sheaths and pocket clips for folders...?

F

faxanadu

Joined
Apr 13, 2002
Messages
28
what's the point of having sheaths and pocket clips for folders? it seems pointless and redundant to me. i thought that the whole point of a folding knife was to be convienently dropped into a pocket, out of the way and concealed. if your going to wear a knife on your belt, why not just use a fixed-blade and have the extra strength and simplicity?
also, i don't see the practicality of a pocket clip. they press uncomfortably into my hand and take up extra space, and the small/mid-size folders on which pocket clips are generally used can comfortably carried in a pocket.
i was just wondering if most people really use this stuff, and why.
 
If none of my knives had pocket clips I would have lost them all. I like my jeans with wide legs, and big deep pockets. Also pocket clips aid in finding your knife when you need it fast.
 
Faxanadu, there are folders on the market that are simply too big to drop in the bottom of your pocket along with your keys and loose change. That's why some manufacturers offer sheaths for belt carry. Try to lug around a SOG Tomcat or a Buck 110 in your pocket. Pocket clips allow you to clip your folder to the top of your pocket for quick and easy access without the need to dig into you pocket to retrive your folder. You can thank Sal Glesser of Spyderco for that one. ;)
Also, most modern folders have removable clips in the event you want to carry it in a sheath or in your pocket. I myself appreciate pocket clips and could not see myself carrying a mid to large size folder without one (unless it's in a sheath).:cool:
 
Do you want to lose a finger or something? I have carried many folders in my pocket loose while i was doing a test to see which would stay closed and which would open, during a regular day i had them all open in my except my Buck 110. The M16 opened, the M18 opened and the Vapor II opened. I dont want my knife to bite me when i go to get it so i use the clips/sheats.
 
In most cases, anyway. They are Tactical knives. Fast indexing and retrieval can be life and death. (in theory, at least. ) If it needs to be dropped in a pocket, it should be a slipjoint and possibly some lockbacks. LINERLOCKING FOLDERS ARE NOT MADE TO STAY CLOSED WHILE BOUNCING AROUND IN YOUR POCKET! They have a very good possibilty of hurting something important. :eek: There are enough problems with some while clipped. Also, you need to try a folder with the clip as part of the design. I think many companies just take a design after it is done and stick a clip on it. Many times it is not comfortable.
The sheath or clip is a personal lifestyle issue. As far as carrying a fixed blade on my belt, I would be harrassed/ arrested most anywhere I went in my state. And my wife won't let me! :rolleyes:


Edit: Forgot...Welcome to Bladeforums! Good question.

Disclaimer: I realize some liner type locks are made for pocket carry.
Kershaw DC, DD. Boker Copperliner. No clips.
 
I carry my AFCK in a front pocket holster. Even though it has a clip, in certain work environments, a clip hanging off my front pocket is not appropriate. The pocket holster gives me deep concealment and the knife is in the same place all the time. It also helps me not tear up my pants. Sure, the holster is slower. However, I can carry a good knife without anyone knowing. Makes perfect sense.

On my own time, the knife is clipped to the pocket. As a matter of fact, I don't even carry my AFCK when not at work. Now, my Cuda Maxx is my EDC carry. Clipped to my pocket.

Dave
 
As Rifter and the Magician mentioned, linerlocks can open if carried loose in your pocket unless they have a safety feature like on the Kershaw Scallion and Chive. Small slip joint folders and lockbacks like the Buck Squire or Gerber LST are safe enough for loose pocket carry hence they really don't need pocket clips or sheaths.

Carrying a modern tactical/utility folder via pocket clip or sheath is a personal choice. I know guys who don't like to carry anything in their pockets other than a few coins and their keys, so they prefer sheath carry. Others prefer pocket clips because they allow discreet carry in the pocket or waistband in areas where you don't want to advertise the fact that your carrying a folder.
 
Originally posted by one2gofst
Besides what has been already mentioned, some cannot legally carry a fixed blade.
Click to expand...

A definitive point for many. In the State of California carrying a fixed blade can be problematic unless you make an effort to be sure it is in plain site at all times.
 
A pocket clip keeps your folder within easier and quicker reach than deep in your pocket. In some jurisdictions, it's 'illegal' to carry a folder concealed, and having just the clip visible allows you to carry legally. Also, a folder clipped on or in a sheath tends to accumulate far less lint, change, and other crap that sits in the bottom of most peoples' pockets.
 
i have a buck 110, and it is a little hefty for a folding knife, but it's hardly a boat anchor. it's about the same size as a very small pocket pistol, and i don't think many people carry those in holsters.
also, i've never had any knife even come close to opening in my pocket. i could see this happening with some knives, but all the knives i use snap shut and require deliberate force to open. otherwise, i consider them hazardous and don't use them. and i've never had any trouble reaching into my pocket and pulling a knife out. i've wrestled, jumped out of trees, rolled on the ground and done all kinds of things with a knife in my pocket and never had any problem. i guess it just comes down to what kind of knive your using and the clothes your wearing. to each his own. but if a folder isn't suitable for pocket carry, what's the point of even using a folder at all? if it's going to be in a sheath, why not just go with the stronger, faster fixed blade? that still doesn't make any sense to me.
 
Faxanadu, if you're comfortable carrying a Buck 110 loose in the pocket of your jeans, that's fine, but it's not practical for many people who wear khakis or slacks to work everyday. Again, it's a matter of choice, but a fixed blade is not a practical option for all people, particularly those who live in large cities. Try carrying a fixed blade openly in Toronto or New York City and you'll see what I mean.
 
Originally posted by el cid
Try carrying a fixed blade openly in Toronto or New York City and you'll see what I mean.
Click to expand...
Some cop would probably pull up and harrass/arrest you
I personally live in a juristiction that demands my folding knives to be in plain sight... yeah right... wear a coat and it would make it illegal :rolleyes:
 
With a clip, you can carry in the pocket if you so choose. Without the clip, you do not have the option of carrying.....clipped. Ok, so that sounded a bit foolish but the clip gives you more carry options if so desired.

If you don't like clips, remove them or don't purchase clipped folders.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top