Can the pocket clip ruin the folder for you?

big gaudy clips are awful, those Kershaws namely.

MUST have TIP DOWN ability if it is a large folder (handle four inches or longer) Tip Up just sucks on big knives.
Though I prefer Tip Up on smaller knives, it is not a deal breaker either way.

Spyderco Military, for one, would be awful with tip up. And I absolutely love the clip which curves with the handle, if it was drilled for tip up, it would ruin that aspect of the clip, since it would have to be straight.
 
A truly bad clip would be the original release DOC. I have one, its bad but not enough for me to sell the knife. I'm really not picky about tip up or tip down. For pants with specific knife pockets, I like tip down if its just hanging loose in the pocket I like either.

I think the obsession people pocket clips is funny. Anyone can take on look at your pocket and know EXACTLY that you have a knife...so demanding your "deep carry" black pocket clip is pointless.


Give me a functional pocket clip that compliments the look of the knife ( or doesn't clash too much with it) is all I ask for.
 
I personally love Emerson clips. The parkerized-matte finish doesn't scream out "HEY PEOPLE CHECK OUT THE KNIFE IN MY POCKET."
Its very discreet, functions flawlessly, and I've never seen an emerson clip get bent like many of the titanium clips out there.

On another note, a pocket clip definately has the potential to ruin a knife for me. It's not aesthetics that bother me, is the ergonomics of the pocket clip that bother me. If many people say that a clip pokes into their hand while gripping and cutting, then I will avoid that knife.
 
I don't care for the clips that are curvy around the pivot,look cheesy-I won't buy a knife if I don't like the clip and can't mod it.
 
An f-ed up pocket clip is the quickest way for me to fall out of love with any knife. Placement, design, whether it complements the knife or not; these are all a big deal to me. In hand, if it's even a little bit uncomfortable to use; if it sticks out of the pocket weird; if it catches on stuff; if it grips too loose or too tight and is a pain to adjust; I haven't got time for that :barf:

My favorite clips are like what's found on CRK, Rockstead, Hest/2, some benchmade split arrows (when they're not situated halfway down the knife), I would love Strider clips if they didn't stick up 6 inches out of the pocket ;)
90% of the knives I've cut loose from my stable were sold due (at least in part) to terrible pocket clips :)
 
PayneTrain said:
Ouch, I guess I haven't had one long enough to hate it then. So far I find it small and deep enough for me, but now you have me concerned about the welfare of my pants. I'm watching you, Southard...
Click to expand...

Other than that clip, the Southard had proven to be an excellent EDC. IMO it's one of the best bang for buck flippers out there. I personally preferred the titanium clip STR makes but I know of many others that just rounded of that pointy end with a sharpening stone. It's a quick and easy fix. :)
 
Lee48 said:
And I'm not a fan of Spyderco's wire clips either. Oh, it has never kept me from buying a Spyderco knife I really like but, damn, a cheap looking, wiggly wire clip on a $100 knife is just nuts.
Click to expand...

Seconded. This is the reason I won't buy that version of the manix. It's too bad as this would be a simple thing for spyderco to fix/redesign.

Two nominees for clips done right:

1. ZT 566 (Tip up): Low carry, dark colored.
2. Buck Vantage Force (Tip up): between the grey parkerized finish, deep carry design, and slotted hole down the middle, this makes the knife "disappear" in your pocket.

Another nominee for a clip done wrong:
1. Benchmade Griptilian: The standard clip's paint flakes off exposing more noticeable silver metal, and the placement of the clip leaves too much of the already thick (read "noticeable") grip sticking out of your pocket.
 
I really like my ZT 0350, but hated the clip. Mainly because it doesn't sit even remotely "low" in the pocket. I bought a Ti low rider clip on the auction site...can't beat it.

AT1984
 
The hogue spoon clips stopped me looking at some of there folders I think there right up there with the junkyard dog
 
I prefer clips that are a dull color. But I will put up with a bright color if it isn't real gaudy looking. What really kills it for me is a clip that is difficult to use. If it is hard to clip back into the pocket, chance are the knife won't get carried much.
 
Kershaw and their clips. The spec bump, the needs work, the tilt. All knives I coulda loved but for the clips on them. I was surprised it took 3 pages for someone to mention the awful Hogue clip. It's why I don't own a Hogue. Southard was an awful clip as well, easily bottom 5
 
Actually, I like my Endura better without the clip. Carried in my back pocket slipped beside my folded bandanna. Lightweight and slim, it's carried tip up and easily accessed. Less noticeable.
 
I like the clip. As far a tactical, you don't need to fumble around your pocket when you need to grab and engage the knife quickly. I also like the fact that "shiny" clips show that I am carrying a knife. This is the best way to defend yourself with a knife, to let people see you have one and not have to take it out of your pocket.
 
I can't think of an actual clip design that turned me away, clip positioning however yes. I only own one knife that doesn't have a clip that accommodates left handed people, the spyderco Southard and it spends the majority of its time in the knife drawer, not in pocket.
 
I've never seen the point of advertising that you have a knife, lanyards are the way I prefer, or no clip at all. I will say that some give you better purchase when opening the knife but that's just bad design, you shouldn't need the clip to open your knife easily.
 
I recently picked up a Kershaw Junkyard Dog, like others have said above about the pocket clip being so large, I was concerned.

It works just fine for me carried right back pocket-only. I don't like tip-down at all for front right-pocket carry.

As far as Cold Steel folders are concerned: Most of them have to be bent up at the front to work best.

I would like to see more 4-way pocket clip mounting options offered on all knives but handle shape just don't always allow for that.

So most of my knife purchases are for tip-up.
 
One of the reasons I sold my CRK Umnumzaan and Sebenza 25 was the pocket clip placement. The end sat right in a spot between my fingers that would become a hot spot quick. The clip design I liked, positioning was less than ideal.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top