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.
Not pocket jewelry, this knife is so ugly last night was the first time I've ever taken a picture of it. The third iteration of this fob which has been on for over two years is the goldilocks lenght. So I can get it out of my jeans wearing leather gloves and cut bailing twine off bales and open feed sacks. And find it in the snow or on the tailgate.

The empty case on the bottom keeps it dangling down when I'm wearing a heavy jacket so its where it needs to be when I grab it.
PXL_20230907_024555602.MP.jpg


Cheers, and some very nice pocket jewelry shown, :thumbsup:
 
To fob or not to fob…that is the question.

For me, it depends on the knife. I like fobs on my smaller fixed blades for an extension of the handle. Some of my smaller folders get one too. Some get fobs for looks and others don’t get fobs at all.

I tie my fobs tight so they don’t flop around. I dislike when they flop around. I don’t leave unnecessary loops or open parts in my fobs.

Stiff and unfloppy is the way to be.
 
Lanyards and fobs? With those cute knots and beads? Yeah, okay those are okay. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
 
luethge said:
View attachment 2312218

Do these count as pocket jewelry ? They make a substantial difference when pulling the knife from a pocket if needed fast.
Click to expand...
Same here. Short, minimal jewelry ( just for the weight, where I need it, usually close to the pommel ) fob is on all my waved knives. Makes tremendous difference when deploring it fast if needed.
Otherwise, helps pulling the knife out of your pocket when seating or other similar positions. I usually use reflective paracord for it, so it's easier to find the knife if I drop it in some insulation or grass.

( Rick, please email me, I can't clean up my Message Box here...)
 
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A similar controversy would be clips on folders. Previously clips were just an afterthought added because people required it, but some mfg/makers embraced it and came up with better mouse traps that don't impede the grip as much. Some knives work better with a clip on it so you can anchor your fingers in order to open the knife, but some are just badly designed.

Speaking of design, most lanyards/fobs are made fairly simple, some just have the cordage in a regular old knot or some have it like CRK does with the full length being braided. Myself I like the lanyard under control so I came up with using a whipping knot near the lanyard hole on the knife. This helps to keep the lanyard from flopping around and possibly getting in the path of the blade as you go to close it. Also a sizeable knot such as the wide diamond knot provides a place to hook your pinky around so you can draw the knife better.

Here's an example without the whipping knot and you can see how it could get into a bad place to be;

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

with the whipping knot tied on, it keeps the lanyard under control better and helps prevent it from getting into the path of the blade

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

Untitled by GaryWGraley, on Flickr

It could be that some people just haven't tried making a lanyard/fob similar to what I make and that can sway your viewpoint on using them.

Here's a tutorial I made a while back to help folks to learn out to tie their own lanyards seen in this
Thread post here

It doesn't show the Wide diamond knot, but you need to master the regular diamond knot before you attempt doing that one!

G2
 
I have no use for a lanyard, but a fob is actually quite useful IMO. On a smaller knife it can act as an extension of the grip. On a smaller knife with no pocket-clip it can also help you find the knife in a pocket full of stuff and help to orient it correctly. On a knife with stiff spring, and/or no one hand method for opening, it can be used to help open the blade one handed (fob in the teeth, pull the blade open with usable hand). On a typical pocket clipped blade it can still be useful to help get a hold of the knife and get it out of the pocket efficiently. This is especially true if the knife has a deep carry clip or if the person has a tool belt of some kind that obstructs the pockets in some way. As far as gussying the fob up with ornaments or beads, well that is purely for aesthetics sake and could be considered mere jewelry, but who cares, as long as the owner like it.
 
Fobs only on the smallest knives for me. I attach fobs to my Man/Ladybugs & Jesters. I have pretty large hands and my pinky appreciates the extra real estate, if only from a simple knot on a small length of paracord. I've never cared for fobs on knives that offer a full grip. Whether or not they constitute jewelry.. idk, i guess it depends on the fob? Simple ones like below, or fobs people use to facilitate some purpose like retreival, i'd say no. 17 beads terminating in an inch thick 14ct gold buffalo skull because "it's art".. jewelry (also.. 🤢). Guess I'd have to vote "meh." haha, to each their own..

Newt for size comparison.
mnbg.jpg
 
A maker I have a lot of knives from always put fobs on his fixed blades, usually a leather strip with a horn bead. Looked nice but every one of them came off right after took the knife out of the box.
 
Never been a fobber on folders but i have them on fixed blade sheaths..
 
IMG_20220322_181457595.jpg

With the exception of CRK, I personally find pocket clips abhorrent.
I've carried several different knives over the years on a fob just like the one pictured. Just a short length of paracord, the ends tied together with a zeppelin bend, and girth hitched to a small carabineer. When clipped to a belt loop it keeps the
knife upright, prevents loss through a clip snagging, and allows me to keep it accessable when sitting or in a climbing saddle.
 
Fobs have their application.

I like it on my ‘Zaan, as it frequently sees cargo pocket carry, and it makes access easier.
I usually keep them on my small CRKs, as they tend to add a bit of extra purchase in the hand, especially the small Inkosi.

I don’t have them on any other knives.

With regards to lanyards….I lost two Salts this summer while fishing. I’m going to consider it for the Kayak.

 
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