CCW pistol and EDC blade - how do you carry them?

[larry44]

I carry my CCW pistol in an IWB at 4 o'clock and I'm trying to think of the best way to carry my new Busse AD. I'm right-handed but real estate on my right side is scarce with the gun taking up the prime spot. And I'm hesitant to carry on my left side as a righty.

Cross-draw positioning won't work as it can't be concealed and that's important in my urban environment. I thought about horizontal at my back but I don't think that would work as it's too likely to "print" under my shirt.

For those of you that CCW daily, how do you carry your EDC blade?

 

[M67]

I'm right handed.

When I carry, it's usually on my right side (or in a coat pocket over my heart)

And, for some reason, I always have my knives on my left side (and my wallet on the left side some times).

I guess it's habbit, but it's also misdirection, it makes people wonder if I'm right handed, left handed, or ambidextrous. Or... I'm over thinking it.

 

[R0CKETMAN]

I carry a folder. With 8" total that rules out pocket carry. Perhaps boot or ankle.

 

[powernoodle]

Right front pocket: Kahr PM9, Kel-tec PF-9, Ruger SP-101 357 mag, or Ruger LCP depending on attire.

Left front pocket: folder, plus misc items

I employed belt carry and IWB for 15 years, but after trying pocket carry I have not carried on my belt for years. For me, its much more comfortable, I never have to worry about the gun poking out or printing, and I can keep my hand on the gun if I need to and no one knows the difference. The newer pistols carry 7 or 8 rounds of spicy 9mm, are very flat for easy pocket carry (in an Uncle Mike's pocket holster), but still have the ergonomics of a "real" gun for quick deployment and accuracy. Plus, I never have to wear an untucked shirt or concealment garment.

Pocket carry also leaves more room on the belt for other EDC items like a multitool or light.

As for the folder being on my weak side, I just get used to it, and it works fine. Remove with weak hand and transfer to strong hand. I won't place anything in the same pocket with the pistol in order to reduce the chance of a negligent discharge.

This setup is not for everyone. What we carry and how we carry it always involves compromise of some sort, but this works for me.

 

[GregB]

Powernoodle hit the nail on the head. I've pretty much moved exclusively to pocket carry. With a long waist, big belly, and a 5 year old, OWB or IWB aren't all that practical for me.

I usually carry a revolver in a synthetic or kydex holster in my front right pocket along with an HKS speedloader. Folder, in back right pocket beside of checkbook. Fox spray, SAK, Photon light, and ink pen in front left pocket. Back left is wallet. Occasionally, I'll carry a small fixed blade either on my belt or around my neck.

As for pocket carry, if your committed to it, you'd be amazed at what you can carry. I often carry a much bigger heavier gun that most would. I just sold my 2" all steel (30oz) 5 shot Taurus Tracker in .45LC. I have pocket carried it a couple of times, usually wearing suspenders. If I had kept it, the hammer needed to be bobbed.

One of my long time favorite carry guns is a Colt Agent (17oz, 6 shot .38) with the hammer bobbed and lead wadcutter loads. Looking at the new guns like the little Ruger 9mm, Kel Tec PF9, S&W polymer bodyguard, or the LCR (.38 or .357?), or the Kahr CM9, or the PM45.

Sorry I digress...

GregB

 

[WA Martin]

I'm a lefty and I just got used to carrying my leatherman supertool and flashlight on the right waist at 3 o'clock. I keep it there now even when I'm not packing my 229 (which goes at 7:30 or 8 in a Blade-Tech polymer holster). Cuffs and mags go in back on the right. When I carry a fixed blade (Shadow Knives model IX it goes in front of the gun at 9 o'clock. I usually wear an untucked shirt when carrying the 229 so I only move the shirt back enough to get the knife if needed. I always have a pocket knife or two in the regular pants pocket. I don't wear my Kerry Hampton back pocket with the 229 as I only wear it in the left rear and fiddling with it would show the gun.

