Drop Leg Sheath for ESEE-4

JGON said:
...I got the idea to try a drop leg sheath, and I recently stumbled across one at a local Army Navy Surplus store. I decided to purchase it, because it was a steal.

...I'm able to run with it on, and my hand at rest on my side is at the perfect level to grab the knife handle.
Click to expand...
JGON, what store did you go to? I work/live in Madison but haven't found a local military surplus store...

I definitely prefer a drop-leg sheath held tight to my side for knives bigger than my Izula. I love the mobility the arrangement gives - doesn't interfere with my pack, is always on my person, comfortable standing, sitting, laying, running, etc., easier to deploy and resheath as it's always at my finger-tips ... :thumbup:

I think a full platform might be too bulky for me personally, but a more dedicated set-up would certainly be preferred to the paracord gerry-rig I currently employ. I position the drop-leg loop just behind my front pocket and strap the sheath both high (top of my inseam) and low (leg-tie, wherever it works best above the knee). This works for my machete as well as standard 10" blade, and the ESEE sheath pouch holds my PSK or what ever little items I care to keep there.

Let us know if you still like using the platform some months down the line. Also, good move putting the whiskey within easy reach :D
 
Would be nice to see the 5/6 pouch attached to the molle base next to a 4 cause thats what I am thinking about right now...

The ESEE pouch on the sheath of my 4 plus the drop down carrying a M16 pouch might really get too bulky and tacticool for me... Might be different in the US where you got other laws but over here the normal folks will definately have an eye on me when I'm running around with such a system combined with a 60+ litres rucksack and hiking poles :D
 
chiral.grolim said:
JGON, what store did you go to? I work/live in Madison but haven't found a local military surplus store...

I definitely prefer a drop-leg sheath held tight to my side for knives bigger than my Izula. I love the mobility the arrangement gives - doesn't interfere with my pack, is always on my person, comfortable standing, sitting, laying, running, etc., easier to deploy and resheath as it's always at my finger-tips ... :thumbup:

I think a full platform might be too bulky for me personally, but a more dedicated set-up would certainly be preferred to the paracord gerry-rig I currently employ. I position the drop-leg loop just behind my front pocket and strap the sheath both high (top of my inseam) and low (leg-tie, wherever it works best above the knee). This works for my machete as well as standard 10" blade, and the ESEE sheath pouch holds my PSK or what ever little items I care to keep there.

Let us know if you still like using the platform some months down the line. Also, good move putting the whiskey within easy reach :D
Click to expand...

I found the rig at this store in Milwaukee. It's an awesome place...

I find it very funny that some people are commenting about the colors, because I am colorblind, and I've been screwing these things up my entire life. Bottom line is, I've given up worrying about such things long ago... thanks for bringing it up!

Also, thanks to everyone for pointing out the MOLLE webbing error I had. I never knew how to do that before, but now I know!

This was a pretty cheap set up, and although the actual gear might change, it's the philosophy that I'm hoping works out. So far it seems like it's going to do the trick. I have thought about a baldric as well, but this might work better.

The pocket in the middle of the leg strap was holding my honey stove, a collapsible wood burning stove that i love...

So far it's comfortable, unobtrusive, and i love it because it leaves my knife accessible when sitting, kneeling, standing, etc.

I will give it some time. I'm not 100% sold on it yet, but for a grand total of $22 I figured it was worth it whether I liked it or not!

JGON
 
If anyone wants a VERY well made MOLLE panel that rides nice and high, ATS Tactical is closing theirs out for $10.
 
_DZ_ said:
In my case, backpacking and not being able to have anything on my belt. They do feel awkward, though.
During past hikes, I have used the Wilderness Safepacker on my pack belt. It works great until I take my pack off. Also sucks for stream crossing where I like to unbuckle the main belt in case I fall in.
Click to expand...

I think the waist strap on packs is why a lot of the UK bushcrafters I talk to like dangler sheaths. But personally I have issues with a dangler and the constant smacking on on my leg.
 
_DZ_ said:
In my case, backpacking and not being able to have anything on my belt. They do feel awkward, though.
During past hikes, I have used the Wilderness Safepacker on my pack belt. It works great until I take my pack off. Also sucks for stream crossing where I like to unbuckle the main belt in case I fall in.
Click to expand...

What all do you carry on your belt that won't go on the pack waist belt?

I have a camera, Blackberry case and compass pouch (that includes a gun shot kit) on my pack belt and I hardly notice it's even there. I carry my GPS and flashlight on the pack shoulder straps. Everything has a common lanyard system so I can clip in two piece of gear on the lanyard around my neck at any one time.
 
