Do you prefer a pocket knife with a clip when holding it?

FlaMtnBkr

FlaMtnBkr

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Oct 20, 2004
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Do you prefer a pocket knife to have a pocket clip when you are holding the knife? I don't mean preferring a knife that can be clipped to your pocket or IWB vs. in the bottom of a pocket. I mean when you are actually holding the knife.

I have read quite a few times that people find a clip to hurt their hand or some other reasoning for not wanting a clip on their knife. So are there those out there that actually prefer a knife to have one than not having a clip?

I find that with a one hand knife I like for their to be a clip. I find I can pinch the knife with the tips of my fingers holding the clip and force the knife into my palm. Holding the knife like this I can then operate the opening feature better. I also find that when I hold the knife like this and flip the blade close I know my fingers are clear of the blade path. I have flipped a knife closed without a clip and trying to hold onto the handle and nicked a finger with the blade because I thought it was clear but wasn't. When holding onto the clip I know my fingers are off to the side and out of the way. It provides a way to get additional purchase on the handle. I also don't find them uncomfortable when gripping the knife so that is not an issue for me personally.

So does anyone else actually prefer a knife that has a pocket clip for this or another reason besides it's intended purpose?
 
I honestly never use a clip because I like to carry the knife in my pocket concealed. I also fear that my knife might pop or slide out if I rely on the clip to my pants etc.. plus you let others know that you have something clipped to your body..

as for holding it, the clip usually does get in the way of my grip and with some folders, I can open the knife with my right hand, but when I switch up to my left (i'm a leftie) clips are in the way so I usually remove them.
 
Some knives pocket clips feel bad, some feel good and some are really not that noticable. Spyderco Caly has best pocket clip of all my knives so far: Smooth, low and barely noticable when in hand.
 
It really depends on the knife I'm carrying at the moment. Often times, I'll remove a clip and let it ride in the pocket, as I'm used to carrying slip joints. Sometimes, I'll be carrying a lot of stuff in my pockets, and I'd prefer to have it clipped to avoid getting lost in the clutter. Usually though, the knives I carry just don't come with clips, so it's a moot point. As for the pocket clip digging into my hand, I haven't really felt that as an issue. There are times, however, that the clip has snagged other items and caused the knife to fall out of my pocket, but that's pretty rare.
 
I like pocket clips for my pocket but not so much for holding the open knife. I've yet to find a folder with a pocket clip that wasn't a little bit uncomfortable to hold and use for any length of time.
 
I prefer it. I intinctively place my right hand fingertips on the clip to use as purchase leverage while I'm opening my folders.
 
I have a few knives that I need the clip on for either securing the knife while opening, or to add some bulk when holding.

Most of the knives out there by the companies we all know and love have some thought put into their designs and therefore the clips are at least comfortable.

My Scarab is an executive, and without the clip, would be pretty difficult to open and close, as the handle is pretty slick.

I will say, that although I prefer clips on my knives, I'll sometimes opt out, when there isn't a tip-up option.

Only a few Kershaws I have feel comfortable with a tip-down clip. My Camillus Cuda Maxx 5.5 and Dominator are fairly comfortable with their clips, but it's close.
 
Absolutely not. I went years taking clips of my one handed folders because I find them much more comfortable clip-less. However, I've since come to appreciate the utility of the clip, so it usually stays.
 
I think it adds to the grip by digging into your palm. But, if I am cutting in the same manner over and over again I'd prefer clipless.
 
It depends on the knife.

Some knives the clip aids in indexing the knife in the hand, holding the knife knife in one place.

Other knives, the clip gets in the way or worse, creating a high point that gets to be annoying in use.
 
enderwiggin said:
Agreed! For me, clips are an ease of carry consideration.

It's a trade-off. I haven't come across a knife I prefer the feel if with a clip.
Click to expand...


It's not necessarily the feel of the knife with the clip on it. It is the ability to pinch the clip with your fingertips to manipulate the knife and to know that your fingertips are clear of the blade path when flipping a knife closed.

Being able to use the clip as a way to grip the knife is what I like and I'm talking about.

Edit: I will try to take a picture with the knife being held like I am talking about and get it posted by morning. A picture speaks a 1000 words and all that...
 
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