How To How to add a pocket clip to my Gerber Bolt Action (Zytel handles)

[wahoowad]

I've had this Gerber Bolt Action since early 80's but it has mostly sat in a shoe box of other stuff. Any type of pocket clip I can attach to this?

 

[Jdottinger]

I've had this Gerber Bolt Action since early 80's but it has mostly sat in a shoe box of other stuff. Any type of pocket clip I can attach to this?

Honestly, I wouldn’t try to modify the knife. I’d purchase a clip slip to carry it. If you’re dead set on adding a clip, you can purchase most/all the supplies needed through the big river site.

 

[wahoowad]

whats a clip slip

 

[oldmanwilly]

whats a clip slip

It's a slim sheath for your folder that has a pocket clip, so that you can carry the knife in your pocket as if it was clipped to your pocket. It's basically a pocket protector that's used for a knife. There are several BF members who make them, although I can't seem to recall them specifically at the moment.

If you must add a clip, then I would try to rig something that bolts through the lanyard hole. Kinda like a regular clip for a Chris Reeve Sebenza, just bolted straight through the existing hole. That way you could avoid permanently altering a rare-ish pocket knife.

 

[buckthorn]

I recall when those knives were first introduced and agree that they were unusual enough to keep your knife intact and not alter it. If you are seeking performance, there are so many current alternatives with clips, so why not go in that direction for a knife to carry and keep the Bolt Action, unmodified, as something special?

 

[killgar]

That model of Gerber Bolt-Action folder (model 7010) is neither rare nor especially valuable (it is cool though). I see several currently for sale for under $150, and a few others up for auction. I imagine Gerber made more than a few.

It may be possible to drill and tap the handle for screws to attach a clip. Knifekits.com sells a variety of pocket clips. Others can also be found online. There are many varieties available.

Or, if tapping isn't a viable option, depending on the width of the gap between the handles, it may be possible to use some of these stainless steel threaded inserts by drilling holes, then installing the inserts up into the holes from the inside of the gap. These inserts are threaded for 2-56 screws, and the rims keep them from being pulled through the holes when the screws are tightened.

Available from McMaster. These ones pictured are 1/8" long, but they also come in a shorter 3/32" length. 1/8" long part number 92985A814, 3/32" long part number 92985A813.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I seem to recall that some models of those Gerber Zytel-handled folders originally came with a clip that did actually attach through the lanyard hole itself. I have an old Gerber LST of similar design and probably early 1990s vintage, and I think it originally came with a clip like that, also in Zytel or nylon. I'd removed it a long time ago (no clue what I did with it), as these knives were so light & easy to carry in-pocket.

I'd think the clip-on slip idea would be a good alternative and much easier to find, if you want to carry it clipped to your pocket.

 

[oldmanwilly]

Here's an example to illustrate the basic concept of a clipped pocket slip from a BF member/maker: https://www.horsewright.com/Boot-Sheath_p_752.html

Obviously the one in the link is for a fixed blade, but they can be made to fit any sort of folding knife too.

Another option: https://www.horsewright.com/Buckaroo-Pouch-_p_339.html