Does anyone carry a folder, in the open position and in a sheath?

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ShooterMcgavin

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Jan 20, 2008
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609
Here is the issue: I really like fixed blade knives, for their simplicity, durability*, and ease of access. However, a city near me has a law against carrying ANY knife that "does not fold". Following the law in that city, even a 1/2" fixed blade is illegal, while my gun is fully legal :confused: Technically, it is illegal to carry a hatchet home from the store! Yes, "hatchet" is specifically listed in the law.

I really want to get a folding knife and have a sheath made for it. Neck carry will be the most likely method. Does anyone else do this? Where can I go to have a Kydex sheath made for whatever knife I decide to use?


* I understand that I lose this advantage of a "fixed" blade by using a folder in the open position.
 
I would get clarification from a lawyer before doing that. In some jurisdictions folders carried opened and locked count as fixed blades.
 
jlfletcher83 said:
I would get clarification from a lawyer before doing that. In some jurisdictions folders carried opened and locked count as fixed blades.
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I know that your advice is good, and was given with the best intentions.

The quote that I gave ("does not fold") was taken direclty from the law. If it "does fold", then it is not considered a fixed blade and therefore, not in the "dangerous weapon" category. It seems clear as glass.

I suspect that even a lawyer could not give me a 100% concrete answer. It's irritating to imagine that a judge can make interpretations that simply do not follow the English language.
 
ShooterMcgavin said:
I know that your advice is good, and was given with the best intentions.

The quote that I gave ("does not fold") was taken direclty from the law. If it "does fold", then it is not considered a fixed blade and therefore, not in the "dangerous weapon" category. It seems clear as glass.

I suspect that even a lawyer could not give me a 100% concrete answer. It's irritating to imagine that a judge can make interpretations that simply do not follow the English language.
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If Im correct on the name, Google- Merlin tacticle deployment system-
basicly what it is ,is something you place the tip (tension adjustable)in this Kydex sheath in the unlocked positionand the blade is secured.......just Google it..... , I think its what your looking for, and fully adjustable for carry:)
 
Unless they've changed the design, the Merlin holds the knife in a partially opened position. I bought one years ago, didn't really like it, and never used it. I would recommend checking it out in person at a show or store to make sure it's what you want.

I would suggest having a kydex sheath made, or learning how to make one for yourself as probably the better option.
 
I believe there is an option for emerson/wave type knives that opens the blade as it is removed as well.
If not, kydex isn't impossible to master yourself & there are a number of sheathmakers that could work with you on selecting a folder to make a sheath for.
 
I honestly can't imagine why anyone would carry a folder open in a sheath.
I mean really....how hard is it to use a thumbstud or a thumbhole....and the difference in draw time is less than 1/2 a second.
:rolleyes::thumbdn:
 
allenC said:
I honestly can't imagine why anyone would carry a folder open in a sheath.
I mean really....how hard is it to use a thumbstud or a thumbhole....and the difference in draw time is less than 1/2 a second.
:rolleyes::thumbdn:
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reconranger said:
What you need is a waved Emerson! It comes out of your pocket open, and it is just as fast (maybe even faster...no sheath clear!) than any fixed blade.

http://www.emersonknives.com/ekTheKnives_Tact.php

Check out the demos, and the "rapid deployment sheath"

http://www.emersonknives.com/VideoDemosArticles.htm
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When you grab any folder, even a Waved Emerson, the grip on the handle is a compromise which allows you to deploy the blade. Once I get my hand on the handle, I do not want to be fumbling to open the blade or keep my hand clear of the waved blade opening, only to re-adjust my grip after opening.

Finding a thumb stud in a time of extreme stress can take much longer than one might think. A smooth 1/3 second motion when calm, could end up being 2 or 3 seconds if you slip up from the loss of fine motor skills.

Also, when you are in an emergency situation, a lot of things can happen in a half second. Even if I only gain 1/10th of a second, I want every reasonable advantage.

I have looked into the Waved Emersons. I REALLY do not like liner locks and it's too bad that almost every Emerson model comes with one. When using the Wave feature, I find that my hold on the knife needs a large adjustment after the blade is deployed.
 
Once I get my hand on the handle, I do not want to be fumbling to open the blade or keep my hand clear of the waved blade opening, only to re-adjust my grip after opening.
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A valid concern I suppose, although I have never found myself "fumbling" to open a folder waved or not.

Finding a thumb stud in a time of extreme stress can take much longer than one might think. A smooth 1/3 second motion when calm, could end up being 2 or 3 seconds if you slip up from the loss of fine motor skills.
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I disagree.
There's just no way you're going to take 2 or 3 seconds drawing a folder once you've decided to draw it.
The "loss of fine motor skills" during times of stress is greatly exaggerated.
Especially when you're performing a function that you have done thousands of times....muscle memory and all.
 
I found the wave a little clumsy at first, and you have to be sure it works well with whatever pants you are wearing. But like everything else, with a little practice, it has proven to be the absolute best solution for me!!! Now, it is second nature....no "fumbling" at all!

In town, I carry a waved Karambit on each side, so if I can't get to one, I should still be able to get to the other. The Karambit is certaily the best last ditch permanent solution to fighting off a gun grab....just cut some tendons and leave the attackers limbs useless....
 
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for personal defense you would probably want a smaller knife, but otherwise i would recommend the strider AR if you want a folder that can be carried as a fixed blade. otherwise i would carry a small fixed blade and follow the adage, "rather be judged by twelve than carried by six"
 
ShooterMcgavin said:
I have looked into the Waved Emersons. I REALLY do not like liner locks and it's too bad that almost every Emerson model comes with one. When using the Wave feature, I find that my hold on the knife needs a large adjustment after the blade is deployed.
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This doesn't address the concern with readjusting your hand after opening the blade, but Spyderco has a few designs with the "Emerson Wave Feature" that come in either the lock back or ball lock. The "waves" on the Spyderco knives are larger and from personal experience as well as reading on the forums, the Spyderco version of the "waves" are MUCH easier to deploy.

I respect your concern about the readjustment of the hand. My experience tells me that the difference is really negligible after you've become accustomed to the knife in question. Getting very familiar with the knife that you plan to use in the rare occasion of some extreme circumstance is going to be necessary anyway, whether it's a folder or a fixed blade. So all things being equal, I personally think that this isn't as much of an issue as you seem to be making of it (no disrespect intended).

To address your original question, I see no reason why you can't very easily get a kydex sheath custom made for any folder you choose. I read Buy Brown has a very good reputation on these forums:
http://www.buybrownholsters.com/
 
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