Folder clip: Pocket or IWB?

M

matthew rapaport

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Jun 23, 1999
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Just curious, and I'd set up a poll, but I'm not sure I can do that as an ordinary member...

I got my first pocket clip one-handed folder a couple of years after Spyderco introduced the Delica. Wore it in my pocket too for a while, then stumbled on the technique of putting it in my waist band (IWB) either directly over my right hip, or slightly behind it. Been carrying my clip equipped folders like that ever since.

Advantages to the waist band include better concealment, especially under a belt, don't drag down the waist band like some heavier knives or lighter clothing can get dragged in the pocket, and I've never bent or broken a clip or scratched a car/furniture, torn seat cloth, etc. I can't see any disadvantages except possibly slightly slower access under some conditions...

Anybody care to chime in with pros and cons of IWB vs pocket carry?
 
I never found IWB comfortable. It seems to dig in while sitting in a car seat.

My favorite method is inside my front pocket unclipped, but held upright by a safety pin. I like it low-profile, and it's not likely to be stolen if it can't be seen.

I also like it clipped to my front pocket if I'm wearing jeans. This is comfortable and easy to get while standing or sitting.
 
I used to wear my Sifu IWB. The only reason I stopped wearing it is because I never used it, and probably wouldn't for self-defense anyway.

I found IWB carry to be very comfortable, especially for larger folders. The Sifu seemed an especially good fit since it's so slim. If I wore the Sifu in my front pocket, it made "rude" shapes. If I wore it in my back pocket, it made sitting down uncomfortable. IWB was perfect. It is a bit slower, but still very accessible. I did tear up my upholstery, but I drive a piece of junk anyway:p .

Zero
 
I always take the clips off my folders and carry them loose in my front pocket, or in my jacket pocket, whichever one I'm keeping my right hand in.

The advantage of no clip is that virtually any knife feels better in the hand without a clip, and some knives are completely transformed by removing the clip. I have never handled a knife that felt more comfortable, more secure in the hand, or easier to manipulate with the clip on. Also, if you wear dress pants, most clips are pretty tough on the trousers, some clips will even tear a pair of jeans up pretty quickly. Plus, if you are tactically minded, you can't walk around with your hand on your clipped folder (it looks odd), but you can walk around with your knife in you hand if it's loose in your pocket.

The disadvantage of removing the clip is that the weight of the knife rides on the bottom of your pocket, and you feel the weight more than if the knife is clipped. That's probably why I've been drifting toward smaller, lighter folders.

Fortunately, on most folders you can take the clips off pretty easily with a size 6 or 8 Torx driver, so give it a try. Be careful with those little screws though, because they can strip pretty easily.

BTW, Lurker's right, IWB is literally a pain. I can't imagine carrying a knife this way, unless it was tiny.

miguel
 
I prefer IWB carry behind my left or right hip simply because it hides the fact that I have a knife in the first place (unless you're staring at my butt !!! :rolleyes: )

When I carried in my front pocket with a pocket clip, I simply did not like the way the clip stood out like a sore thumb, advertising the fact that I had a knife there.

Sure, the clip is still visible from the back, but most people that I talk to are in front of me.
 
Originally posted by miguel_SF
I always take the clips off my folders ...The advantage of no clip is that virtually any knife feels better in the hand without a clip, and some knives are completely transformed by removing the clip.

miguel
Click to expand...

I agree whole-heartedly. I am always amazed by the amount of time and effort put into designing an ergonomic knife just to bolt a clip on and put a bump in the handle when all is said and done. Even when knife makers put considerable time and effort incorporating the clip into the design it is still a compromise of convenience over comfort.
 
I' ll agree with James up to a point. But keep in mind that if the folder has a slim/ flat profile and if its handles has a smooth finish, a bit more effort is required to open the blade if it has a thumb opening mechanism. This is due to the absence of a "platform" (pocket clip) for the fingers to hold onto while the thumb rides on the opening mechanism. If you do not require or plan to go into the tactical mode with a hi speed opening, then the point would be moot of course.

As for IWB carry, I' d always go for a fix blade anyhow. But for those who require, either by local law/ work environment, to carry a folder only, watch out for those thumbstuds digging into your clothing or your skin. Twofold if your folder has dual thumbstuds! Just a thought here.

Just a note here. There are various sheath makers who can produce and IWB kydex sheath for your favorite folder. With or without the pocket clip attached. I have one made by Mike Sastre of River City sheaths for an AlMar SERE 2000 without the pocket clip. It rides tip down and is deployed via front break forward draw. The attachment to the belt is via a very low profile/ low bulk rubber pull the dot snap strap. Which is adjustable for preferred angle carry. Excellent product.

Nakano
 
It depends on the type of pants I'm wearing.
For sweat-pants or scrubs (I work in a hospital), IWB is definitely the way to go.

Also if I'm wearing nice dress pants I'll opt for the IWB carry.

