Cross draw sheath...good for hiking/canoeing?

J

Joe R.

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Aug 6, 2013
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Anyone here try a cross draw sheath for a small fixed blade knife (4"blade, 8"total) in hiking and canoeing/portage situations?
(the type where the sheath is worn horizontally on the belt, to the left of the navel and drawn with the right hand)

I've never used anything else than the typical vertical side sheath for my canoe camping trips, and never really felt the need for anything else. But, upon reading up on sheath making (am about to make my first) I've read a lot of "good press" on cross draw sheathes and how they are comfortable in the seated position.

This got me thinking that it might be a viable option for canoeing.



But I realize that not everyone uses canoes and would really like the input from other outdoorsmen.
 
This video talks alot about the advantages of a horizontal sheath. He wears his in a crossdraw fashion, and has many good points on why its a good method of carry.

[video=youtube;7xkPCLCDkNo]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xkPCLCDkNo[/video]
 
I made a horizontal/cross draw for myself. I really like it. It's great for sitting in a deer stand to. Nothing gets in your way, it's always ready and easily accessible.

IMG_0439.jpg
 
My first enrty into custom knife madness was a Dozier with a horizantal kydex. For the size knife you mentioned, I dont think anything compares. To me, a vertical sheath is a pain when doing anything other than walking, constantly in the way/hanging up on something..Whether in a car, canoe, dirtbike, etc..a good horizantal sheath keeps your blade securely tucked away and wont grab on seat belts, chairs and the like. Im newer to the game and admit I havnt seen them all, but my Dozier kydex is perfect for me in every way.
 
I have carried horizontal on several canoe trips. I have a pretty big belly, and after 8 hours it can be a bit less comfortable than I like when sitting. Usually what do in that instance is I put it in front of the left hip, and Or move it over past the right hip.

Horizontal is great for a lot of things as well. Back when I carried a fixed blade a lot, I used to carry that way around town. I prefer it with Kydex sheaths with stiff retention.
 
I carry a Fiddle back hiking buddy horizontal and love it I can get to it with either hand.
 
When SOT kayaking and canoeing I usually carry a fixed blade horizontal Baldric rig style (Spyderco Aqua Salt) or neck carry (Spyderco Caspian Salt) as I have found those options more comfortable than belt carry.
 
Mannlicher said:
I have singing praise of horizontal carry for years. A horizontal dangler is the BOMB!
Click to expand...


Ok... What? A horizontal dangler? Do you mean a horizontal knife with a vertical dangler? That's all I can come up with. We need some more pics in this thread!!
 
Sometimes when I backpack I keep a knife in horizontal carry at about 10 o'clock. It allows my pack to not be in the way and still allows access to all things. Other times I carry in a cargo pocket.
 
I just started carrying "scout style" because before I fixed the bracket on my BK2 my tek-lok only allowed that. It takes some getting use to. With my red rock sling pack though I can wear it on the sling in front, I prefer this.
 
Thanks for all the replies guys, although I must admit I had to google a lot of the terms you used :)

You've got me intrigued.

One of the concerns I have about the horizontal carry for the particular knife I'm making (single finger guard) is its reliance on a snap to keep the knife from falling out.

With a vertical carry, you've got gravity on your side, if the snap accidentally opens (which does happen from time to time) well the knife has a pretty good chance of staying put.


Are leather horizontal sheaths (not a huge fan of Kydex) for single finger guarded knives prone to knife droppage?
 
schmittie said:
Ok... What? A horizontal dangler? Do you mean a horizontal knife with a vertical dangler? That's all I can come up with. We need some more pics in this thread!!
Click to expand...

I remember Mannlicher posting some pics of his impressive dangler and baldric setups in another thread awhile back.
 
I have my Izula 2 or BK11 in a cross draw configuration when I am in a kayak or on a canoe. I also have it that way when im hunting because im usually sitting. Its easy to get to which I really like. But if im walking around and not just sitting they are usually just shoved in a pocket.
 
Look at the Scandi loop style that dangles freely on the belt

I sometimes hang it on my left side at 10/11 o'clock (front being 12)
And it is out the way sitting and standing and I can pull the sheath forward with my left hand to use my right hand to take out and put back in the knife
 
In the woods, I often have my bear spray on my right hip (I'm right handed). And so my knife often rides in a cross-draw on my left. It works for me.
 
I wear cross draw when I'm canoeing some of the time too. I'm liking it more and more. Especially if the sheath can be positioned at angles
 
Would I be correct in assuming that for long seated periods, the narrower the sheath the better?



P.S. I too am starting to have a bit of a gut:)
 
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