Convince me on Wire Clips

FriarPhenn

FriarPhenn

Joined
Dec 28, 2014
Messages
1,417
So I have a little bit of a quandary going on. I really, really don't like wire clips, but I DO like many of the knives out or coming out that have them. The wire clips, however, turn me off immediately.

So I'm asking for help. I want to like wire clips so I can like the knives they're on. I know quite a few of y'all like them. But here are my concerns:

1. Fragile. The three wire clips I've had (Sage 1, two DF2s) have not inspired any confidence in me as far as durability goes. I'm hard on my knives. I carry them in my back pocket often, and sitting produces some weird torque on a clip. I've had to fix my DF2's clip several times because it twisted sideways. Can't tighten down the retaining screw enough to keep it from twisting.

2. Only two positions. I like to carry my back-pocket knives tip-down. Can't do that with wire clips.

3. Can't be replaced with custom clips. So I'm stuck with the stock wire clip no matter what. Unless, of course, I want to have custom scales made with standard clip holes drilled.

So am I outta luck here? What are y'all's reasons for liking (or even preferring) wire clips? Are my concerns worth ignoring for the sake of slightly deeper carry in-pocket? Is this a tomeyto/tomahto thing? Or is there something I'm totally missing with wire clips (also very possible)?
 
It took me a very long time to warm up to the wire clip.
Always thought they detracted from the great quality of the knife. Sort of an unfinished, utilitarian look.
But I've found them to be an easier clip to get in the pocket, more comfortable in the hand, durable enough carrying in the front pocket, and easily swapped for the low carry wire if the knife didn't already come equipped.
I carry the Foundry a lot these days and it's probably one of the heavier models with the wire and I'm a convert. Not to say I'll be abandoning the traditional flat clip but I won't be avoiding picking up models with the wire clip any more.
 
Hi Friar,

The two types of clips that we use (stamped and bent wire) are pretty much the same discussion often presented on; which is stronger/better, ridgid or flexible. In the case of airplane wings, which face tremendous pressures, flexible won. In the case of racing car frames, ridgid seems to offer more. Both clips offer advantages and disadvantages. We do make different clips, especially for collaborators that have preferences, most are stamped. There are also collaborators whose clips we modify, but we usually try to follow the designers preferences. I carry and use both. Like tip up or down, sometimes adjustments are necessary to vary EDC's. I have a truck and a car. Both are different in many features. I have to adjust to the differences each time I switch.

sal
 
I dislike clips, in general, and remove them from the knives I carry. However, I dislike wire clips even more than the three screw kind. Main reason is that I find the trenches used to mount a wire clip look even uglier than the holes to mount a three screw clip. Unlike screw holes, where one at least has the option of filling them with headless screws, those trenches defy redemption.
 
Sal Glesser said:
The two types of clips that we use (stamped and bent wire) are pretty much the same discussion often presented on; which is stronger/better, ridgid or flexible. In the case of airplane wings, which face tremendous pressures, flexible won. In the case of racing car frames, ridgid seems to offer more. Both clips offer advantages and disadvantages.
Click to expand...

FWIW, I've found the wire clip's flexibility to be a positive where toughness is concerned. Maybe I'm just clumsy, but I tend to brush my pocket against things quite often. Many clips catch on whatever I'm brushing up against and either damage it or the clip itself; the wire clip, being rounded and flexible, doesn't catch against anything and thus doesn't damage anything or take damage itself.

On the weekends, it's not typically a problem when I'm carrying, say, a Para 2 since a shirt will often cover the clip and I'm just at home or outside. However, during the week, I've got my shirt tucked in and am often multitasking while walking, so the clip is exposed to just about everything I'm walking around, sometimes in tight quarters. So the Sage's wire clip comes in very handy.
 
It took a while for them to grow on me, now I actually prefer them. I find they are generally positioned to allow a deeper carry in the pocket as well.
I have never had any issues with them, although I did recently recieve a knife in trade that had a clip that had been sprung pretty well on, couldn't figure that one out.
I couldn't massage it back into place so a quick phone call to Spyderco and I had two new ones on the way, one to replace and an extra since and I always like spare parts.
I've gotten to the point that I like the look of them as well
 
Having used both the stamped clip (PM2) and the wire clip (Techno) exclusively for a year each, I find the wire clip better for my usage (FR pocket). It's a quieter look than a full metal bar.

The only problem I've had with it is a bag strap sneaking under the clip while sitting. Nearly lost the Techno twice like that before I figured out what was causing it. But that's not a stamped or wire clip issue.
 
I don't really have a preference as far as Spydie clips go. My knives are about half and half stamped and wire clips and all of them get used. The only one I ever have issues with is my Sage 3. The clip out of the box is not very tight in my pocket. But my Manix 2 and Sage 2 are both excellent in retention and durability. Guess my one complaint is no tip down carry
 
I never even think about the kind of clip. Just goes to my pocket and gets used - all as hard as the next. I think the wire clips tend to look better longer and are easier pn pockets as they slide in and out with less of a cutting action. Over time, the stamped clips are cutters.
 
I have had no problems at all with the wire clips on the Caly 3.5 and the Manix 2 Lightweight.
 
I just started carrying a Manix 2 with the wire clip, and while I had my doubts at first, I am thus far sold on it. It's a neat solution to pocket carry, is very low profile and seems to be tough enough to weather the vagaries of everyday life.
 
For a deep carry option, wire clips feel better in hand and alter the ergos less than many of the overly bulky aftermarket deep carry clips.

They are also very low key in pocket.

Never had a problem from mine as far as retention or durability is concerned.

I personally enjoy their appearance on certain knives.
 
I've never had an issue with a wire clip. They may look less robust to you, but the wire clip on my Sage 1....holy crap, is tougher, stronger and has way more retention that the clip on my PM2. Deeper carry too. WIN!

The black wire on my Sage 1 just disappears against black suit pants.

I love the wire!!!
 
Spydercos wire clip is my favorite clip ive ever used on any knife of any brand. I actually love the look, think it looks cool. Doesnt stand out as much as alot of these other clips. I find it alot easier to get the knife in and out of my pocket with a wire clip. Like ^^tdhurl1103 said it just disappears in the pocket. Evan if you wearing regular jeans i think its alot less noticeable. Which i like.
 
I like the wire clips. Deeper, more discrete carry (this is a big plus for me). Easy to bend back into shape if they get distorted. They hold tight and look classy.
 
Haha, I'm still not sure. I've got a good spread of opinions here, but most seem to be in favor of them for two reasons. One, because they're low-key in the pocket, and two, because they provide durable retention in a deep-carry package. The rest seems to be personal preference (and nothing wrong with that).


But I can get deep-carry stamped clips (yay spaceman!), so there's no advantage there, and I've never found myself worried about having a low-key clip in pocket. So up front, there's no true objective benefit to me personally.

I guess I just need to put a wire clip to the test if I'm going to have any confidence in it. That's my biggest hangup. Durability. Looks like I might have to get a Techno. I wonder if my wife would sign off on the purchase if I explained that it was for science... :)
 
Alright, y'all, which knife should I pick up to "test" the wire clip? Techno or Slysz Bowie? I don't think both is an option at this point...
 
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