Military Neck Sheath

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
4,670
I recently ordered a neck sheath from Mike Sastre of River City Sheaths to fit my Military model. There was a choice of using Kydex or Concealex, I opted for the "stealth black" Concealex. The difference between the two materials is that Concealex is a bit thicker and has a bit more "grab" on the knife.

The knife carries very well in the sheath. Initially, you'll be concious of the weight but after a while of wearing it, you'll get used to it. To withdraw the knife, grab the blade hole firmly and use a swift jerking motion. As soon as the handle clears the sheath, it will swing on open, seemingly almost automatically. The Military's ultra smooth action also contributes to the ease of withdraw.

I would like to thank Mike Sastre for his excellent work on the sheath and for answering my numerous questions. For those interested, the Military sheath will set you back $29.95 (includes shipping) and only fits the newer three screw clip Military models. Mike also makes neck sheaths for other Spyderco folders like the Endura, Delica, Rescue, Harpy, Police, and others. Some Benchmades too. For more info, drop Mike an email at videosas@aol.com

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Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator

"The keystroke is mightier than the sword"



[This message has been edited by Dexter Ewing (edited 16 April 1999).]
 
I also recently got one of these from Mike (mine's for a Delica) and I agree with Dexter. These are a great idea and I'm planning on getting another, just have to decide which one. I've been using mine in a variety of situations and can report no problems at all. If you don't want to use it as a neck knife, you can zip tie it to... whatever.
 
At the risk of repeating myself from another thread...Mike's sheath works equally-well with the Harpy!

Great design and execution! I wear mine daily at work (under my shirt).
Brian
 
That's really awesome Dexter, thanks for posting a pic!
smile.gif

I just emailed Mike and I'm going to try and get one for my Military.
 
Maganda (beautiful)!

Dex -- the way your sheath is configured, will a lefty draw it efficiently, or do I need to order a mirror image of it?
 
Hi Titan - Are you thinking of getting one for yours? Yes, the sheath as it is is set up for lefties as well. If you were to see me wearing the sheath, it would hang as it does in the photo above. For lefty use, simply turn the sheath around so that the clip is not showing.

Mike, if you are reading this, am I correct about this?

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Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator

"The keystroke is mightier than the sword"

 
Thanks for the pics Dexter. I don' t know your dress code or your intended use(s) when carrying the Military in the neck sheath but have you tried doing quick access draws from under your clothing? Any blade tip snagging clothing or (gasp!) skin? Have you tried it with thick gloves on?
My reason for asking is this: From an earlier post discussing Mikes sheaths, I asked if one (neck) could be made for a Delica in the open position. It was commented that the opening method via thumb hole was quick enough or as quick as if it was held in the open position. Well, that is simply not true as dress code and environment
dictates. I spend hours daily year round on my bicycle (leg powered) and there are personal safety issues when riding/ training/ commuting. If I need that Delica in the proverbial split second, I' ll bet I can have it secured and drawn faster when in the open position than in the folded, especially with thick gloves on in the winter time in 10 degree weather! Now, when arriving to open up shop, I can simply remove the Delica from the sheath and clip it on to my pants or apron. Reverse when closing up. That' s why I inquired about your dress code and intended use(s). Please let us know of your results as I plan to call Mike for an order. He did say he would make a neck sheath for the Delica in the open position. Thanks for listening.

L8r,
Nakano

PS- what do you other bikers (leg or gassed) think?





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"To earn a million is easy, a real friend is not."
 
Hi Nakano - the main reson why I was attracted to the Military neck sheath is because I'm an avid mountain biker, and when I hit the trails I usually have one of my Military models with me. Problem is the shorts I wear have shallow pockets and I sometimes worry that the knife may work itself loose and fall out (then you'll see a grown man cry
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). I figured that with this neck sheath I can still bring the Military along for the ride without worrying about loss. One of the things I have yet to find out is how much does the dangling C36 flops around under my shirt as I transverse rough singletrack. Will find out pretty soon though.

