Sheath Angle? (I know....I posted it in the sheath section)

[i4Marc]

I posted this in the sheath sub forum but only got a couple of hits. I thought I'd post the question here because more makers of large knives see this section and may have their own experiences and opinions. The two responses in the sheath section seem to favor a dangler.


I'm working on finishing a bowie for a friend of mine. I don't want to ask him too many questions about what he prefers. One reason is I don't think he has experience wearing a bowie so he doesn't know what he wants. The other reason is that I told him I wouldn't give him any details about the knife. He will see it for the first time when I present the knife to him. At some point in the near future I will need to start designing the sheath. The recipient of the knife will be wearing it when he is in his car/truck so I don't want the sheath to be awkward or uncomfortable when seated (or put undue stress on the knife)in his vehicle. The OAL of the knife will be about 14"(8.5" blade/4.5" handle + guard and spacers). So........ for the folks who wear a bowie, what do you feel is the best position and angle to wear it?

Is a snug fit enough or is a retention strap a better idea?

Should the guard of the knife rest about at the top of the belt? Should the knife sit higher or lower for best comfort?

Should the sheath be in a rigid position or on a loop with a swivel? Or maybe multi-position belt slots? Or Multi-position snap set up? Belt stud?

Do you favor strong side carry or cross draw? Small of the back ?(would that be comfortable seated in a vehicle?)


There are many ways to do it. If you have photos of practical and comfortable belt carry bowie sheaths (no shoulder rigs yet) please post them with a reason why you like that type. Also if there are other variables I should consider or questions I should be asking let me know.


Thanks.

 

[Joe Watson]

There are many ways to do it.
Thanks.

You answered your own question there. This inquiry has a truly infinite answer.

My 2cents:

Straight (0) cant holster body with attachments that allow cant adjustment. This is big so they can adjust to their liking AND adjust for sitting. Not rigid for a knife this size

A proper friction fit with a positive click is enough for most people.

Anything but small of the back is fine- this is essentially the most cumbersome and dangerous location along the belt. I am not a fan whatsoever.

The sheath is what truly separates the hobbyists from the professionals, IMO. Spend a lot of time prototyping. Sheaths need to be collaborated on with the end users, not just winging it. If they aren't experienced then make what your gut tells you will work, and revisit the subject with them after they've lived with it for a while to see if modifications are needed. Many will end up having different sheaths for different applications.

 

[Overmountain]

Drop leg with a swivel for something like a BK-7.
I did this one for a customer which is multi-carry but I tried it out and liked the drop leg... the thumb strap has two snaps. Truly ambidextrous. He made the scales and had a lot of input. Was a partial copy of a smaller version I did for a camp knife. All in all, it rode well on a pack, belt, drop leg...

Or my personal answer to the BK-7, a 7.25" bladed 1075 steel chopper with olive micarta on white liners. This one has the belt strap right below the top on the back. Sits high, and can be covered with a shirt tail. Thought I had a better pic.... Cell phone shot, its actually a lighter tan inlay with dark brown surrounding.

This was as comfortable as I've ever carried a big knife. It depends in his size too. I'm 6'1" 225# and can conceal a full size 1911 fairly easily. For those with less mass, it just takes some creative thinking...

And Joe is dead on. A million answers to this situation. I am really liking the open spine kydex and leather over kydex offerings these days though. I am a hack when it comes to sheaths and desperately need more practice... I think they look ok but compared to some of the stuff I see on here.... man...

And yes, the sheath forum here doesn't get much traffic but the guys who post over there know their stuff. Personally I'm like a lot of other knifemakers... keep thinking I can train my wife to make my sheaths!!

 

[i4Marc]

Thanks guys. This is the kind of feedback I need. More opinions welcomed. I will consider all the information when I start drawing up designs and making protos. I'm thinking that if he carries a sidearm on his strong side (right side) cross draw might be better. I might have to get some more information from him.

If it matters, my friend is about 6'2" 200#. I tend to like simple designs but this isn't going to be for me. That's why I need to digest a lot of ideas, particularly from people with experience carrying or making sheaths for big knives.