LindaJ said:
alas......
I have no experience with clips..
Hi LindaJ; I've noticed that no one has addressed this for you.
Many pocket knives now come with pocket clips for retention. These clips can be removed in most cases with a screwdriver (torx or hex on higher-end knives) for in-pocket carry; however the purpose of the pocket clip is that it provides additional security for carrying a blade. I personally have found a pocket clip to be one of the best inventions (along with one-handed opening devices (Spyderhole or non-TM opening hole, thumbstuds, thumb disk)) simply because I can carry a 4-5" frame in my pocket without it rattling around loosely. I clip the frame against the seam of my pants pocket (where it is out of the way if I need to reach in my pocket for something); and forget about it until I need it.
The clip functions a lot like the clip on a pen. And, when you clip a knife to your pocket it can be apparent to others that you are carrying a knife - maybe not what suits you for when you wear for formal occasions. When I am carrying at formal events, I typically just carry the knife in pocket, unclipped.
I wouldn't trust a pocket clip for in-waist-band (IWB) carry or for belt carry, I'd use a sheath in those situations. Fortunately, I don't own any pocket-less pants.
Some knives have clips that can only be positioned in one way (blade tip down, tip up, spine of knife in or out). Some knives offer multiple clip carry positions for left or right handers, or for adjusting between tip up and down. And, like Bastid, some people prefer clipless because of aesthetics (personally, doesn't matter to me as I consider a clip part of the frame as far as aesthetics are concerned).
FWIW my wife carries her knife in her purse. Then it isn't an issue if it's clipped or not. (Not trying to be sexist in suggesting purse-carry! When I bike I carry in my hydrapak)
If you'd like to see some knives with pocket clips just stop at your local Walmart and check out a few Kershaw or "Columbia River Knife and Tool" (aka CRKT) model knives (it will be at the counter). Hopefully that would give you a better feel for what a clipped knife is before you buy.