For jeans or work pants or Docker-style pants I prefer it clipped in the right front pocket. For the most part I don't care if people see that I have a knife.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Do you have a pic or direct me to a site for your carry setup?, sounds good and since I have a SERE on the way, would like to know other ways to carry it IWB

Thnx

Alex
 
After rotating through about 15 different "gent's" knives, I have bailed on all pants pocket or IWB clip options.

I have now ordered a Mnandi for shirt pocket "carry".

For hiking and camping, I always carry IWB clipped on my right hip - out of the way and always comfortable, especially for larger, heavier folders. (Not good for small or lightweight folders).

For knives that cost more than $100, I recommend carrying them in your pocket or a case/sheath set up - too damn much money to lose.
 
I frequently use IWB carry and clipped or in the pocket at the same time.:eek:

For IWB carry, you have to experiment with the most comfortable position. The knife should be angled at about a 45% angle. I can carry a full sized folder like a large Sebbie in that position in total comfort and I'm an average sized guy--roughly 5'11/175lbs. For bigger guys, it should be easier. In dress slacks, that's it for me. In jeans, clipped to the right front pocket does it for me.
 
Go to www.rivercitysheaths.com

Scroll down to the pic sheaths for REKAT. The one I have for the SERE 2000 is very close to the left photo depicting the Sifu. The pics show them set up for the Tech Lock mechanism. But can be adapted for IWB with the simple switch to the pull the dot snap belt loop. All hardware can be provided at simple request from Mike Sastre at time of ordering. These sheaths are ambidextrous. Additionally if desired, all mounting mechanisms can be removed for neck carry!! Simply drill a hole that will line up with the corresponding rivet. Run a ball chain or paracord thru and voila, instant neck sheath.

A note here: if desiring an IWB type to start with, it is my experience that the hole for the pull the dot snap loop should be drilled on the highest possible part of the sheath. This will allow for the folder to sit low enough in the pants for extra security and level of concealment. Or request for the body of the sheath be built up a bit higher to cover the folder a bit more. Mike will talk and work with you to find something that you will like.

Nakano
 
I have gone completely to clipless carry. They are much more comfortable. I either carrry in the bottom of the pocket, or for larger knives, in a belt pouch.

Paul
 
Never considered IWB. Carrying any knife IWB means getting that snatched if found. :(
I need to move.
 
I used to carry Spyderco Jess Horn Lightweight IWB.

I stopped it when I got bored about knife flying around the room when I took my shirt off trouses on.

I did something wrong, that's for sure...
... but I don't know what it was. :confused:

(Oh, I did open the zipper ;))

So, IMHO, quite uncomfortable way to carry a knife. :(
 
Originally posted by calyth
Never considered IWB. Carrying any knife IWB means getting that snatched if found. :(
I need to move.
Click to expand...

No need to move. It is NOT illegal for IWB in Canada.
 
I almost always carry 2: 1 in my pocket and 1 IWB at the small of my back. The one in my pocket is primary cuz it's easy to get to. I live in Idaho, which is pretty easy going when it comes to knives and guns, so my backup isn't so much for concealment as it is for just keeping it out of the way unless I need it.
 
IWB is uncomfortable. However, I carry Spyderco SS Police IWB, 6 o'clock, with all kinds of trousers, usually with a sweater or a pullover hiding it. Goes nicely with a tuxedo or a business suit as well. The design is so slim that you hardly know it's there, until you sit down. Even then it's fairly easy to maneuvre it into a comfy position. And it's a big folder.

I carry Delica in pocket W/O the clip nowadays - much more comfortable to handle. But Delica is small enough to be carried IWB as well, with belt hiding the clip. Nice and stealthy.
 
Well this has been interesting. The view that is most unlike my experience is that IWB carry is uncomfortable. I don't have super-large folders, but I do have a few in the 4" range (closed) and those are no problem for me. I usually don't carry directly over the hip bone, or at my six (which would press into my back in some seats) but rather at about 4 o'clock which works for me sitting, standing, or in any other position I happen to find myself...

The one downside I see reflected here that I've personally experienced has been the problem of knife falling on floor if I pull my shirt out of my pants without undoing the pants first. This hasn't happened much, and happens only when I'm wearing shirts made of heavier cloth. Never seems to happen if the shirt works itself loose though, so it hasn't been a problem during the course of a normal day...

As for the clip wearing out cloth, this happens in both the pocket and the waist band. I do have a few pair of pants that have been worn in this way, and I have created a "protector" from a piece of iron-on patch folded over and ironed on to the waist band in the appropriate spot. This has also had the advantage of giving the knife clip something more substantial to grip. If you get a patch of the right color, people don't even notice it over the waist band, while it tends to be a bit more visible on the pocket.

As for carrying clipless in the pocket, for me that won't go unless I'm carrying only a very small knife (2.5" or less folded). Otherwise, its too much bulk in my pocket and/or gets scratched by keys, coins, etc. I don't find the clips making the knife handles at all uncomfortable unless I'm using the knife very hard for a long time, something I don't tend to do with my folders anyway. If I'm going somewhere I know I'm going to cut a lot, I'll have a fixed blade on me...
 
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