In terms of undershirt withdraw, I tried this once yesterday but it just did not feel right. The shirt kind of impeded a smooth withdraw, fortunately the blade did not snag the material. I guess with more practice this will be possible. As to withdraw with gloves on - haven't tried this either. It must be pretty easy, as opening the Military with gloves on is as well.

If you decide to get one of Mike's sheaths, let us know how it works out for you. Hope this info helps.

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Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator

"The keystroke is mightier than the sword"

 
I use mine with my Delica when I'm road riding, so far it's not ever been needed in a fast draw situation. I carried an Outdoor Edge Wedge before the River City sheath arrived. Most of my riding jerseies have a long front zipper, so witha quick pull I can get to the knife and draw and flick it open.
I do agree with you tho Nakano, that a sheath allowing locked open carry would be much quicker. Usually when I road ride I'm not too worried about security, except for the multi-ton steel dreadnaughts I share the road with !
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When I'm mtn biking, I have a Rekat Fang zip tied to my Camelback shoulderstrap, sometimes my Moran. I'm more cautious when I'm out where there are less witnesses to anyone's potential attack on me, so I use more open carry modes.
My .02
 
Dex, it looks like you have a black clip on your Mil or is it just the picture?
 
Hi Deon - The way I scanned the knife, the clip turned out black but it's just the regular silver one. I hear that black clips maybe available in a few weeks...be sure to bug Danelle about them but don't tell her I said to
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Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator

"The keystroke is mightier than the sword"

 
Hi Dexter - Didn't expect you to post a picture of my sheaths - Many Thanks! You too, Brian and Brian. Glad to be of service. Yes, all you have to do is flip the sheath over for lefty use. Draw from beneath clothes takes a little practice be can be fast. Under a dress shirt, undo strategic button(nearest Spyder Hole) and you'll be able to access knife in a hurry. For absolute speed under T-shirt, lift bottom with off hand. With a polo shirt, you can lift sheath out from neck opening before drawing. With gloves on, I think Nakano's option of having the blade open already is the best way to go, with the exception of the Military which has a larger Spyder Hole and should work pretty well with gloves. I made a sheath for a police officer in England that had the blade deployed, so that is not a problem. Hope this helps and thanks again.

Mike
 
Just got my sheath the other day. It is spiffy! The perfect thing I need when I'm out mountain biking. And whaddya know, the Calypso fits very well in the Military sheath too. Yes!!
Calypso.jpg
 
I got mine last week and have been wearing it for about 5 days now; at first it seemed a bit heavy around the neck, but now I'm used to it. I can do the pull/snap/open pretty well now and it deploys quickly !
I'm surprised at how well it disappears under a shirt too.
I'm also going to try one of Mike's Moran sheaths, even tho I've got one from Edge Works, this'll be for my second one.
Chris, I'm gonna go try my Calypso in my sheath right now !
 
Chris and Brian,

While the Calypso may fit in the Military sheath, you won't get the full benefit of the system like you would if the sheath was made for the Calypso. Sheaths are knife specific to get 100% function. Looks like I'm going to have to get a Calypso. Thanks, guys.

Mike
 
Man, I am so jealous. I wanto to get one but can't right now. Have to wait for some surplus income.
Soon, verrrrrrrry soon.
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God bless!

Romans 10:9-10

"Military" Fans Unite!!
 
Just a little bit of a follow up to the posts above re: Calypso in the Military sheath. Mine does fit, however, I could shake it out pretty easily, easily enough that I won't risk losing the Calypso by carrying it this way. Besides, the micarta would probably get all scratched up by the concealex anyway.
But Mike, you should buy a Calypso anyway as it's a great knife with VG10 steel (and it's gonna be discontinued too
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)
 
Brian - Mine seems like it will stay in the sheath for normal everyday activities. I wore it today without any problems. I'd imagine something like riding a bike or running would make it pop out.

Michael - Thank you for the excellent sheath! And yes, you gotta get a big Calypso!
 
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