folders in sheaths

Joined
Jan 29, 2003
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72
doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose of a folding knife. i mean...i don't claim to be an expert on knife history...but i would theorize that the development of the folder was inspired by the desire to have sheath and knife in one.

thoughts...

sorry about the left-field-ness of this post but it's one of those things that gets stuck in your brain.
 
A sheath is just to keep the folder close at hand. Sometimes, carrying a folder in a pocket just isn't handy, but on a belt can be.

Plus, in certain localities there are legal issues with fixed blades.
 
You got to put it somewhere. A pocket is just another form of a sheath, or pouch or whathaveyou.
 
Actually, folders in sheaths can be quite handy...I often carry a Spyderco Ayoob in a River City neck sheath...I can do the "Spyderco Drop" right out of the sheath...much faster to deploy than taking it out of my pocket and thumbing it open...would a fixed blade neck knife be even faster? You bet, but at least this way I won't cut my shirt open (because the knife only swings open once it clears my clothing)..you can also get a purpose built sheath for the Emerson Commander that deploys the Wave as you withdraw the knife.

RL
 
I will be shortly adding a pair of thick (1/4 inch) G-10 scales to one of my Spyderco stainless Police models, and that 1/2 inch, along with the thickness of the knife to start with, will more-than-likely make it too thick to comfortably carry in my pocket, thus making a belt-sheath more practical.
 
Originally posted by glockman99
I will be shortly adding a pair of thick (1/4 inch) G-10 scales to one of my Spyderco stainless Police models, and that 1/2 inch, along with the thickness of the knife to start with, will more-than-likely make it too thick to comfortably carry in my pocket, thus making a belt-sheath more practical.

Sounds interesting. How are you going to attach those scales? I have a stainless Spyderco Police that I've never used because I find that it's a bit "thin" for its length! Adding some width might turn it into a user ('cause I love that wicked blade!)
 
Originally posted by danfisher
doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose of a folding knife.

Yep. I agree with you but for a different reason.
A sheath for a folder is SLOW and not nearly as handy as having one clipped to you pocket. (Balisongs excepted.)

If I'm going to carry a sheath for something it better be EXTRA special like a fixed blade or big multi-tool.

I can't see carrying a folder in a sheath either. It seems to defeat the purpose (unless it's a neck concealment sheath).
 
take a look at the cs vaquero grande...the sheath option is great for something this size pocket carry will lead to the question "is that a cold steel in your pocket?...or are you just happy to see me!":p
 
Well not sure about the defeating action, as I've found that you can put your hands on the knife quicker/easier if it were riding on your belt, or as some mentioned, clipped which I don't like a lot because of the consquences that sometimes comes with clips...scratching furniture/cars etc...ugh! Though I do clip my large Sebenza in my front right pocket, this is so I can wear this small wharncliff whittler from Case with stag scales, very nice small knife, a true pocket knife that enjoys riding along on my belt, it is much handier than pocket carry for several reasons;

Ease of getting to the knife even while sitting down

Knife doesn't slip out of your pocket unawares and into the couch or favourite recliner! Lost for eternity or until you figure out where you last had it and then flip the furniture over to get it out...:)

Pants Pocket wear is no longer a problem

Knife being buffeted around against stuff in your pocket also no
longer a problem, and even if you left a pocket empty but the knife,
the bolsters seem to get tarnished none the less.

Pocket lint isn't filling up the knife

Knife doesn't rust, as in my knife it's high carbon and not stainless, your body moisture from sweat transfers to items in your pocket and the knife can rust, this one did before I made this sheath.

So there are some reasons for belt carry, it's not meant as a FAST tactical rig but just comes second nature to getting the knife.

attachment.php


The reason this didn't get a home sooner was I was too busy with other sheaths to make one for myself, the old adage about the cobbler doesn't have shoes I think applies in this situation ;)

Here is a scan of that knife, very nice ole timey type!

attachment.php

G2
 
I find a belt sheath works for me better than in the pocket or clipped for all the reasons you outlined. Of course, having you make the sheath didn't hurt any. BTW, I like the look of that Case wharny. You've certainly turned me into a believer on that blade shape.

JC
 
I've always liked large folders in sheaths. When I worked in construction in my 20s, I carried a Buck 110 or 112 on my belt and an SAK or other small multi-blade in my pocket. Even with the lightweight full sized folders that are available toay, I cannot be as comfortable carrying a knife clipped in my pocket as comfortably as in a belt sheath.
 
Originally posted by cockroachfarm
Sounds interesting. How are you going to attach those scales?...
I plan on using some Devcon 2-Ton glue.
 
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