How do you carry a fixed EDC

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Mrgauth

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Mar 12, 2016
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My struggle is how to carry a fixed comfortably AND discreetly.


How do you do it? I can carry comfortably on my belt but that is not to discreet. If I carry discreet in the pocket it is not too comfortable because I have not figured out how to get one to ride right along the pocket seam like folders do.

Any suggestions on sheaths or methods that enable a fixed to do both - be discreet and all but forgotten when carried?

Or am I asking for the impossible? Thanks
 
It depends on what size you are trying to carry. A taco style kydex sheath can be made pretty small and carries very comfortably, but of course it’s not as small as a folder.
 
jbarsquat said:
It depends on what size you are trying to carry. A taco style kydex sheath can be made pretty small and carries very comfortably, but of course it’s not as small as a folder.
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Agreed.

What knife are you carrying?
What is your current setup?

I like to carry crossdraw on either side of my belt buckle, or in clipped pocket sheath (leather or kydex).
 
I do carry a clipped folder in my rh front pocket. However, about a year ago, I got my first Bradford Guardian 3 fixed blade. I have carried it every day on my belt, in a horizontal cross-draw sheath as sold by Bradford. I have purchased several of these knives, in either 3V or M390, and have been extremely satisfied with the method of carry as well as the excellent quality of the knife.
Since I live in Florida, I am able to conceal this belt-knife by my untucked t-shirt, and am completely unaware of this knife
until I feel the need for a blade.
Bradford Guardian 3.jpg
 
One of my favorite knives is a fixed blade Dan Graves made for me pocket carry. I carry it riding alongside the inside edge of my pocket, It doesn't really move around, especially if it's in the same pocket as my phone or wallet (I keep them in separate front pockets so it's always one or the other) and I don't even notice it's there.

Here are some of Dan's pics from when it was brand new, this should give you a good idea of the length and thickness of the knife overall. Length is 6 and 3/4 inches overall and 3 1/4 inch blade:
RCLYy1i.jpg

KegrJ1Z.jpg


And here are some of my pics demonstrating where I carry it and how it looks in my pocket sitting down. For reference I'm 6'2" and I wear 32x34 size jeans with normal size pockets. (Not sure why my photos are enormous but you can either drag em to your desktop and look at them on your computer or just make your browser narrower and that should help). Basically I can carry a fixed blade everywhere without anyone noticing including my self and it's great.
MGgT73g.jpg

76ppKWu.jpg

VBN7AQq.jpg
 
I carry vertically on my left hip for the most part but one knife I carry diagonally behind me as it's just most comfortable for the particular knife.
It's just a cutting tool, so I don't need to be discreet with it ( that's what a pocket folder is for ) and Cal law says they must be openly carried.
 
Kydex pocket sheath. Dawson knives makes them for their smaller fixed blades and might for yours.

Zieg
 
Sonnydaze said:
I do carry a clipped folder in my rh front pocket. However, about a year ago, I got my first Bradford Guardian 3 fixed blade. I have carried it every day on my belt, in a horizontal cross-draw sheath as sold by Bradford. I have purchased several of these knives, in either 3V or M390, and have been extremely satisfied with the method of carry as well as the excellent quality of the knife.
Since I live in Florida, I am able to conceal this belt-knife by my untucked t-shirt, and am completely unaware of this knife
until I feel the need for a blade.
View attachment 787612
Click to expand...

I'm a big (fluffy) guy, so I don't do a cross-draw carry (something is in the way), but instead wear my Bradford Guardian 3 at about the 2:00 - 3:00 position, depending on where the belt loops on my pants/shorts are. I like the leather sheaths, but I am apparently hard on them (as they keep loosening up on me), so I've been using the kydex taco with a GClip for the last month or so. Both the leather and kydex are easy to wear on your belt (at least for me, but the leather is easier), and almost disappear until you need it. Of course, my wife still expects to have me stab myself sheathing it, and (don't tell her) I have sliced one of my shirts because I was in a rush once. :eek: However, it is still my favorite knife to carry, and the 3:00 or so position is the most accessible for me.

As a lightweight, smaller option, something like an A.G.Russell Woodswalker, in a hip pocket sheath (in a back pocket or in a cargo pocket/side pouch), works well for light EDC tasks. I've been carrying one recently (in addition to the G3) to try it out before gifting it to others. The leather hip pocket sheath is a lot more usable than I expected it to be. For the total cost (blade + sheath), it is a darned good deal for a small, easy to carry, light-duty fixed blade that I am looking forward to putting in several stockings this year.

I have thought about scout carry, but I know I would end up cutting or stabbing myself, so that is out, for the moment.

Good luck.

*Edited "belt buckles" to "belt loops" to actually say what I meant. o_O
 
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Mrgauth said:
My struggle is how to carry a fixed comfortably AND discreetly.


How do you do it? I can carry comfortably on my belt but that is not to discreet. If I carry discreet in tyhe pocket it is not too comfortable because I have not figured out how to get one to ride right along the pocket seam like folders do.

Any suggestions on sheaths or methods that enable a fixed to do both - be discreet and all but forgotten when iocarried?

Or am I asking for the impossible? Thanks
Click to expand...

Unfortunately for us city dwellers there aren't many fixed blades which take comfort of concealed carry into account. You don't want to feel like you have a 2x4 down your pants.

That said I find one of the biggest issues with fixed blades is sitting down. Many knives will poke into you some place when you try and sit down.

Two of the more comfortable options I have found are the Spyderco Street Beat at 3 o'clock and Bradford Guarian 3 cross draw.
 
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I do IWB, cross draw on belt, and pocket sheath with no clip. It depends on the knife and where I am going.
 
How about on the back? I don't see that mentioned. It's not as convenient, but horizontal carry on your belt in the small of your back is discreet.
 
If I am just easy going around the farm, with a small EDC fixed blade, I will just slide it in the back left pocket, next to my mini maglite.
If I know I will be moving around a lot, I will horizontal carry a small fixed blade.
I don't carry a fixed blade in the city. Anything in the city can be accomplished with a folder IMHO
For medium to large fixed blades, I will vertical carry and/or have them attached to a backpack or in a backpack.
 
Smaller fixed blades work best as IWB or if small enough between belt and pants. I normally carry right around 4 o'clock with the edge facing forward. It doesn't cut the sheath or edge on my belt when drawing, and in a tight spot I can draw it reverse grip edge-leading.

The biggest factor is overall size, with a 4" blade, 8.5" overall being about the limit and getting more comfortable the shorter/thinner you go.

As an example:
101_0666_zps6azo5ion.jpg~original
 
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