I was thinking about this not long ago but instead of the molle, I was think more on the lines of the safariland ALS drop leg holster minus the holster, I have one for my 40 cal 96fs . some pros and cons, its plastic or (kydex) and the contour shape would allow you to use as a scoop to move snow, dirt, capture water even boil it! a bowl for eatting , straps can be used for tying up logs for shelter, tourniquet, uses are endless, cons mounting surface on the ALS is alot smaller then the molle, I never used one before either, the ALS is a lot more expensive then 22.00, well just another option.
 
You SE WI guys should check out Sherper's as well, it's a great surplus and camping store.
 
http://www.usgruntgear.com/tapamobe.html
Anyone considered a Warbelt? I know it may seem Tacti-Cool, but it really could be an easy and usable way to go. You can wear outside of heavy clothing if needed. you can attatch any Molle platform gear, or drop leg holsters, or panels. You could easily set it up for outdoor stuff (hiking) Put on your knife, a FAK, a pouch for fire making gear, Molle water bottle, or whatever. You get the idea.

Robert at Usgrunt gear makes the best stuff out there. He is to me the Esee of the Nylon gear world. His stuff is built like a Feakin' tank, well thought out, and his Warrenty is as good as Esee. I have a some of his kit and can assure you it works well.
 
Last edited:
matthewdanger said:
If anyone wants a VERY well made MOLLE panel that rides nice and high, ATS Tactical is closing theirs out for $10.
Click to expand...

Link please? Only found the 28$ version by TacticalTailor on their homepage... Maybe gone already? Would like to compare them to the cheapo one that I found on the German shop :)
 
mathewdanger is right wearing it higher is pivotal.

Here I carried it lower and had the "humping dog" problem

Holster1.jpg


Then I moved it up (rides a lil close to my man berries)

Holster2.jpg


I carry my .45 in a drop holster for 2 reasons:
-Pack belt gets in the way
-When I take the pack off and walk around the .45 is always with me. That cougar won't ask you to go pickup your bag and then defend yourself.

I have entertained several ideas for a knife/kit drop sheath so it is always on me, because after all what isn't on you you really don't have it.
 
Last edited:
Guruthos said:
Link please? Only found the 28$ version by TacticalTailor on their homepage... Maybe gone already? Would like to compare them to the cheapo one that I found on the German shop :)
Click to expand...

I wasn't sure about putting the link up due to "deal spotting" rules. It is manufactured by ATS and I think there are plenty left.
 
matthewdanger said:
I wasn't sure about putting the link up due to "deal spotting" rules. It is manufactured by ATS and I think there are plenty left.
Click to expand...

Forgot about that rule, sent ya a PM :rolleyes:

@ River Bear

Nice pictures, I like that attitude: That cougar won't ask you to go pickup your bag and then defend yourself.

Although we got no cougars over here its best to prepared all the time when you're out in the wild ;)
 
Good pics River Bear. And good point about keeping the holster tied to you and not your pack. When the pack comes off, the holster stays.

I actually wear mine even higher than that. The grip of my handgun falls just at or just below my belt line. Riding that high usually requires a holster or subload that has only one leg strap and that leg strap will usually be pulled up pretty high.

As you found out, wearing it high makes sense from a load carriage standpoint. The higher it rides on your leg, the less it moves when you move. It is just like knife balance. The closer the weight/balance is to the end of the knife, the more the knife swings itself. It has more momentum and is harder to stop once it is swinging. If the weight is close to the pivot point (your hand) the knife has a more neutral feel and the easier it is to stop once it is swinging.

That "leg humping" feeling comes from a holster that might be too loose and sitting too low. When you move your leg, the holster moves with it. If it is too low (too far from the pivot point) it has more momentum, is harder to change direction, and tend to swing on the leg. The closer the load is to your hip which is the pivot point, the more neutral it will feel and the less it will move.

It also makes sense from conservation of movement and continuity of training standpoint. When I take handgun courses, I use my every day carry gear which includes a belt holster. So, I want the drop leg holster to mimic what I train with as closely as possible. That means keeping the handgun as close to the belt as possible so it changes the draw stroke as little as possible. I need it just low enough to the clear the hip belt on my pack.
 
I prefer a drop down carry while wearing a pack and waist strap. I asked member 'condahaw' to make me a kydex drop down loop that attaches to the factory sheath of my 3 and 4 (I believe the factory sheath has excellent retention.) It works really well for me. I've never tried a thigh rig in the bush, but I can see it's advantages.
 
I like my blade to ride a bit lower on the belt as well. Top of the scales/handle at top of belt level is good for me. The EDC Izula II must ride higher to be sheeple friendly however!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top