How to Carry...

Dr. Hannibal Lecter

Dr. Hannibal Lecter

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2004
Messages
471
My Dear Friends,

Suffice it to say that I am classically a folding knife carrier. Nothing beats the ease of carry of a folder.

That being said, there is always a trade-off. Strength of the lock, ease of deployment, etc.

I generally never carried fixed blades, so now I am in somewhat of a quandry about exactly how to carry one comfortably and in a low-profile way.

A bit of background - I work an IT job and am at the top of the food chain in the corporation. Given that, I still don't want to make too many waves with the NKP (non-knife persons).

I am of average build and don't generally wear a belt. Jeans and a henley-styled shirt are normal business attire (in fact I would have an easier time with this were I wearing suits again, but that brings its own set of issues).

I suppose that I could carry IWB strong-side easily enough (anyone able to suggest a clip system for the edge of my jeans?), but this brings up the other issue - I have ridiculously corrosive body chemistry, especially during the summer months. My watch must have a solid stainless case, band and back. Jewelry must be gold or stainless - I corrode sterling silver and destroy the plating on most other metals.

Suggestions? Mercharness? Any thoughts concerning a skin-friendly corrosion-preventative?

--------
Hannibal
 
The Izula and to a lesser extent, the RC3 pocket carry fairly well.
The RC3 omes with a "boot clip" that can be used to clip it to your boot, or clip it to your pants, IWB. If used, the plastic sheath and micarta handles would be exposed to you, not the metal.

Do you wear your shirt untucked?

If so, consider horizontal carry (have to wear a belt) like this, but with the shirt over it:
100_0037.jpg
 
My Dear Friend,

Cpl Punishment said:
The Izula and to a lesser extent, the RC3 pocket carry fairly well.
Click to expand...

I had considered that as a possibility. I don't know about the comfort level when seated. :D

Cpl Punishment said:
The RC3 comes with a "boot clip" that can be used to clip it to your boot, or clip it to your pants, IWB. If used, the plastic sheath and micarta handles would be exposed to you, not the metal.
Click to expand...

Ah, there's a problem - I lack the clip. Ideas where to obtain one? Does RAT Cutlery sell them as a separate item? That would be very convenient.

Cpl Punishment said:
Do you wear your shirt untucked?

If so, consider horizontal carry (have to wear a belt) like this, but with the shirt over it.
Click to expand...

Yes, I do go untucked, but again, I avoid wearing a belt - call me a slave to style, but a belt really doesn't fit with my normal attire. I wore a belt for *years* and am honestly glad to be rid of it.

I somehow think your suggestion of the clip might be the best option, again assuming that I can find one. Many thanks! :D

--------
Hannibal
 
Here is a suggestion, one that I use. I work in healthcare, night shift, in a hospital that is located in a city plagued with a history of violence (warm weather = gun shot victims). My car was burglarized several times over the years for my stereo systems, pocket change, and bookbag, anything of value they took (even the wiring for my stereo system). I carry my Izula at all the times. I usually carry it in my sock, on the inside of my right ankle (I wear snug fitting tube socks). I have also carried it under my scrubs & tee-shirt, tied on a long paracord over my left shoulder draped across my chest and it rides on my right hip in its sheath. No colleague has ever said anything in regard to the visible paracord around my neck. The Izula is small (and light weight) enough to be inconspicuous, but also strong and razor sharp to do the job. I never take it out in public view, and I don't use it to open packages or cut things, its there just in case I need a sharp knife. IMO, unless someone is very observant, people do not notice those things unless you make them aware. If you maintain normal routines (people are creatures of habit) no one would be the wiser, especially if your the boss.
 
My Izula, secured in its sheath, rides in my front pants pockets. Both in jeans and my work suits and nobody is the wiser. I never notice its there until I put my hand in to grab something else out. Works perfect. I tried many different methods or carry (even ordered the Tek-Lok but it protrudes out too far for my liking.
My folders are collecting dust in the drawer now.
 
My Dear Friend,

onado2000 said:
IMO, unless someone is very observant, people do not notice those things unless you make them aware. If you maintain normal routines (people are creatures of habit) no one would be the wiser, especially if you're the boss.
Click to expand...

Very true - RHIP. :D

That sounds conspicuously like the Mercharness setup that I was considering - it will be a trifle more complex being that I am carrying a RAT-3 rather than the Izula, but I think I can make it work.

I might have to just try several different carry methods and see which one suits my lifestyle and body style the best. My thanks for the suggestions!

