How/What is the proper use for knife lanyards?

[mendezj]

How do you properly use a knife lanyard? Is it supposed to go around your wrist, like your hand through a large circle and then grip the handle?

I've seen people just put their pinky fingers through a very small hole, is that proper? I would think that would be to prevent your hand from slipping forward.

I read on a website that some people use long lanyards and wrap them around the hand and in between the handle somehow? to prevent the knife from slipping when wet, some extra grip/friction.


What I gather there are two different lanyard styles: Long/Around Wrist and Short/Around Pinky Finger. Is this accurate? What are the functional differences between them?

I use lanyards because they are useful when on a boat either fishing or hunting. I own knives because I use them for fishing and hunting, and I don’t want to lose my knife falling in the water or in the bushes. Yes, they get in the way sometimes but you get used to it.

 

[sliceofaloha]

 

[afishhunter]

My lanyard is 30 inch with a swivel on each end. One end attaches to the knife, the other end to either a steel belt clip/loop or a belt loop on the pants.
It prevents the knife from hitting the ground or going overboard if I drop it.
The lanyard is long enough I don't need to take the knife off to use it. (my arm and hand combined are less than 30 inches)
The short loop lanyards would go around the wrist.
Those few inch long things that stick out of your pocket to make it easier to get the knife out, are properly called a "fob", and serve an entirely different purpose.
A lanyard always attaches to the person using it somehow, and the knife or other tool. They are intended to prevent loss and/or damage if you drop the knife or other tool. (and when working elevated they prevent the dropped knife or other tool from landing on someone's head, potentially splattering their brains, making a big gross mess you or someone else has to clean up.)

 

[jideta]

I've been playing with this lanyard thing for a bit.
The last couple of knives I ordered I asked for an extended tang with a lanyard hole.
I like the idea of having a loop for the hand so the knife cannot slip away, but when sheathed, I don't like the longer cord hanging and swinging around.
A short fob helps to grab the knife when it's in a deep sheath but my sheaths are pretty shallow.
I may just take them off.
Still goofing around with it.

 

[* KnifeLife*]

And the thread goes on....
My coin....
I've never used lanyards...fobs....paracord....bling...etc...on any of my knives.
Although I'm contemplating situations I may begin to after reading the members intelligent comments.
I believe OPs question has been answered.

In my simple interpretation.....it's great to be individuals and express ourselves...plus make our own decisions in life....as we should.

Thinking outside the box is encouraged !

I approach this topic in the same manner I carry a gun.

I'd rather have it and not need it..
Than need it and not have it.

Fini'

 

[Oklahoma Outlaw]

I don’t use a pocket clip so the knife just rides in my pocket. Easy reach to grab the lanyard and jerk it out.

 

[unwisefool]

I believe OPs question has been answered.

I think the question was answered over 10 years ago in fact.

 

[zippo123]

I like them because I make my own!!!!!

learned the craft of paracord weaving, and enjoy making them.

I give them as gifts.


in reality, I do think they do help some knives, functionally, in retrieving the knife..……and some knives add little other than asthetics. Its a personal choice.

 

[TC]

I found this pretty useful:

 

[* KnifeLife*]

Welll...if you think about it........ (and you enjoy showing fobs/lanyards out of your pocket)....a comment of how easily someone can snatch a great knife out of your pocket... and a skull worth more than the knife !

Oh that tempting orange/blue one with reflective material I can't resist !

Well...I'm sure it "could" happen.. I guess ?...(I don't "pocket dangle" so I don't worry about it)

The simple solution is....DON'T attach your cool lanyard to a knife !

A snappy washer or some old collectible lead fishing weights may work to keep the worry away !

Can start a new fad..... "guess what's in my pocket ?!"

Or "guess what's on my lanyard ?"

Lanyards are like watches.....nobody will comment on your nice watch....ever.
Unless it's a bright color....(doesn't count)....or another watch enthusiast sees it....fact !

I collect watches....knives longer....40+ years.

I notice knives...definitely .

Not once have I ever noticed a fob sticking out of a pocket !!
But now I realize a treasure may be attached to one...my fingers get itchy !

My luck....I'd steal a washer !!

Peace and Health everyone.

PS:
At minimum....I will now add a lanyard into each of my cars thanks to its many uses.
Valid opinions/reasons were given.