When I carry my Taurus 605 .357 it goes in a pocket holster in the lower left cargo pocket. Cuffs and speed strips go in the lower right cargo pocket and a speed strip in the watch fob pocket as well. Belt knives and pocket knives as normal.

If I continue to carry the revolver I really need to get something with a bobbed hammer though...

 

[postban]

 

[wrxguyusa]

I would just carry the blade on the weakside if you don't want to follow postban's example. Not a big deal to draw left and use right when you need the knife.

If you are concerned with being able to deploy your AD for self-defense, I would imagine that would only be in case of not being able to get to the gun due to a strong hand impairment. Some officers I know carry a separate weak hand blade as a last-ditch and a general use folder on the strong side pocket.

 

[PeterPHWS]

I would go for a strong side front pocket carry for the knife with a friction leather sheath held in place by a large safety pin put through the pocket lining .... get your lining replaced after about 2 months as the holes start to risk a tear when you might need the knife quickly ... or do as I did and stitch a patch of good suede into the pocket to take the pin when you need it ... use dental floss to stitch the patch in ... it won't tear if you grab the knife in a hurry ...

I carried like this for 22 years ... no problems if the knife is the right design for a "none catching" draw :thumbup:

 

[Idaho Jarhead]

Have you tried pocket carrying your Active Duty? I carry my GW around in my pocket quite a bit and its not as uncomfortable as you would think.

Trying to find a place to put the cell phone in addition to carrying a firearm, knife and car keys is another story....

 

[Izhmash]

Contact Rainwalker...ask him for a Conceal Carry Concept sheath, for the AD. It pairs well with a CompTac clip, which is flexible and meant to bend away from the sheath...enabling tuck-in of the shirt (for when business attire is required).

Here's one he worked up for me for an SS4. Works extremely well, and goes right behind my G19.

 

[jeepdude1]

I carry a North American Arms 22 mag all the time and I have a Kimber Ultra CDP in my Maxped bag....I have a Benchmade folder in my pocket and usual my BAD on my side.....

 

[Pilot1]

I carry a CZ-75D PCR, strong side in an OWB holster. My folder gets clipped to my left front pocket. The pistol is for self defense, the knife isn't.

 

[grey menace]

Inside waistband holster with an XD 45, Leaner meaner with Game warden handle in a Chuddy Bear sheath just in front of rear pocket same side, been my everyday set up for a couple years now.

 

[R0CKETMAN]

Contact Rainwalker...ask him for a Conceal Carry Concept sheath, for the AD. It pairs well with a CompTac clip, which is flexible and meant to bend away from the sheath...enabling tuck-in of the shirt (for when business attire is required).

Here's one he worked up for me for an SS4. Works extremely well, and goes right behind my G19.

We have a winner..nice set up

 

[Wicked Sharp]

Smith & Wesson 360PD in a Galco horsehide pocket holster (left jeans pocket) and Burnley Squid (right jeans watch pocket). This is a very comfortable pair to carry. I have worn them daily for months at work and on the weekend.

 

[Bowman1911]

Until yesterday, I always carried inback right pocket. Usually Kahr PM9, sometimes, Ruger LCP. I wear my watch on my left hand & I'm right handed. 70% of males are right handed, wear their watch on their left hand, & carry their wallet in their back right pocket. I carry my wallet in my back left or a cargo pocket. Muggers, robbers, & ne'erdowells expect you to go for your back right pocket when they ask for your wallet, so... Anyways, I picked up a Colt new agent in .45 yesterday, & am experimenting with this 4 o'clock position, both inside & outside the pants with a brand x micro 1911 inside/outside, left/right, do all holster. Wish I had a nice, small Busse to carry edc, but unfortunately, not yet. I carry either a Leatherman Charge, Microtech LUDT, Case Trapperlock, or Bradley Mayhem depending on the mood & situation.