Reality Check: Add fob to folder → you just made it into pocket jewelry

Does having a fob on a single-bladed folder relegate it to pocket jewelry status?

  • Yes

  • No

  • Meh

Results are only viewable after voting.
These are the 'fobs' i use to pull out the SAKs from their full length leather slips I made. A short piece of microcord with a knot.
image.png

And this is the paracord loop I put on my choppers, I hook it to my thumb.
IMG-2636.jpg

And that's it. I also removed the fob from the Sebenza. :)

Now, for winter camping I would still attach a long, three or four ft piece of bright red paracord to my knife, folder or not, so when it disappears in deep snow, I can easily retrieve it. But that's not a fob, nor a lanyard.
 
I am in the Yes category as far as fobs/lanyards go, for fixed blades it does aid in drawing the knife from the sheath if the handle is into the sheath a ways. Also with small folders, the knot becomes an extension of the the knife handle, providing additional support during use as well.

BUT, it isn't for everyone, so there's that and yah, people like and people dislike, it's just how it goes.

This one gives the handle some extra length to both get and use the knife

DragonFly2_closed by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

and of course, it can add to the overall looks of a knife as well

iMamba by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

IMG_8110 by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

so, if you don't like them, it's pretty simple, just don't use them
G2
 
I’m not a fan of fobs/lanyards or whatever ya call em.

However, when I got my CRK I decided to leave it on just to try it out and keep it as it came and figured I’d take it off later if it bothered me.

While I’m still not a fan I don’t really feel the need to take it off and noticed it certainly makes it easier to grab the knife out of the pocket but also not a necessity as well. I could see it being beneficial in a stressful situation to get the knife out of the pocket easily and more efficiently.

So is it knife jewelry, yes, but it also has a purpose/function imo.
 
I don't do fobs, but if theres a lanyard hole, then I will haven attached. My small SAK's like the classic, don't get carried loose, so I don't need a gob on them. They ride in a leather pouch sheath attached to my keyring, so they can just be pulled right out and used. After, just slide back into sheath.

My larger SAK's like my Wenger SI, and Cadet, get a lanyard attached to them. Sometimes I spend a lotto time on small boats, and cutting bait or fishing line, I don't want the knife to go overboard. Some of my folders like Opinels don't have either, and thats okay by me.

A loosely wadded up bandana shoved down in the pocket will prevent a small pocket knife from sliding out. We used to do that when I was a kid.
 
jackknife said:
I don't do fobs, but if theres a lanyard hole, then I will haven attached. My small SAK's like the classic, don't get carried loose, so I don't need a gob on them. They ride in a leather pouch sheath attached to my keyring, so they can just be pulled right out and used. After, just slide back into sheath.

My larger SAK's like my Wenger SI, and Cadet, get a lanyard attached to them. Sometimes I spend a lotto time on small boats, and cutting bait or fishing line, I don't want the knife to go overboard. Some of my folders like Opinels don't have either, and thats okay by me.

A loosely wadded up bandana shoved down in the pocket will prevent a small pocket knife from sliding out. We used to do that when I was a kid.
Click to expand...
Ah, you're the one I was thinking of who recommended the hanky! Glad to see you're still around!
 
Some knives I use a small fob, others I don't, depends. For waist band carry, it helps to take it out.

YRHlRd7.jpg

In ^ this case it helps to get it out of pocket also and makes it smoother around the deep carry clip at the back for your palm. You don't feel the clip as much because the fob is there. Can also place the fob under pinkie and ring finger for harder use without gloves and not have a hotspot there.
When knife has smooth scales it also helps me with retention in hand, so for handling. I am kinda loose with handling the knife and it works for me, otherwise I would drop them. Couple occasions I can think back that prevented it.
When I carried delica no clip in pocket, it helps make the knife feel bigger and now when I carry even like an endura without clip, I like having it. Like to pinch the hole and snag on the fob with other hand for the knife to open.
My fobs are simple looking, but I understand putting a nicer one on a high end knife that you maybe customized and this is an extra point of customization for those who are into fobs. I voted meh.
 
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Lanyards, I don’t usually like- there’s been instances where the ability to throw the blade away from my body is beneficial.

Fobs, however, are really useful if you work outside in the mud, water or anything where pocket access can get difficult. Have you ever tried to shove your hand in a pocket when you’re soaking wet? Denim tends to get a little “sticky” when wet and it can actually be hard to reach in- of course- I buy cheap jeans for work so maybe the pockets are too tight.
 
Lanyards and fobs can be either pure function , strictly decorative , or anything in-between .

The Alan Folts type can essentially act as an extension of a too short handle .

They can help retain a knife and prevent loss in carry or during use .

Aid in locating and drawing a knife .

Can add some hi-vis color to help prevent loss and help in finding .

Surely can be purty , also ! :p
 
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