--------
Hannibal
 
testosterone said:
My Izula, secured in its sheath, rides in my front pants pockets. Both in jeans and my work suits and nobody is the wiser. I never notice its there until I put my hand in to grab something else out. Works perfect. I tried many different methods or carry (even ordered the Tek-Lok but it protrudes out too far for my liking.
My folders are collecting dust in the drawer now.
Click to expand...

My experience EXACTLY.

After trying every which way of carry, either:

1) My Izula rides loose in my front pocket or back pocket in its sheath. I never notice it even when I'm sitting.

2) If I wear my frye harness boots I just drop it in my boot against my ankle - it stays put and I never even notice it.
 
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Hi Hannibal

I'm in IT also, helpdesk environment, as sort of a Team Lead so I'm always walking around the room.

I've used the mercharness without anybody noticing anything at all.

It takes a little bit getting used to it, especially if you don't wear a t-shirt under your shirt.

To access the knife, all it takes is to pull up your shirt and pull the knife.

Knock on wood, I haven't cut myself yet :D
 
the izula on a dog tag chain around you neck can be worn unseen and wil not be uncomfortable when seated, If you wear a tie with a tie clip you can leave one button of your shirt open behind the tie, (it will be unseen as it is covered by the tie) but will give you convenient access to your blade under your shirt.
 
DR Lector.
I have a spare (tan coloured) boot clip ( without bolts) your welcome too, if your willing to wait for it to sail across the Pacific.
Pm me your postal.
Carl
 
My suggestion would be to get a knife specifically geared for self defense fixed blade style concealed carry. Boker has a few models out done by Chad, Cold Steel has the Desperado model and if your looking to go a step up you have Strider and PMLKNIVES .

Alone by itself because it warrants it is the always impressive Emerson Lagriffe.
 
I carry my RC 3 IWB or OWB and it rocks. When I carry it IWB it is very comfortable. I carry it right behind my hip and no one is the wiser. I carry it w/ and w/out a belt and the clip works great. It really clips on and stays on your shorts. I wear it with boardshorts (swimtrunks) all the time and it is awesome. Go with the RC 3 IWB and you will not be disapointed.
 
Izula with the large split ring connected to the sheath hole, and the clip attached to that.

Clip it to the belt loop above your pocket and let it hang in your pocket. This way, it is easy to flip out and grab it, it doesnt interfere with anything in the bottom of your pocket, the only thing you can see from the outside is a clip and a split ring (could be keys, could be anything), and when you go to use it you just pull on the knife and the sheath stays secured to your pants so you know where it is.

I carry mine like that basically everyday to work. it has esentially pushed my Blurs and Natives out of my EDC work rotation. Even after work it comes with me a lot, as it is so damned sturdy and handy.


I also carry an RC3 fairly regularly, either with the boot clip or with horizontal paracord. As for the belt thing....well, I dont wear one for fashion either. I wear it to carry knives and to keep my pants up. :)
 
I'm currently carrying my Izula knife around my neck with a nice paracord lanyard. It's nice to have a small fixed blade around, and not to mention I just love the Izula, so why not use it when I can?
 
My Dear Friend,

lotus1972 said:
My suggestion would be to get a knife specifically geared for self defense fixed blade style concealed carry. Boker has a few models out done by Chad, Cold Steel has the Desperado model and if your looking to go a step up you have Strider and PMLKNIVES .

Alone by itself because it warrants it is the always impressive Emerson Lagriffe.
Click to expand...

My philosophy towards knives has changed in the recent past. I am personally against carrying SD-specific knives except under unusual circumstances, as many of those designs work only marginally for any other task. I have other reasons for choosing more nondescript blades for SD, but that would be venturing into the Prac-Tac Arena and I won't go there out of respect to this forum. :D

Chad Los Banos is one of my favorite people in the world (as well as a gifted designer) and I typically EDC a number of his knives.

I do not currently own or carry anything by Cold Steel.

The LaGriffe is a wonderful design, but again, it is very self-defense specific. I would rather have a well-designed general purpose knife than an SD-specific knife.

Look at it like this - the chances of my getting into an altercation with another person necessitating the use of a blade is incredibly small. The likelihood that I will have to cut something inanimate during the course of the day is considerably higher. Best to carry something that can handle any task that I might need to complete.

As an aside, in the hands of someone with proper training I hardly see carrying a blade such as the RC-3 as a defensive blade to be a liability of any sort. ;)


Many thanks,


Hannibal
 
ever consider a neck knife i carry mine all the time in akydex neck sheath and no one ever notices it -chris
 
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