Recommendation? How to carry a traditional knife?

[Shadow449]

I carry some old traditional style slip joints from time to time and am usually mildly annoyed by the way the knife will inevitably fall sideways in my pocket. Any carry tips to help prevent this or is this just unavoidable?
Thanks!!

 

[afishhunter]

You can put it in a slip, or wrap a bandana or hanky around it.
Depending on the knife, the watch pocket (or coin pocket, if you prefer) is an option.

Myself, I just drop them (I carry at least two) in the bottom of my right front pocket.

 

[DelOro]

I've been using these 9 inch pocket squares to wrap my knife instead of a leather slip.

It works great, protects the knife and doesn't add any bulk to my pocket.

 

[Dean51]

Most every one has a pocket weight and length limit, you just have to find your limit.
I used to carry a 4" stockman and never notice it. These days it's 3 1/2" to 3 3/4" single blade or single spring. They still lay side ways but are light and thin so I never notice them.
I find pocket slips, bandanas etc to bulky and just an unnecessary step to take before using the knife.

 

[jmh33]

Hmmm.. Been carrying a knife in my rfp for 50plus yrs.. Never really thought about it I guess... John

 

[TheChunk91]

Put a bandana next to the knife so it stays upright in your front pocket, or put the knife standing upright next to your wallet in your back pocket.

 

[Astronaut FX]

As others have mentioned, a leather slip can help keep a knife vertical on your pocket.

Another option, if you’re handy with a sewing machine, or have someone in your life who is, you could modify your pants pockets (or just one) to have less of a horizontal bottom. Sew a 45 degree or so angle seam across the bottom of a pocket so that the bottom comes to more of a point, thus preventing the knife from settling horizontally.

 

[Bigbobg]

I usually just reach in my pocket, pull out the knife and turn it in my hand until it's in the position I want. It takes longer to describe it than do it.
It you want something to stay in a certain position you might consider something with a pocket clip.

 

[jc57]

I just put mine in my pocket. I believe they probably end up horizontal in the bottom. My solution is that it does not annoy me.

As posted above, other solutions are: modifying your pockets by sewing in a knife slot, putting it in a leather pocket sheath/slip, with or without a clip attached to the sheath, or carrying it in a pocket with something else that keeps it upright (such as in a back pocket beside a wallet or note pad.

 

[WinchesteRalox]

You can sew part of your front pockets so that way it settles down into the little pocket created you can do the same with the back pocket, up alongside your wallet, carry it in a shirt pocket, watch pocket, Belt sheath,bails, lanyards, necksheaths, lotta different ways.

 

[spyderg]

My traditional rides in my back pocket. As long as it’s under 4” I don’t even notice it. If I’m carrying a modern as well, it goes clipped front pocket. There are some traditional knives that have clips added, but according to the rules of this forum that makes them no longer traditional however that might be a good solution for you if you like traditional knives but not the way they carry.

 

[Jordan@DLT]

I carry mine clipped to my RH pocket.

 

[Henry Beige]

I drop two or three smallish knives in my rfp, along with a 4” Channellock plier. They tend to stand up, lending support to one another. My pants are baggy, and my pockets roomy, so it doesn’t bother me if they go horizontal.

 

[jc57]

I carry mine clipped to my RH pocket.

But that is a modern knife with a pocket clip, not a traditional knife, which is the topic here.

 

[Phil in Alabama]

Summertime I stick them in my right front pocket along with my billfold and any change I'm carrying, wintertime in the left front pocket. I carry my phone in the left front pocket when it's hot weather and in a jacket pocket when it's cool enough to wear a jacket. I have carried a large folding hunter in it's belt sheath, but it's a pain catching on stuff. I've worn anything from very thin nylon shorts to heavy Carhartt work pants and it has never bothered me to carry any size traditional knife just loose in my pockets. Doesn't weigh any more nor any bulkier than wallet, change, telephone, car keys, etc.

 

[Wurrwulf]

You could also get a buckaroo pouch from Horsewright. It's a slip with a long lanyard that loops around a belt loop.

 

[JohnDF]

I use a pocket slip for any knives that are too long or thick to ride in my watch pocket.

 

[L. Richard]

For over 60 years I've carried a knife in the left front pocket with my change. Needless to say I seldom notice whether it's sideways or vertical. Sometimes I'll also carry a small SAK or Leatherman in the right front pocket with my keys and flashlight. Pockets are there for carrying things.

 

[Ernie1980]

I personally like a slip, I have both leather and velvet versions. I prefer the leather, but the velvet slips are great for athletic cloths and slick dress pants to keep the knife from falling out of your pocket when you sit.

 

[KuduCuckoo]

I guess this is more of a lifestyle change but my fondness for 3”+ folders has me mostly wearing carpenter style work jeans.