Pocket mods for traditional knives

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Wright_xx

Joined
Jan 28, 2023
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34
Anyone here mod their clothing rather than add accessories to more easily carry their blade of choice?

Problem 1: All but the tiniest trad knives (no clip, think Buck 112, Case Stockman) settle and sit sideways in my pocket and bridge across my thigh or ass cheek depending on front or back pocket. This blows for sitting and walking, two activities I do a lot. I also don't like hanging stuff off my belt as it makes me look like a redneck in my bougie neighborhood. But I still am a redneck at heart, so what to do?

Problem 2: Knives take up pocket real estate and interfere with other pocket objects like phones/wallets, keys, cards get stuck in them etc.
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Front pocket solution #1: This one attacks both problems but is the most complicated. Take apart pocket stitches and sew a 2nd pocket at the bottom, inside to the rear, to hold knives vertically in line with thigh. This is so much more comfortable than having your 4 inch stockman bridging your thigh, let alone a K55. You have to know what you are doing a little with a sewing machine, though I am FAR from a pro. This solution separates your knife from your other pocket items and is great for stuff you don't want scratched up like maybe the museum quality GEC you bought on here. Jam in more stuff as a result.

Front pocket solution #2: Simply use a safety pin or sew a 3/4 inch line/bump in the middle of the bottom of the pocket. The knife bottom hits that and rests diagonally to the rear in a more vertical/comfortable position in line with the leg. It can't go full horizonal anymore. You can do it in 60 seconds and it makes trads feel so much better.

Back pocket solution: I LOVE this. Simply sew a vertical line of stitching about 2/3 of the way up the back pocket on the dominant side, separating the pocket and making an integrated slip for your knife. Even with a 112, if I'm sitting straight in a chair or couch, it doesn't bother me as the bulk is off to the side rather than right under my ass cheek. A 112 particularly fits amazing in that orientation.
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All in all learning some basic sewing (like 30 minutes on youtube and a sewing machine) really empowers you to literally tailor your wardrobe to your EDC, keep your literal and figurative profile low by avoiding bulky aggressive looking belt accessories and maybe even expand what you're willing to carry in the same pocket by separating things in an ergonomic way.
 
Last edited:
Wright_xx said:
Anyone here mod their clothing rather than add accessories to more easily carry their blade of choice?

Problem 1: All but the tiniest trad knives (no clip, think Buck 112, Case Stockman) settle and sit sideways in my pocket and bridge across my thigh or ass cheek depending on front or back pocket. This blows for sitting and walking, two activities I do a lot. I also don't like hanging stuff off my belt as it makes me look like a redneck in my bougie neighborhood. But I still am a redneck at heart, so what to do?

Problem 2: Knives take up pocket real estate and interfere with other pocket objects like phones/wallets, keys, cards get stuck in them etc.
---------------
Front pocket solution #1: This one attacks both problems but is the most complicated. Take apart pocket stitches and sew a 2nd pocket at the bottom, inside to the rear, to hold knives vertically in line with thigh. This is so much more comfortable than having your 4 inch stockman bridging your thigh, let alone a K55. You have to know what you are doing a little with a sewing machine, though I am FAR from a pro. This solution separates your knife from your other pocket items and is great for stuff you don't want scratched up like maybe the museum quality GEC you bought on here. Jam in more stuff as a result.

Front pocket solution #2: Simply use a safety pin or sew a 3/4 inch line/bump in the middle of the bottom of the pocket. The knife bottom hits that and rests diagonally to the rear in a more vertical/comfortable position in line with the leg. It can't go full horizonal anymore. You can do it in 60 seconds and it makes trads feel so much better.

Back pocket solution: I LOVE this. Simply sew a vertical line of stitching about 2/3 of the way up the back pocket on the dominant side, separating the pocket and making an integrated slip for your knife. Even with a 112, if I'm sitting straight in a chair or couch, it doesn't bother me as the bulk is off to the side rather than right under my ass cheek. A 112 particularly fits amazing in that orientation.
---------------
All in all learning some basic sewing (like 30 minutes on youtube and a sewing machine) really empowers you to literally tailor your wardrobe to your EDC, keep your literal and figurative profile low by avoiding bulky aggressive looking belt accessories and maybe even expand what you're willing to carry in the same pocket by separating things in an ergonomic way.
Click to expand...
My opinions exactly! I have had my lady sew solution #1 into my pocket.
My other solutions have been watch pocket carry and back pocket carry. I don't mind a knife sideways in my back pocket so much as front, but that's generally a "work" solution (although I'm fine with it not working).

My most common solution, though, has been watch pocket carry. And that has actually guided my pants purchases and what knife I carry for a while.

I'm trying to find the perfect clipped knife slip. I like those, but haven't found one to really speak to me yet.
I used a homemade clipped slip for upright back pocket carry of a big knife for working for years. Carried a Svord Mini Peasant that way, a very handy working folder.

Here is a nicely adapted (by an ex) side pocket mod that I used to carry an Opinel #8 at work until the pants wore out.

Pa3deFR.jpg
 
My Carhartt work pants have a nice slim pocket on each leg about thigh height which is perfect for an edc folder. I wish the pants (jeans) I wear outside of work had them.

So although I haven’t made any mods to my “pedestrian” clothing , I bought some Cathartt pants just for casual (non-work) wear and my Large Inkosi seems to love it.
 
