Saving your knife?

Whiskey River

Whiskey River

Joined
Sep 13, 2007
Messages
1,598
After reading the post about the guys knife falling out or the broken rivet, I was thinking and thought i'd ask this:

Does anyone have an EXTRA safety for their sheath knife, besides the strap (if your sheath has a strap)? I remember a Randall Airman I gave to my son had a 4 hole system that would allow you to tie the knife into the sheath as well as use the strap!

I understand that would not be a plus if you depended on your knife for self defense (but who does that when you can pack your 1911 or Glock?) but if you did a lot of backwood hiking and survival stuff, perhaps that old Randall way was not so bad.

What do you all think of that?

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If I climbed now like I did when I was a young man I would do some extra tiedown. I was too overconfident (aka: stupid) back then. As is, I buy from the sheathmaker I do because of the fit being so good and secure.
 
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pitdog said:
Never really felt the need for any such measures !
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I've never lost one yet (knock on wood) after hunting all over Montana and MN for 25 years... but.... I always check and make sure! I'd be pretty unhappy to be without when I have to clean that huge buck!!

I think it helps that I am a bit anal about keeping my gear in top notch condition. If it had lose parts, I'd not take it for fear of losing it!

:eek:
 
I think alot of things came into play that caused it to happen-1. I was running with a 30 year old knife sheath and the rivet snapped... I've been using bolt knives for a long time now and have NEVER had that happen. 2.-the knife is handle heavy, specifically the bolt, otherwise I doubt it would have flopped out of the sheath. 3. I almost never mount the sheath on my hip, and if I hadn't I doubt the knife would have flopped out. In extenuating circumstances or an E/E situation though.... who knows. You need to be prepared for the worst I guess... Hitting the leather shop tomorrow to buy a new rivet for the damn thing.
 
Whiskey River said:
I've never lost one yet (knock on wood) after hunting all over Montana and MN for 25 years... but.... I always check and make sure! I'd be pretty unhappy to be without when I have to clean that huge buck!!

I think it helps that I am a bit anal about keeping my gear in top notch condition. If it had lose parts, I'd not take it for fear of losing it!

:eek:
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Yeah I know what ya mean buddy, I automatically feel for mine ( Knife:D )every so often just outta habit to make sure it's there....I'd still do the same even if it had secondary security !
 
When I used to go to the field I would use a carabiner to secure the lanyard on my Ek to a belt loop. The knife never came out of it's sheath but it always gave me peace of mind knowing that I was unlikely to lose it.

The downside to that is that if it had come out of the sheath and dangled from the 'biner I might well end up with a nice cut on the leg. :o
 
Good reason to carry a back up blade jic. I really havent had much issues with losing knives out of the sheath. However, when I get the blade I shake it, and really look at the sheaths retention. Most makers nowadays are very skilled with the sheaths, so its never been an issue.

A really good secondary retention method is to put a ranger band(section of bike inner tube) around the sheath, and put the lanyard loop through it. Holds it secure, and it is still easy enough to draw it one handed. I dont think tying your blade in the sheath is a good idea. I just imagine needing it quick and only having one hand to get at it. Like being snagged up with your pack, or in a climbing situation etc....

I might have some pics of the retention method im talking about...stand by.
 
Some sheaths just seem secure enough not to need further security, but I have used the 3-hole tie down like the Randall pictured--works well. (I have a Randall with such a sheath.) I have also punched a few holes in sheaths to use such a tie down or even just used a thong to tie the handle down for some extra security. Especially when canoeing or kayaking.

I've also used a knife's lanyard to loop under my belt to add a bit of security.

Overkill? ...I don't like the idea of losing my knife. :)
 
I always add on a simple strap and plastic buckle to my sheaths as I don't trust a single snap anymore. I had one un-snap and I didn't hear it when going under heavy brush when it was attached to my pack. Luckily I didn't lose the knife before I saw it but it was half way out of the sheath. Double retention is the way to go.
 
Puma has a nice sized hole on the handle. Push the loop thru it and back over the handle and it is as sure as anything.
 
my hunting and survival knife actually has 2 retention straps on it. One is velcro, and the other is a twist lock type of thing.

oh, and some of us would have to rely on their knife for defense, because for one reason or another, we can't carry handguns (for me, I'm not of age to get my pistol permit yet).
 
I've got an older Randall model 15 with that style sheath and did the same tie down. I stopped making sheaths with keeper straps for my knives because of the problem with retention. I do pouch style sheaths for all knives now, even knives with guards. I feel these are more secure and easier for knife removal.
Scott
 
As an old paratrooper, I like the option of extra retention. Dummy cords are an option, but can get tangled quickly and I don't like the thought of fixed blade with razors edge dangly around my legs (or between:eek:).

I've jumped with Kydex sheaths which were the only method of retention; however I did tape the handle to the belt strap for extra security. As a side note, once you're at your camp and using your knife regularly, I like the simplicity of sheathing and retracting the knife without extra retention getting in the way.

Regardless, Jake brings up a good issue as to the reason why you have a little redundancy. Losing your prized knife is heartbreaking; being in a potentially dangerous situation without a knife can be life-taking!

ROCK6
 
I dont have extra retention on any of my knives, but i do usually pack a smaller extra knife in my pack.

Before, when contemplating a buy, i used to only look at the knife, but now i pay just as much attention to the sheath it comes with, and if the sheath seems of poor quality or has bad retention, ill either make a new sheath for it or i wont buy it.
 
i like the kydex sheaths. It usually provides enough extra retention but if im looking for more, i usually 550 cord snap clips on so i can just unclip it when i need it and pull it out.
 
kydex sheaths work pretty good...

modern sheaths are cool two... i have two ESEE knives and their sheath system works good for me...
 
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