separated from the nail bed (yes, there was blood), unless the bandaid falls off in the shower and I get it caught in my long hair before I notice the missing bandaid (ask how much that hurt this morning!! Then there was trying to untangle it!!)

I will not stop carrying clipped knives, but damn this sure will be a while healing and look great until the nail grows back. I read in a comic as a kid (Arak son of thunder comes to mind), as a weapons maker spoke to the warrior. "The most dangerous weapon in the world is your own, as you never know when it will turn on you!" This crosses my mind when a knife or axe bites me, but you really never expect the pocket clip to turn on you outside of letting the knife slip out of your pocket! And the worst thing was earlier that day I had filed my nails work short so it wasn't like there was a lot of nail to catch!

The offending beauty- now that it has made me bleed it is even more mine!! Great knife for all of my uses, but I will be wary of the mean clip from here on!!

(Sorry, I can't just post one picture, I have to show off).

Has the non bladed (or skull crusher) part of a knife attacked you in odd ways before? Please share unless I'm the only one, and that is okay as I'm used to being different!

 

[Omega Leather Works]

The only thing that comes to mind is the carbide glass breaker on my 810. Cut my palm a little, but not too big a deal.

Man I hate when that happens to my nail! I agree though, that knife is totally yours. I always feel that way once I've cut myself with a knife, although that is very rare.

 

[Sturubu]

I got a good slice on my index finger from the back lock on a Spyderco Goddard Jr. I was going to file the edges/corners, but it was a one time thing - trying as hard as I could, I wasn't able to repeat it. On the plus side, it did demonstrate to my wife that blood doesn't discolor white Micarta.

 

[9blades]

I got a good slice on my index finger from the back lock on a Spyderco Goddard Jr. I was going to file the edges/corners, but it was a one time thing - trying as hard as I could, I wasn't able to repeat it. On the plus side, it did demonstrate to my wife that blood doesn't discolor white Micarta.

That is one of the funnier things I've heard on here.....I have been "bitten" by the clip on my skyline.

 

[KennyB]

Ouch, I had that happen to one of my fingernails once. Don't really remember how, but it sucked.

As far as pocket clips or on knives like that goes, one time I pinched the skin of my palm in my Leatherman Supertool as I closed it. This was back before the rounded handles or whatever, and it took a nice little chunk of skin off, looked like someone had came and scissored off a fold of my palm. That's a nasty type of cut to have anywhere, let alone on the palm of your hand.

 

[digdeep]

Since I never use a clip that is just another reason for me to continue to remove them from knives I carry in my pocket.

Thanks for letting us know about your experience.

 

[killgar]

Just a suggestion regarding your split nail- I've split nails a few times and used several coats of my girlfriends clear nail polish enamel to keep the split section of nail in place and provide a smooth, no-snag nail surface until the nail grew out. Such products are specifically designed to strengthen nails. After the polish dried I used some fine grit sandpaper to scuff the surface a little so it wouldn't be all shiny.