Knife Carry Options, carry security

chevyrulez1

chevyrulez1

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Oct 2, 2007
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I recently posted in another thread about how I do not like pocket clips that are too tight because it makes it difficult to get them out and back on the pocket, not to mention how they shred your pockets over time.
Well, low and behold I was carrying my Delica and walking through the locker room at work yesterday, brushed up against some uniforms hanging on a locker and heard a strange noise. Luckily I stopped and turned around to find my Delica laying on the floor, the clothing raked it right out of my pocket as I walked by and I didn't feel a thing.
I have had seatbelts pull clipped knives out of my pocket as well and found them later in a parking lot beside my vehicle. So I started thinking, maybe I am better off carrying the knife down in my pocket without the clip?
But as I thought that, I remember how when I carry slip joints, particularly heavier slip joints with a smooth finish, I have had issues more than once of the knife slipping right out of my pocket into my chair, car seats, etc. and when I reach in the pocket I find out it is gone and have to go a searching.
So people recommend to carry in a leather pocket slip, to keep it from sliding out of your pocket, but then I have the same problem with that as a tight clip, it makes it less convenient to pull your knife out and deploy it, and getting it back into the slip when you are done.

So I am wondering if you are in a situation where you absolutely positively cannot lose your knife, is a belt sheath maybe the best option?
Does anyone have any other thoughts or ideas about how to best keep from losing the pocket jewelry??
 
Another trick that I read about somewhere on these forums is to put the knife at the bottom of your pocket and then put a bandanna or handkerchief in there with it. If done properly, it should keep the knife from sliding around and the knife will still be easy to grab as long as only those two things are in that pocket.
 
There’s a plus and minus / give and take to just about everything.
I like clips and carry clipped in pocket or waistband.
In deep pocket I prefer back pocket where it seems less likely to fall out while sitting down.

You just have to decide what’s best for you.
 
I will sometimes fashion a pocket sheath for folders without clips. I got the idea on here years ago, and I would give the guy who came up with it props, but I don't remember who it was.

Basically it's a simple sheath made for a buck 110. It rode in your back pocket and the knife was situated all the way to one side so your wallet right next to it.The trick is that the backer of the sheath was as wide as the pocket and the rough raw side of the leather was facing toward back wall of your pocket. Its really grippy like that.

I have several small fixed blade that I have made front pocket sheaths for. Same concept except I make the backer wide and angled to fit my front pocket. The actual sheath of the knife I make pretty tight, so it won't come out unless I pull on it, and the roughness of the leather keeps the sheath in place when I pull the knife out.
 
I have never had this problem, but for a pretty simple solution - buy a Spyderco PM2 (or just use your Delica) or any other model that gives you the 4 clip mount options. Mount the clip so that it sits inside your coin pocket (if your pants don't have big enough coin pockets...buy different pants. I wear Ariat and Carharts and both have coin pockets that will accommodate 4"+ knives). You can clip the knife into your coin pocket and the knife will rest in your main pocket.

No possibility of your clip catching and pulling the knife.
 
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Railsplitter said:
Another trick that I read about somewhere on these forums is to put the knife at the bottom of your pocket and then put a bandanna or handkerchief in there with it. If done properly, it should keep the knife from sliding around and the knife will still be easy to grab as long as only those two things are in that pocket.
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Likely remembered from the Traditional Forum, where clips do not exist, but hankies do. J jackknife used to mention that one frequently.
 
I've been carrying a Buck 110 or 112 almost exclusively for the past year, so mine's in a belt sheath, and I haven't lost any......yet. Plus, I find that it's no more of a bother getting the knife from the sheath, than getting one out of my pocket, whether it's clipped or loose in the pocket. In some cases it's even easier.
 
chevyrulez1 said:
slip joints, particularly heavier slip joints with a smooth finish, I have had issues more than once of the knife slipping right out of my pocket into my chair, car seat
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The guys here taught me to put a bandana or handkerchief in on top the knife and I always carry one of those anyway.
Yes I lost a Western Mini Stockman from the early '80's before that . I sure miss that little knife, damb I liked it.

As far as tiny and clipped , think : some of these thin fancy box knives , I often clip it between the buttons in the front of my button up shirt 'cause I got larger knives and gear in the other pockets ( no small fifth pocket in Hagars) I suppose a Delica could almost fit in that category. Depends on the shirt . . and the wearer. . . not my Ti Delica.
Life is complicated .⚛

PS: sounds like Carl's advice is echoing in my life to.

PPS: as far as belt carry there was an excellent Swiss Army sheath , fairly small and refined / gentlemanly clipped over the belt. Even the belt clip was leather covered. Affordable. Amazing for the price. OF COURSE IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE ! ! !
Worth it at twice the price ! I would buy two more if they were to come back into production. They had a flap but even folded over and tucked back it was out of the way. I just use them with the top open. No not the new ones with elastic sides. The old ones were all leather , black and subtle , and made to last .

I have duplicated these for the 110 and 112 with some success by cutting the Buck pouch flap off entirely and soaking the leather to shrink and hold the knife snug. Done right the knife literally clicks into place , tight but easily removable.

The only thing I don't like about this option is that I have to unthread my belt to remove the pouch and many days I want to quickly get the pouch off my body. With the old Swiss Army gentleman's pouches , which I still have and use, the pouch unclips from my belt with a strong tug.
 
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Stringjam7 said:
I have never had this problem, but for a pretty simple solution - buy a Spyderco PM2 (or just use your Delica) or any other model that gives you the 4 clip mount options. Mount the clip so that it sits inside your coin pocket (if your pants don't have big enough coin pockets...buy different pants. I wear Ariat and Carharts and both have coin pockets that will accommodate 4"+ knives). You can clip the knife into your coin pocket and the knife will rest in your main pocket.

No possibility of your clip catching and pulling the knife.
Click to expand...

While this might be the safest bet I find the clip to be rather annoying and catch on things I pull out of pocket such as wallet.

Another method could be backpocket carry with strong enough clip. I carry my Tuff Lite occasionally this way and it is in the side enough that I don't sit on it. The problem is that I'd recommend tip down clip so that the blade doesn't open and stab you.. but I'd say you still are in risk of losing the knife if you are not checking yo ass all the time.

My best bet would be clipless knife in coin pocket but you have to be careful that it doesn't slip out when you are in the shitter or sleeping on sofa.
 
Drop bear said:
Boomerang tether.

Some sort of aftermarket sheath.
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Sheaths that open knives automatically are a felony in some places.

In Massachusetts for sure. Even though switchblades are legal in Massachusetts now. AFIAK the sheaths are still prohibited.
 
Railsplitter said:
In the waistband carry might be a consideration. Especially if you wear a belt.

Clip the knife to the waistband of your pants with the knife inside the pants and the clip between the pants and your belt.
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I think I will try this sometime and see how it works out. I have thought about this but haven't actually tried it yet
 
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