Recommendation? Portable storage

[BP_]

I’d like the option to carry some knives when I’m out, both folding and fixed. Looking for a way to do so that’s portable and sturdy/durable.

Realistically I’d say a handful of fixed blades of various sizes (nothing huge/no big bowies), as well as anywhere from 6-10 folding knives (mostly trad, but have a few modern as well).

I’m open to leather, plastic, kydex, wood, etc any material that’s sturdy and will last but also is easy to carry and store. I’m going to say a handle (or some sort of dedicated carry system) is mandatory. I don’t know if boxes with foam inserts would be a good idea or not, because I’ll have fixed blades/sheaths in the mix as well. But that’s why I’m here. Please educate me. Any and all suggestions welcome.

 

[celticrogues]

 

[K.O.D.]

He stole the outfit I wear to the airport.

 

[shane45-1911]

Google "pelican case". Lots of options.

 

[Greggy]

Harbor Freight Apache cases. Great value, sturdy, and just nice.

 

[nighthawk86]

Not sure what you're asking. Do you want to EDC these knives, or do you just want to be able to transport them from point A to point B?

As was suggested above, Pelican cases are a good option. You could get some other sturdy plastic containers like Lock & Lock.

You could put them in a small duffel bag, a Possibles Pouch, or something like a Maxpedition dump pouch, that's if you're not concerned with the knives being in contact with each other. Though you could leave them in their boxes or put them in ziploc type bags. Or you could just get a knife roll that your knives will fit into.

 

[BP_]

I’m looking for storage/transport. What I’m doing, where I am, and what I’m cutting, will dictate the tool I need. I (like the rest of us) enjoy having “options” when I’m out working and/or playing. I have enough knives that I’m beginning to whittle it down to the ones I’ll carry/use/“need” at any given time (again, with the options) and it would be nice to have those options accessible and on hand, rather than at home tucked in their original boxes.

The pelican case (or apache case) is a great idea! I just don’t have any experience with them and wonder how the foam works when it comes to changing configurations if necessary. I’ve also looked into knife rolls, but with fixed blades with sheaths I’m not sure I’ve seen one that will work for me. Tackle boxes are another option, but again I have no experience with size/accessibility/durability.

That’s kinda why I was asking for suggestions, I’m sure there are plenty of us here with all kinds of different solutions and experiences with different ideas.

 

[Deino]

If you don't care about the look, plastic bit part organizer. Crude and simple. I don't see knives as jewelry to have foam and whatever. If any of the knife break in such storage, I'm not sure that they will withstand anything else.

These cheap boxes I bought from Home Depot Husky brand. More professional brands have stackable boxes, which is easy to transport.
Hard case like Pelican and, in Canada, Nanuk are great quality for water resistance cases, I have them for more important stuff. The foam configuration can be decided by you, as you can cut slots in the foam yourself.

Edit: Professional brand boxes are very durable and come in various size. Mines are slim ones, and I can store a mora. The 'standard' size can easily hold fixed blades and their sheaths.

 

[celticrogues]

The pelican case (or apache case) is a great idea! I just don’t have any experience with them and wonder how the foam works when it comes to changing configurations if necessary.

The foam is pretty much just one configuration only. Once you pluck it out to make it fit the items you're putting in, there's no going back, so you wouldn't be able to easily change configurations.

I have a leather knife roll made by Hide and Drink from the big river site that I quite like. Its actually called a "big tool roll up bag" but it is large enough for me to get some fixed blades in their sheaths into as well as folders. I use it when I travel. It doesn't have straps or a handle, so would need to go into another bag for carrying.

Tackle boxes seem like a cool idea too - you could get several of the clear plastic utility cases that have removable dividers, and configure them to hold whatever size knives you want. Places like Bass Pro or Dicks have backpacks and duffel bags that are sized to hold these plastic cases for transport.
Edit - just like D Deino posted before me!

-Mike

 

[killgar]

I'll offer a vote of confidence for the Harbor Freight Apache cases. They are very high quality at a reasonable price. I use one to transport my laptop strapped to the cargo rack of one of my motorcycles.

Apache is basically an economic version of the Pelican/Storm cases, at a significantly lower price, but of almost equal quality (in my opinion).

If I were transporting really expensive electronic gear through rain forest monsoons or the dust storms of the Sahara desert I'd want Pelican/Storm cases, but for everyday living/storage/transportation I wouldn't hesitate to go with Apache. I like the Apache cases so much I wish I had more need for them so I had a reason to buy more.

They come with a full set of foam, including pick-and-pluck foam (pre-cut into elongated cubes) so you can create custom compartments simply by pulling out the cubes with your fingers. And you can purchase extra foam sets in case you mess one up or you want to change the interior of the case.

But for home storage, and any occasional transport that might be necessary, I've been considering one of these Husky brand 3 drawer tool boxes. I like the idea of the drawers and the easy access they provide.

 

[Danke42]

Just get a knife roll or a tool roll.

 

[BP_]

I think I might try the apache case, one of the biggest drawbacks was that I couldn’t change configuration- its one and done with the foam. I suppose with extra inserts I could change it until I found my best setup.

I’ve also been curious about the leather knife/tool rolls for a while now. If I could find one big enough it might be something to try later down the line, I just had not seen one that was large enough for fixed blades/sheaths.

I appreciate the suggestions, and I don’t know that I’ll ever truly be “done” looking for the right solution (again with the “options”) so it’s always nice to see new ideas.

The coat still holds the number one spot though!

 

[celticrogues]

FYI the foam that comes in the Apache cases is considerably lower quality than what comes from Pelican or Nanuk. I just got an Apache 4800 yesterday that I configured to hold a microphone and accessories and the foam tears really easily - not just along the perforations where it is supposed to tear, but just rips in random places as well while you are configuring. The cases themselves are nice, but the foam is not great.