Machete Sheath Style Preference: Out-The-Top, or Out-The-Side?

[I'mSoSharp]

I'm in the minority at the moment with the side opening, I should maybe add I've never been in a situation (yet!) where I've needed a Machete on my belt, I've only ever used one in clearing situations where the sheath is for storage or carrying in a vehicle.
I have loads of Machetes but only five I think in sheaths, four top opening & one side (thick nylon webbing with a zip, so not the same as pictured) & of them all that's the one I like best.

 

[Blue Sky]

I voted out the top. I have one side opening sheath and find it awkward in use, the straps get in the way and it does not retain the tool positively enough w/o fixing one of the straps each time. For me a machete sheath is more for storage and transport so maybe this is not really much of a problem, but if I had to wear one while working and I was getting it out and replacing it regularly, I think a simple drop in sheath would be better.

 

[Uncle Slayton]

what do you recommend for the Tramontina bolo 14"?

 

[mickb]

for a work machete, my preferences is no sheath, as some of the above fellas said. Most machetes used around the world or issued to work teams etc are sheathless, its doubles the expense to have them. For attaching to a pack my preference is smallest and simplest openings are best, as long as the blade shape suits, a top loader. less hassle, less to go wrong, if you are playing commando( or maybe a real one lol) more chance of a side opener emptying the machete out if damaged or pulled open via contact with foliage or obstacles. Probably not a whole lot of difference for casual use though.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

for a work machete, my preferences is no sheath, as some of the above fellas said. Most machetes used around the world or issued to work teams etc are sheathless, its doubles the expense to have them. For attaching to a pack my preference is smallest and simplest openings are best, as long as the blade shape suits, a top loader. less hassle, less to go wrong, if you are playing commando( or maybe a real one lol) more chance of a side opener emptying the machete out if damaged or pulled open via contact with foliage or obstacles. Probably not a whole lot of difference for casual use though.

The sheaths in question would be economical ones made from our PetroCor HDPE sheath material.

The reason I tend to prefer side-loaders is that when properly designed they're more compact than top-loaders by a decent amount. When I'm using a machete it's usually in my hand for the duration of the time I'm using it rather than in-and-out frequently. But it appears that I'm in the minority.

 

[mickb]

The sheaths in question would be economical ones made from our PetroCor HDPE sheath material.

The reason I tend to prefer side-loaders is that when properly designed they're more compact than top-loaders by a decent amount. When I'm using a machete it's usually in my hand for the duration of the time I'm using it rather than in-and-out frequently. But it appears that I'm in the minority.

good point, I only have experience with the basic machete styles.