Help me out! My knives are too visible!

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Doogoon

Joined
Feb 21, 2012
Messages
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Beginning June through July, I will be going to battle school. For about a month, we will be in the field and concealment will be very important. My two top choices for folding knives to bring are the Spyderco Tasman Salt (they only had it in the bright yellow handle when I bought it) and the PM2. When wearing the tactical vest, it's very difficult to reach into my pocket, where it has a flap that normally covers the whole knife + clip, so I clip the knife to the collar on the tactical vest where it's real easy to grab and it and it stays put.

Here's the problem: the Tasmans bright yellow handle sticks out ALOT when on the tactical vest, and so does the PM2's pocket clip + screws. They both REALLY stick out and I wont be bringing either knives with me if I can't find a way to fix this, and I'll end up bringing a knife that I feel wont serve me nearly as well as I'd like. So if I could get suggestions on what to do to make them much less visible, that would be fantastic. I've already tried using a sharpie on my tasman but that wore off within the day.

Just a note; The Tasman is my first choice for folder, as I'll also be bringing my ESEE 4 which will cover any strait edge needs, but PM2 suggestions would still be great.

I've included this picture below to demonstrate exactly what I'm talking about.
32396_10152762808110075_830098306_n.jpg
 
you can RIT dye the yellow frn to something darker. you could use a tough coating on the shiny clip, or possibly get an after market clip? a black automotive spray paint might hold up for a bit if you do it right. though it will inevitably wear through.

edit: if you try tocoat the clip, make sure you choose MATTE BLACK, as it is least reflective.

you can even find matte black nail polish which might be pretty tough, and you can bring the container with you easily in case you need to touch it up when you get back to your bunk. just don't let the guys find it haha
 
Get an STR low-rider clip. He can anodize a greenish color, or just bead blast it so it is not shiny, and the knife is completely hidden. The PM2 is probably his most popular, and I do not know if he has ever made one for the Tasman. He is a registered user here, and deep carry clips is the majority of his business. Here is my Southard with one of his clips. The mounting holes are of course different, but the clips are almost the same for the PM2

 
goodeyesniper said:
you can RIT dye the yellow frn to something darker. you could use a tough coating on the shiny clip, or possibly get an after market clip? a black automotive spray paint might hold up for a bit if you do it right. though it will inevitably wear through.
Click to expand...

Do you know how well the RIT dye holds up? Looks easy to use.

EDIT: Just saw your edit. The black nail polish idea sounds interesting. I'll have to test it out. My sister might have some.
 
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nccole said:
Get an STR low-rider clip. He can anodize a greenish color, or just bead blast it so it is not shiny, and the knife is completely hidden. The PM2 is probably his most popular, and I do not know if he has ever made one for the Tasman. He is a registered user here, and deep carry clips is the majority of his business. Here is my Southard with one of his clips. The mounting holes are of course different, but the clips are almost the same for the PM2

Click to expand...

That's awesome! I'll definitely look into this!

I sent him an e-mail!
 
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Doogoon said:
Do you know how well the RIT dye holds up? Looks easy to use.

EDIT: Just saw your edit. The black nail polish idea sounds interesting. I'll have to test it out. My sister might have some.
Click to expand...

I have no personal experience, but a ton of people here have RIT dyed their spydies. It seems to hold up extremely well because I believe it actually penetrates into the FRN (I could be wrong), so it's not just like it's an external coating of color.

I would be surprised if your sister has MATTE black nail polish, most girls don't unless they're into certain offbeat styles heh. Bead blasting the clip is the most permanent and stylish, but I actually bet the matte black nail polish would hold up amazingly and look good. As long as you let it set up well and do a couple coats. I had never thought of that before and now I really want to try it on one of my clips.

if you do any type of paint or polish make sure to clean the surface well with alcohol beforehand so it can set up. Or even better rough up the surface a bit first, then clean it with alcohol.
 
You can buy duracoat which I believe is some kind of colored epoxy. That would take care of your clip problems. You can get a dark matte finish.

What I would do is rough up the front side of the pocket clip with low grit sand paper and then duracoat it, leave the bottom stock so it will still be smooth.
 
You could sew a strip of webbing inside the vest. Then put the knife through the slot formed with the clip touching your shirt.
 
You are over thinking this. Krylon is your friend. You only need to paint the tail end and clip if your concern is too much visibility when clipped to your vest.
 
tiguy7 said:
You could sew a strip of webbing inside the vest. Then put the knife through the slot formed with the clip touching your shirt.
Click to expand...

Sounds hard to put the clip through that and easy to tear.

Not a bad idea, but I don't think that would work.
 
DWood said:
You are over thinking this. Krylon is your friend. You only need to paint the tail end and clip if your concern is too much visibility when clipped to your vest.
Click to expand...

Do you know if it holds up well to wear?

I found a camo spray on their site, seems handy for maybe more than just my knife :D
 
Get a black blade paramilitary or military. They come with black clips. the paramilitary is hard to find, but you should be able to easily get the military in camo/black.
 
Best bet is the STR clip. He is a real nice standup guy and he will get you hooked up fast . They are not cheap but if you want it done right its the way to go .
 
litetube said:
Best bet is the STR clip. He is a real nice standup guy and he will get you hooked up fast . They are not cheap but if you want it done right its the way to go .
Click to expand...

Being across the border, I don't think I'd be able to get a clip from him done for the tasman. I can wait out on the PM2 for the clip.
 
Take some etching acid and brush it on the shine clip. It will remove the shine and dull it. Just be smart about it and dont let it eat the clip up. Also remove the clip before u do this
 
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