should I learn to use a clip (lanyard?)

[binny]

I rotate a Chris Reeve small Sebenza 21 and a Benchmade Barrage 586 and a Mini Barrage. I have removed the lanyard from the Chris Reeve and the clips from all three. I have never used a clip. I mostly wear cotton or wool slacks and mildly would rather not advertise I am carrying a knife. I also think the knife looks and feels better without the clip. But I am beginning to wonder if I should learn to use a clip and maybe even the lanyard. I have no idea how the lanyard might be used with slacks. I am right handed and often carry it weak side to fend them off while I struggle to get my handgun out from under my shirt so I can hold them off while I get to my shotgun. (My Sebenza is right handed) I tried the Benchmade with its clip, but found it hard to get it free, but I did not try very hard. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[EChoil]

Like you, I don't clip carry, but I do leave the clips on the knives, more for the added fingertip leverage when opening/closing than anything else. I've never run into a folder where I had to remove the clip due to discomfort.

If the only reason for wanting to start carrying clipped is for tactical reasons that is certainly up to you. I carry in slipcases a lot thus sacrificing the extra two second advantage it gives my assaulter. Keeps the knives healthy and secure though.

A lanyard doesn't have to be visible hanging outside a pocket. It doesn't have to be big, thick and showy either. It can be stuffed in with the knife---I put simple Reeve coils on a lot of mine. Main thing a lanyard does for me is make it much easier to locate, grasp and pull the knife from the pocket.

 

[RBid]

I rotate a Chris Reeve small Sebenza 21 and a Benchmade Barrage 586 and a Mini Barrage. I have removed the lanyard from the Chris Reeve and the clips from all three. I have never used a clip. I mostly wear cotton or wool slacks and mildly would rather not advertise I am carrying a knife. I also think the knife looks and feels better without the clip. But I am beginning to wonder if I should learn to use a clip and maybe even the lanyard. I have no idea how the lanyard might be used with slacks. I am right handed and often carry it weak side to fend them off while I struggle to get my handgun out from under my shirt so I can hold them off while I get to my shotgun. (My Sebenza is right handed) I tried the Benchmade with its clip, but found it hard to get it free, but I did not try very hard. Any advice would be appreciated.

You really need to get into classes. If you're pocket carrying a folder on your support side as a defensive tool, there is a massive disconnect in your approach.

Try this: Put Chapstick in your pocket. Have a friend 'assault' you. Pretend it's a folder. Try to get to it while defending yourself from strikes, a weapon, grappling, etc.

You won't get it out, much less be able to deploy a folder with your non-dominant hand while being attacked.

 

[powernoodle]

I prefer a clip for ease and speed of deployment. [Weak side, as there is always a gun in my strong side pocket]. In fact, those are the only reasons I can think to use a clip. I do have one nice lanyard that was given to me, and it does help with deployment as you can grab it to start the extraction process. But as a general rule I don't care for a dangly bit on most of my knives. I have removed them from my CRKs.

If you aren't into the ease and speed of deployment thing, there may be no reason to use a clip. The traditional knife guys have gotten by just fine for a few hundred years without using clips.