SomebodySomewhere said:
Seriously, you could have your back pocket setup made in like 10 minutes. Leave the bottom open or sew it shut. Same effect but you can swap it out to whatever you’re wearing that day.View attachment 2086852
Click to expand...
Good one. I hadn't thought of that. Adds just a little bulk, but very flexible since you could theoretically make one for as many knife sizes as desired. Great if you want a firm friction fit with different knife sizes and so would rather leave pockets unsewn. As for them wiggling out, I find the top seam of the back pocket is good at holding in knives, especially something fat like a Buck. Tempted to try a 110, but that may peek above and maybe slide up/out.
 
davek14 said:
My opinions exactly! I have had my lady sew solution #1 into my pocket.
My other solutions have been watch pocket carry and back pocket carry. I don't mind a knife sideways in my back pocket so much as front, but that's generally a "work" solution (although I'm fine with it not working).

My most common solution, though, has been watch pocket carry. And that has actually guided my pants purchases and what knife I carry for a while.

I'm trying to find the perfect clipped knife slip. I like those, but haven't found one to really speak to me yet.
I used a homemade clipped slip for upright back pocket carry of a big knife for working for years. Carried a Svord Mini Peasant that way, a very handy working folder.

Here is a nicely adapted (by an ex) side pocket mod that I used to carry an Opinel #8 at work until the pants wore out.

Pa3deFR.jpg
Click to expand...
YES! To quote Arrested Development, "There are dozens of us!" lol. Opinel is a prime candidate. Such a great tool on all levels, but chunky in the pocket. I am a big fan of Dickies as well. Your mod probably did a good job of keeping the knife from slipping out of those style pockets too. I usually don't have too much trouble there, but they definitely don't retain contents like jeans.
 
I really don't like bulky stuff in my front pockets......
I got a "large" horizontal leather side pouch, or whatever they call it? From KSF.
I carry a decent sized Benchmade in it, and a small copper flashlight.
I took off my clip off my knife as I didn't need it.

I've been carrying this way for a good three years now, maybe more
 
I do something similar to Somebody Somewhere. I like bigger folders for working but detest a knife that lays sideways in my pocket. For the last 30 years my wife sews what she calls a knife pocket into my pants. I only get 3 pair of pants a year, so it is not time consuming. The left pocket works better for me. She turns the pants inside out and at the vertical seam of the rear of the pocket she just sews an additional vertical seam @3/4" from the factory seam. Now I can always know where my knife is, its orientation and is easily accessed by using middle finger of left hand on the outside of the pocket to draw the knife out. It is even easily assessable while seated. With the seam of the pants and the seam of the pocket and the seam of the knife pocket all inline, the knife is virtually invisible. An added bonus is it often is mistaken for just a seam in the pants when felt. Taking a self-defense class, I was frisked by an officer as a class demonstration. He completely missed my medium stockman I was carrying.
 
Great ideas here ...assuming you have a sewing machine and some skills . :cool::thumbsup:

I got my wife a real nice expensive machine, many years ago; and she has the skills . She could make whole outfits . :)

But she later decided she wasn't gonna sew"no more / no how" ,and so gave the machine away . 😭

I can stitch by hand, but it looks like Dr. Frankenstein's work . :oops:
 
Interesting how threads expand beyond original scope. My wife is a good seamstress but after having 3 children and my work clothes repair, she has to be threatened to sew anything. I learned to do crude repairs, so she didn't have to. There are machines for basics repair and beginners. Every home should have one of these brutal simple machines. Most cost less than $150. There is even a handheld battery-operated model for quick repairs and costs a whopping $25.
 
30-30remchester said:
I do something similar to Somebody Somewhere. I like bigger folders for working but detest a knife that lays sideways in my pocket. For the last 30 years my wife sews what she calls a knife pocket into my pants. I only get 3 pair of pants a year, so it is not time consuming. The left pocket works better for me. She turns the pants inside out and at the vertical seam of the rear of the pocket she just sews an additional vertical seam @3/4" from the factory seam. Now I can always know where my knife is, its orientation and is easily accessed by using middle finger of left hand on the outside of the pocket to draw the knife out. It is even easily assessable while seated. With the seam of the pants and the seam of the pocket and the seam of the knife pocket all inline, the knife is virtually invisible. An added bonus is it often is mistaken for just a seam in the pants when felt. Taking a self-defense class, I was frisked by an officer as a class demonstration. He completely missed my medium stockman I was carrying.
Click to expand...
Good tip on drawing using finger pressure. I tried that on my back pocket with the Ranger and with some practice I think it'll be easier than reaching down inside with two fingers. Also, not a mod, but I also started carrying a Case Small Pen in my watch pocket. The real estate is already there, might as well put it to work. I think a small SAK would work great there too. Anything over 2.75" seems to jam against my hip when i sit though.
 
The only mod I have done to my pants is reinforcing the bottom by ironing on a patch to the bottom. I use the patches that are for jeans, turn the pocket inside out, and iron on the patch. I started doing this because I pocket carried my EDC in a pocket holster and wanted to strengthen the pocket.
 
An unintended benefit of the "knife pocket" is control. Simply put your open hand alongside the pocket, use your thumb to open the top of the pocket as you use the middle finger on the outside of the pocket to lift the knife and it is deposited directly into the palm of the hand and unseen to the casual observer. Orienting the knife, the same way each time, allows the instant, rehearsed by repeated use, same position each time it is drawn. My hands are always nasty, usually with grease and oil and this allows the removal without getting the inside of the pocket and its contents dirty as well. All these additional benefits were not planned on my part, I just wanted the knife to stop riding sideways in my pocket.
 
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