EDC carry for BK17

5

52100

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Dec 9, 2008
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I ordered my BK17 with the intention of trying to make it an EDC knife. For it's size and my size, I don't think that's unreasonable. I've got a couple folders (Griptillian and MooreMaker slippy) that I carry daily, but I want to explore the fixed blade option. So I'm interested to hear from anyone who's managed to comfortably EDC a 4" +/- fixed blade, BK or not. From all of my reading here, it seems that most who EDC a fixed blade carry the smallest BKs/ESEEs, but I'm wanting something a little bigger------------BK17 to be precise.

Due strictly to the fact I don't want the attention that might come with narrow-minded public perception, I would like to carry my BK concealed. I already carry full size handguns concealed (1911/Glock) so I understand how to hide gear much larger than the BK. But with a fixed blade, where's the best location to carry for comfort, ease of access, and safety in drawing/sheathing? IWB carry seems great if the knife never needs to be used, but it seems like the chance of slicing my belt and clothing is high. Pocket carry seems great as long as I never sit down. That leaves horizontal or angled carry, either over the appendix or middle of the back. Which is better, and why, or is it all just personal preference?

Thanks in advance for the feedback and experience. I don't want to reinvent the wheel here. :)
 
I think you have a tough optimization there, 52100.
The easiest way to conceal a big knife is as a folder. A fixie carries easier if it's a good bit smaller.
How about a shoulder rig? It would be hilarious if you carried a pistol on your belt and a knife in your armpit rather than the other way around. :D

I would recommend against middle-of-back for two reasons. wait, make that three:
1) it's really uncomfortable to sit down against something
2) if you fall on your back (say you're assaulted, fer instance) you have a nice rigid piece of steel across your spine (bad bad!)
3) re-sheathing is fraught, to say the least. Unlike a pistol, which isn't sharp, you can easily stick yourself in a variety of ways trying to get the blade back into the sheath.
 
Thanks Daizee. Your three points about MOB carry seem valid and well considered. Your shoulder carry idea, well............it may work for some, but not ME. I don't even use shoulder holsters much in carrying pistols, and am definitely not willing to dedicate myself to a fixed blade if it involves a harness.

I guess that leaves appendix carry, either angled or horizontal. I'm leaning towards leather, mostly because I like it, and my gun gear is all leather. It might also be a protect the knife's sharpness a little more than kydex. That's probably more design dependent than materials based though.
 
I don't EDC my 16, but I think with a smaller kydex sheath it would fit decently in my front pocket. Not great, but I wouldn't want to IWB or middle of back carry either... Maybe boot carry?
 
Wherever I decide to carry, I'd like it to be consistent from day to day. So boot carry wouldn't work. I DO carry a large fixed blade on my boot at work, but that's more of "parachute" for a really bad situation than an EDC blade.
 
Scout carry, check skystorm leather.

The size is smaller than your back and with you shirt covering its almost impossible to see.
The conceal carry is not the most confortable rig but will do if you are used to carry full size handguns..
 
Like so

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I am working on some IWB sheaths. Scout carry is just like anything else, it requires practice with your chosen equipment. Personally I would rather fall on a scout carry tweener over a full framed sidearm any day.
Actually I would just rather not fall down at all, it sucks.
 
Thanks for the reference. Those sheaths look like works of art. Does "scout carry" imply MOB? Daizee has me talked out of that. Additionally, the Skystorm website lists "right hip draw" or "left hip draw" as the ordering options, which seems to imply appendix carry.

I just had an epiphany...............has anyone tried a vertical "Pancake" style sheath, and if so, how do you like it? I've seen photos of them so I know they're out there, but never had any feedback as to how well they work. Pancake style handgun holsters do a superb job of sucking a handgun tight against the wearer. I think something as thin as a knife would all but disappear. Being OWB, the risk of cutting my belt or clothing would be less than IWB, while still concealing well. I'm thinking I could carry in front or behind either my pistol on my right side, or my spare mag on my left. I'll have to mull this one over for a while, but I think I'm the right track. :)
 
Hey Skystorm, it looks like we were typing at the same time. Your sheath is very much along the lines of what I was considering----------------just minus the cant. I googled my way to your Scout sheaths, but missed all of your other styles and offerings. You've obviously put a LOT of thought into your designs.
 
I plan to EDC my 17 but I want to get a leather sheath first. I cant conceal it though due to some unclear laws in our state. I would think that a scout sheath worn at 10 or 11 o clock would work well for you.
 
pancake is definitely the way to go for OWB. Maybe you could hide your pistol IWB behind your knife's pancake. :)
I find scout carry catches on stuff.
 
I don't have much to contribute to the OP's predicament, but I can attest to the quality of Skystorm leather. A friend of mine has a Junglas with a Skystorm sheath and I've used them extensively, a truly exceptional sheath for a reasonable price.
 
Ive scout carry a bk 5 size knife no catching at all, and im a american m or l shirt user...
 
Thanks for the input guys. Right now I'm researching pancake holsters pretty hard, and like either canted or vertical. Apparently the "horsey" folks have largely worked this out already. Google Images kicked up lots of ideas.
 
I have a kydex pancake with molle locks. It works good for me, it also holds the knife close to the body. Only problem is i cant carry it in my state because its too big.
 
I think your best bet is either in the front pocket carry or on the hip. Just make/have made a sheath that fits comfortably in the front pocket. The handle may stick out a bit but first off it will be easier to grab and secondly if its sorta visible its not concealed and this might be good for the laws of your area. I think that would be very comfortable. Next choice would be on the hip. Either IWB or OWB With a sheath that carries high and tight it would be both easily accessible, comfortable and not as obvious yet not completely concealed. I have carried larger blades on the hip in public and not had many reactions. For the BK17 to carry in an EDC role I still think a new sheath is in order. Best of luck.
 
IMHO, left hip, blade out, high enough that the sheath hides under a shirt and low enough that the handle but does not dig into your ribs. 1. The carry balances out the firearm on the right side. 2. Cross draw leads the knife into forward grip in your strong hand. 3. If your right hand is tied up w/ gun (drawing or holding it in its holster for weapon retention) you have a great support hand draw that leads the knife into left handed reverse grip. After a lot of experimenting... this works best for me. I have done it w/ my Kabar TDI, BK14, esee 3, esee 4 and even my BK2. For you ugly southpaws, it would be the opposite:)
 
Thanks for the suggestion. I've been working this over in my mind while doing house work (my day off), and came to the same place you described. It seems the most practical, efficient, and comfortable. Given that you've already played with the concept a lot, I'll just copy success if that's alright.

BTW, is your username in any way connected with a retired gentleman from SLC? :)
 
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I started reading the OP and first thing that came to mind was Skystorm's cross draw and I see he already posted it. If I were to carry that large of a fixed blade that'd be the way I'd go. Plus they're so damn nice looking.
 
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