Horizontal Carry Experiences?

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Dec 13, 2005
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Howdy folks-

I'm thinking of having a horizontal carry rig for rear carry in the woods, but I wanted to get some input from folks who have tried such a setup in the woods

How large a blade have you been able to carry comfortably in this manner while hiking/camping?

Did you find it consistently cumbersome at any point? (Carry, drawing, re-sheathing, etc)

At whatever knife length you used, did you find that the handle inevitably 'stuck out' past your hips and caught on things (tree branches, etc)?

Thanks for your thoughts!
 
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It's based on weight, the sheath and how tight you can get your belt. I carry my RC5 horizontally just fine on my eddie bauer jeans because the belt loops are all in the right spot. I think I could easily carry a 7-9 inch knife as well as long as the belt loops were spaced right on my pants and on the sheath.
 
I like horizontal carry crossdraw for my 4" blade.

I sometmes carry a large (FFBM) blade horizontally below my fannypack. It carrys and deploys well from there, but resheathing it is really bad. Trying to get a large, razor sharp knife back in its sheath without slicing open something meant to stay closed can be a challenge. :eek:
 
I like it on a blade 4-5" or under worn in front off center but it is a pain to me on larger blades unless all your are doing is camp stuff or exploring without pack or gear on. (Scout style/Horizontal carry on the small of the back/ great on horseback)
 
I carry my Bravo-1 or my Moran Ultralight in horizontal carry when hunting so that it doesn't snag stuff along side me when I spot and stalk. I don't mind the carry for that situation but have not found it very useful elsewhere. I have tried to carry several large knives that way behind my back but the handles always snagged branches when I was in thick woods and I was always afraid I would slip while re-sheathing and then have to explain how I stabbed myself in the but to my wife.


PS- Spooky, thanks for the Old Hickory. I've been using it a lot in my foraging bag. Holds a great edge and is starting to get a nice patina from all the wild edibles its been cutting
 
The only knife I have horizontal carried is a Becker Necker (BK11). I used some paracord to make 2 loops for my belt. So far, the knife has been very comfortable, it doesn't stick out much and hasn't caught on anything. I wear it on my right side as I am right handed... It draws and re-sheaths with ease.

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Same for me, Becker Necker and Rat Izula, both are hidden under my shirt, quick deployment, careful sheathing.

The occasional snag getting in my truck.

I ask the wife before heading out if she can see anything, so far so good.

The only knife I have horizontal carried is a Becker Necker (BK11). I used some paracord to make 2 loops for my belt. So far, the knife has been very comfortable, it doesn't stick out much and hasn't caught on anything. I wear it on my right side as I am right handed... It draws and re-sheaths with ease.

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The biggest problem with any carry behind I the back is as has been mentioned, putting the knife back into sheath. I have horizontal carried before, its comfortable while the blade is there, and its usually easy to get out, putting it back sucks. Especialy when you think you know where it should be.

On the other hand I did carry my Push daggers horizontally but on the side and maybe closer to the front. That depending where the knife is sometimes made it hard to sit (the handle would poke).
 
I carry my BK11 around my neck mostly but when it'd on my belt, I carry it horizontally in front (just left of my belt buckle - I'm a righty). I use paracord belt loops similar to a previous poster.
 
I do feel some concern with having a sharp piece of steel along my spine. Especially since I ride a motorcycle a lot.
 
the only problem for me scout style is while driving it is uncomfortable to me but in the woods I like it
 
This did not belon in general, which is why I did not put it in general. I wanted to know about carry in the woods. Otherwise I get responses about motorycles and "fallkniven F1".
 
This did not belon in general, which is why I did not put it in general. I wanted to know about carry in the woods. Otherwise I get responses about motorycles and "fallkniven F1".

But Spooky- more people will see it here:thumbdn::rolleyes:

I've carried my BRKT Lil' Bird and Trout in the woods horizontal next to my right hip bone (anterior superior illiac spine) constantly. It isn't set up for horizontal carry, but the sheath is small and I just turn it sideways and put the tip of the sheath into a belt loop. It holds well and is unobstructive. Also I can flip it vertical if I want to move it around. Total length around 7", 1/16" thick 12C27. I've worn it backpacking- my gut usually keeps ab straps clear, while just bumming/ walking and it works well without getting caught (even joined a hackey sack circle with it on Tuesday). However I don't care for behind the back and anything bigger probably wouldn't be my cup of tea either.

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I've been carrying blades with a horizontal cross-draw for some time and really like it. It's out of the way, doesn't get snagged, conceals well (for blades about 4"), easy to access (and return), and will work well with a pack's waistbelt.

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I've got several and it's my favorite method of carry.

ROCK6
 
I carry a stryder with a 4 inch blade horizontaly but in the front on my pistol belt but that one is placed there for defensive purposes and only worn when im kited up (im in the army) but its pretty comfortable and is out of the way until you need it.
 
What do you do with a crossdraw in winter weather wearing a long shell jacket?
Another drawback to me.
 
What do you do with a crossdraw in winter weather wearing a long shell jacket?
Another drawback to me.

You do the same thing you do when you're wearing shorts and t-shirt....reach over and draw your knife.
Cross draw doesn't mean quick-draw.
 
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