Nicer pocket clips

Shing

Shing

Joined
Feb 2, 2003
Messages
2,261
I think a lot of upscale folders I mean knives selling for $400+ price range have some really disappointing clips. Some look like commercially produced ones selling for $3-$5, some are handmade but are usually a bent piece of flat metal with or without holes for interest.

I think on a really nice handmade knife, a bent flat clip clashes a bit although perfectly functional. I think I would prefer a clip that matched the overall design of the knife probably machined from a solid piece of metal, Jens Anso does some good ones and I think they integrate with the overall design of his knives well.
 
Pocket clips are a lot of work and money because there is waste even with better equipment. Thats why many of them buy premade clips and shape or modfify them a bit for their own purposes I think. Its also why I'm one of very few that make any at all after market. It might not seem like much and perhaps when you are talking about just one pocket clip it isn't but when you are talking about making them all the time in various shape, sizes, and colors or different finishes it can add up to more expense than anyone knows until they are already into it.

STR
 
I have mixed feelings about this. If I'm going to carry a knife, I tend to like a relatively plain / smallish clip so as to not advertise what's in my pocket, plus the clip gets abused. I do like a clip to be finished in a way that hides scratches and scuffs - texturing can do this. For artistic purposes, a well integrated clip design is very nice (Onion comes to mind) but at that end of the spectrum, I often think a clip detracts from the knife altogether and prefer none - particularly when there is premium handle material or carving present.
 
...because it was a conversation I had with a maker in NYC about the same concern.

My own preference is that a knife with a price point of $500 or more is deserving of a clip that has been designed uniquely for this knife.

The Spyderco clips cost about $1.50 each and work well. Problem is, they show no creativity or originality at all on a handmade knife. That said I own some great work by makers of reknown with these clips: JW Smith, Kit Carson, Mike Obenauf. But.... if I had my druthers, I would want a custom clip.

I have an order with Pat Crawford for a Kasper. :thumbup: My conversation with him was specific: I will PAY you whatever extra to build me a special clip. I told Pat (insert any maker you wish in this slot) that I don't care if he makes 100 clips of the same design and puts them on his folders. I wanted a Pat Crawford-designed clip, not a pre-stamped one.

I have often felt that the lowly clip is an area which a maker can stand out by making this a design element of the knife, as well as it's intended utility function. Many makers DO put time into the aspect.

(Many of you will counter that you don't even want a clip. This is irrelevant to the point.)

Coop
 
I have to agree with Coop, if a custom knife is going to have a clip it should be a nice custom design unique to the maker. Personally I like Scott Sawbys ambidextrous clip.
 
Matt Cuccihara and Deryk Munroe do some subtle but unique things with their clips. I also like Kevin Wilkins' clip.
 
SharpByCoop said:
...because it was a conversation I had with a maker in NYC about the same concern.

My own preference is that a knife with a price point of $500 or more is deserving of a clip that has been designed uniquely for this knife.

The Spyderco clips cost about $1.50 each and work well. Problem is, they show no creativity or originality at all on a handmade knife. That said I own some great work by makers of reknown with these clips: JW Smith, Kit Carson, Mike Obenauf. But.... if I had my druthers, I would want a custom clip.

I have an order with Pat Crawford for a Kasper. :thumbup: My conversation with him was specific: I will PAY you whatever extra to build me a special clip. I told Pat (insert any maker you wish in this slot) that I don't care if he makes 100 clips of the same design and puts them on his folders. I wanted a Pat Crawford-designed clip, not a pre-stamped one.

I have often felt that the lowly clip is an area which a maker can stand out by making this a design element of the knife, as well as it's intended utility function. Many makers DO put time into the aspect.

(Many of you will counter that you don't even want a clip. This is irrelevant to the point.)

Coop
Click to expand...

I once asked Pat Crawford (1) if he would make me a slightly customized clip and (2) what the cost would be. He told me his standard clip was the only one available. I sold the knife because the standard clip didn't suit my needs. I now try to buy from makers who are more willing to work with their customers.
 
......If it is a custom design for me, in collaboration with the maker, I prefer no clip.

The Spyderco clip, and those of similar type, specifically Halpern Titanium blanks WORK, and are easily replaceable, if they take a permanent set, due to a bad catch on something. Paying a maker $50.00-$100.00 for a machined clip on a using knife doesn't make sense to me.

If it is a using knife, as far as the clip goes, I care that it works, first and foremost. I have seen "as good" but never better, than the Spyderco design. When a maker can design a better clip for a knife than the design that we are talking about, it will perk up my interest.

I have one of the MUDD knives from G&G Hawk, and it has the coolest, most unique clip(it has a unidirectional ratcheting urethane wheel on it!), but it does NOT work better than a Spyderco clip.

Best REgards,

STeven Garsson
 
I personally perfer making my knives without clips.

That being said I realize that some knives need a pocket clip and I make several knives with them. I make my own clips but never really put much thought into them other than functionality.

I received an order from a customer, made the knife and did a standard functional clip. Upon receipt of the knife the customer called and liked everything but the pocket clip. He was very tactful and consise in his explanation of why he didn't like it. He requested that I make something that flowed with the knife. I told him to send me the knife and I would make him a differant clip. When I got the knife back I was forced to put some real thought into the pocket clip. I made the new clip and returned the knife to a very pleased customer.

Last month that customer called me and ordered another knife. I won't have to do a clip for this one because it is a dress knife. I know if I hadn't have made things right for him I wouldn't have his repeat business. While he was ordering I thanked him for forcing me to improve my design skills.
 
I'm a real fan of the William Henry clipcase. Ever since getting my B12 auto I've been planning to buy WH cases for all of my clipless knives. Of course, getting the knife out of the case easily requires a lanyard, and if you don't like lanyards...
 
Here's a titanium clip STR made for my WH Titan made to my design. I think it flows with the knife. Know what ? I had it for sale and somebody said clip looked out of place. What do you think?? Sorry, can't load it!!
 
I think some makers consider the clip a bit of a necesary evil but given the amount of attention the rest of the knife gets, it seem a shame that it is neglected because its often the only thing that most people will see of your knife when its clipped on.
 
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